Canada launched the National Programme of cord blood donors at the end of September, which is managed by Canadian blood Services help. Under the program, CBS created for all Canadians fundraising campaign to help reach its $ 12.5 million goal needed to effectively manage the cord blood program.
As part of the campaign, the fundraising committees arise in major cities across the country. Families with a stem cell transplant experience take leadership roles on these committees, as Donna Gudbranson, who is co-chairman of the committee in Ottawa.
Donna joined with the Ottawa committee shortly after the cord blood donation program began at the Ottawa Hospital earlier this year.
"Having a national public cord blood bank in our own backyard, in this amazing community, is such a gift."
son of Donna Dennis was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia when he was six years old in 2004. After chemotherapy failed to provide effective long-term treatment, doctors recommended a stem cell transplant, which was made possible through a bone marrow donor Newfoundland.
Donna also learned cord blood stem cell transplants, and realized that people like Dennis could potentially benefit more cord blood than bone marrow. According to Donna, the mothers responded enthusiastically to the program of cord blood donors.
Donna's work with the committee submitted him more facts through OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network. The basic network says nearly 1,000 Canadians data need a stem cell donation unrelated, and cord blood samples are given one of the best options available to perform these necessary transplants.