Cord Blood

A few months ago, I was watching TLC and saw a special about a family who had a child who needed a cord blood transplant. After looking into it more, I found out that over 80 diseases can potentially be cured with cord blood because it is the most pure form of blood that exists. A lot of people now days don't even KNOW about collecting cord blood and of those who DO know about it... many people keep it for future use for their own families. Now, I'm not at all knocking those who choose this route for their blood, so don't get me wrong. I just wanted to blog about our experience with cord blood to make other people aware that you CAN do something with your blood other than throw it away! Plus, when Brooks is old enough to read and appreciate all the blogging, I want him to know that on the day he was born, he saved a life.

We donated our cord blood to MD Anderson. By doing so, they have two routes that your blood can go. 1. If approved for transplant AND if there are any matches, your blood will be given to an actual patient who is in need of new blood. OR 2. If no patient match is found or if your blood is not transplantable (because of diseases, medical history, or poor health or family history) then they will use it for research (with your approval). MD Anderson called on Friday to let us know that they had tested our blood and it WAS transplantable and they already had some potential patients who could use our blood.

It is such a blessing to be able to give the hope of a new life to someone in need. I am so proud of Brooks because the very first thing that he did outside of my baby bump was give something away that will touch someone else's life forever. How rewarding! We continue to give God the glory for letting me stumble upon that TV show and allowing us to be the match to save a life.