We highlight how stem cells have saved lives over the festive season. A time when everybody is joyous and filled with merriment; some people face devastating news that could have life-threatening outcomes.
The motivational tales of these four stem cell success stories highlight individuals who have benefited from stem cell-based treatments.
Festive Season Miracle: Baby Finley’s Life Saved by World-First Placental Stem Cell Operation
In December 2022, a heart surgeon claims that after performing a “world-first” operation with placental stem cells, he “probably saved the life” of a baby.
Baby Finley’s was born with a severe heart defect and had open heart surgery which failed to correct the defect. However, his heart defect was repaired by Bristol Heart Institute Professor Massimo Caputo through cutting-edge stem cell infusions, a novel approach where stem cells from a placenta bank was used.
In the hope that the cells would aid in the growth of damaged blood arteries, Prof. Caputo injected the cells straight into Finley’s heart. Millions of the so-called “allogeneic” cells were put into Finley’s heart muscle after being raised by researchers at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
Baby Finley’s was discharged shortly after procedure and is now a happy growing boy. Professor Massimo’s goal is to advance technologies to reduce the number of operations required for children with congenital heart dysfunction.
To read more on this story: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-63946248
Ethnic Minority Hope: Kal’s Stem Cell Transplant Triumph Over Myelodysplastic Syndrome
People from ethnic minority backgrounds have a significantly lower chance of finding a match on stem cell registries. When Kal was informed that she had myelodysplastic-syndrome (MDS), and required a stem cell transplant, she was acutely aware of this. She had delayed in telling her family over Christmas but eventually told them after the festive season. Of her 4 siblings her brother was a match and she had a stem cell transplant. Kal is still healthy and is now raising awareness for stem cell donation in ethnic minority groups.
To read more on this story: https://bloodcancer.org.uk/support-for-you/living-well/stories/my-brothers-stem-cells-saved-my-life/
Aerospace Engineer’s Second Chance: Rob Hale’s Remarkable Journey with Stem Cell Therapy
Rob Hale, an aerospace engineer, was informed he only had a few weeks to live in December 2022. He was getting ready for his final Christmas after receiving a leukemia diagnosis. The 33-year-old, who is from Thornbury in South Gloucestershire, initially thought it was long-term COVID. He was able to extend his life by eighteen months thanks to stem cell therapy, and he is now advocating for other individuals to donate.
To read more on this story: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-64085579
Gift of Life Across Borders: Austin Mares’ Transatlantic Stem Cell Miracle
Austin Mares of Clarksville, Tennessee, was diagnosed at the age of two months with hemophagocytic lympho-histiocytosis (HLH), a rare immune system condition that usually affects young infants and toddlers. Thankfully, a few months after his diagnosis and following several rounds of chemotherapy, he was able to have a life-saving stem cell transplant in December 2020. Prior to Christmas 2020, Austin underwent a stem cell transplant, and one of his family’s Christmas wishes was to one day meet the donor who saved his life.
To read more on this story: https://www.blood.ca/en/stories/canadian-stem-cell-donor-saves-american-infants-life
These potent cells possess the rare capacity to self-renew and differentiate into a wide variety of cell types that are effective in treating a wide range of illnesses.
Because cord stem cells are only available at birth, they are essentially a one-time opportunity to obtain a life-long health investment.
Stem cells are not just for life - they're a Gift for Life.
The stories of Baby Finley, Kal, Rob Hale, and Austin Mares vividly demonstrate the transformative potential of stem cell therapy. By banking your baby’s umbilical cord blood and tissue stem cells with CryoSave, you secure a one-time opportunity for a lifelong health investment. As these potent cells possess the remarkable capacity to self-renew and treat various illnesses, including congenital heart defects, blood disorders, and more, it’s not just a precautionary measure – it’s a gift for life.
Join the journey of hope and healing, and take a proactive step towards safeguarding your family’s health with CryoSave.
