Victoria Angel’s public cord blood bank is important for four key reasons:
Our program is unique. Few people or organizations have the expertise and experience required to effectively manage a public cord blood program. This innovative program is one of only three public cord blood programs in Canada.
We can help all Canadians. Our stem cell units are available to all Canadians in need including physicians, patients and research scientists. Our public cord blood bank strives to be “the bank made for Canadians, by Canadians.”
We can help all ages.The most common use for cord blood stem cells is the treatment of blood cancers such as leukemia. Leukemia is common in young children between the ages of 2 and 8 and also in older adults over 65. According to the Lymphoma Society of Canada, the incidence of leukemia is increasing in young adults between the age of 18 and 35. In addition, our educational materials target young expectant parents and new grandparents in order to recruit new cord blood donors.
We can save lives. Umbilical cord blood stem cells provide a cure that is already tried, tested and true to treat 80 different diseases. Cord blood saves lives.