Giving The Gift Of Life, Twice
Wednesday - May 04, 2011 Share
By Dr. Randy Wada, Medical Director
Hawaii Cord Blood Bank
Your Hawaii Cord Blood Bank (HCBB) provides a unique opportunity for new mothers to give the gift of life a second time after the birth of their baby. The leftover blood in a baby’s umbilical cord contains special cells that can be purified and stored. These stored cells can be matched to a patient and used to treat life-threatening illnesses such as leukemia, lymphoma, immune deficiencies and certain genetic diseases. Every day more than 6,000 of these patients search for just the right match that will give them the chance to receive a transplant.
Founded in July of 1998 as a nonprofit organization, HCBB has helped Hawaii mothers and babies save lives all over the world. To date, 77 Hawaii units have been used for life-saving transplants in the U.S. Mainland, Europe and South America.
It’s free, it’s safe, it’s confidential and it does save lives. Donated cord blood cells are collected by the doctor or nurse after the birth of the baby. If not collected, these same life-saving cells would simply be discarded!
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Mothers can participate at any Oahu hospital as part of their delivery process. As the state’s only public cord blood bank, HCBB serves as a national model because of the unique ethnic diversity of our generous donors.
HCBB would be happy to talk with any group about our work and the simple process of donating cord blood to save a life. HCBB gratefully accepts financial support. And if you are expecting, please sign up with HCBB to donate your baby’s umbilical cord blood. You and your newborn could save a life!
Contact HCBB at 983-2265, or visit hcbb.org for more information.
Hawaii charitable organizations may send requests for space in either Proof Positive or the free advertisement below to dchapman@midweek.com.
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