What are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are the building blocks of our blood and immune systems. They are particularly powerful because they have the ability to replace or repair damaged cells throughout the body. For example, research shows that in certain cases, stem cells can stimulate healthy new growth in the heart, kidney, and other organs that may be affected by disease or damage.
Today, stem cells from cord blood can:
- cure red blood cell diseases (e.g., Fanconi anemia)
- cure white blood cell diseases (e.g., SCID)
- treat cancers (e.g., leukemia and neuroblastoma)
- repair tissue (e.g., heart tissue)*
For a complete list of diseases that cord blood stem cells currently treat, click here.