Lea Kessler Shares Her Experience
We have once again decided to collect and store stem cells from our baby's umbilical cord at the time of birth.
We made the same choice with Helios five years ago, and we wish we had learned more about it sooner so we could have done the same for our other two children.
Stem cells from the umbilical cord: A natural insurance for the future
Umbilical cord stem cells serve as a vital resource for various medical applications, primarily in the treatment of numerous diseases and conditions, including leukemia. Extensive research is being conducted on stem cells across a wide range of fields, such as diabetes, autism, multiple sclerosis, dementia, blood and immune disorders, various cancers, metabolic diseases, and more.
Currently, stem cell transplants are an established treatment option for approximately 90 life-threatening diseases. This groundbreaking science is accompanied by a strong commitment to ongoing research and innovation.
“In our family, we view it as both insurance and an investment in our lives and the lives of our children, similar to the various other types of insurance we hold. It’s no different from the home, car, or travel insurance we pay for. While paying for these things isn’t necessarily enjoyable, if something goes wrong, it’s the best way to have spent your money. It’s a priority we think one should consider just as with any other life insurance. The key thing to remember about stem cell collection is that you only have this one opportunity.”
– Lea Kessler
Lea is passionate about sharing her knowledge on umbilical cord stem cells
Stem cell collection occurs from the umbilical cord at birth, and one of its significant advantages is that it requires no additional procedures for either the mother or the baby. The material collected would otherwise be discarded.
“I’ve decided to address this topic again because too many people do not know about this important option.”
As I mentioned earlier, we regret not having collected stem cells from all our children; unfortunately, we only became fully aware of this option during our third pregnancy. Stem cells can serve as a life-saving resource for the family, and what sets umbilical cord blood stem cells apart is their immaturity, which makes them more adaptable than, for instance, bone marrow stem cells. This adaptability reduces the likelihood of complications during transplants and makes matching with others easier. Thus, while these cells are a perfect match for the child from whom they are collected, there is also a high probability that they will match siblings and other family members.
We view stem cell storage as a unique opportunity. Regardless of where research leads us in the future, having these biological backups stored may provide us with health-promoting or disease treatment options down the line.
Lea’s mission is to raise awareness so that everyone is informed about this option
Like Cellaviva, I want everyone to be aware of this opportunity and to have the knowledge needed to make an informed decision. At Cellaviva, all the midwives are dedicated to honoring the birth process and the birthing experience. We felt this commitment deeply during Helios’ birth, and we are confident we will experience it again this time.
With Cellaviva, all you need to do is call them when labor begins and remember to bring the Cellaviva box to the hospital. The Cellaviva midwife will take care of everything else, allowing you to focus your energy on one of life’s most significant moments.
Want to learn more about stem cell collection?
Our dedicated team of midwives is ready to assist and answer any questions you may have about stem cells and stem cell collection. Reach out to us today, and we’ll take good care of you.