STORY SUMMARY
July marks Cord Blood Awareness Month, highlighting the lifesaving potential of cord blood left in the umbilical cord after birth. Cord blood contains stem cells vital for treating over 80 diseases and disorders, particularly in children under 12. Despite its life-saving capabilities, many are unaware that cord blood donation is possible in Ottawa. CTV’s Caitlyn Wilson reports on the story of Chanel Depo and her husband, who chose to donate their newborn Isa’s cord blood, a process coordinated easily through the Canadian Blood Services. The Ottawa Hospital, one of four donation sites in Canada, helps add these valuable stem cells to the national registry, ensuring patients in need have access. Health Canada emphasizes the importance of such donations, noting that less than 1% of people who bank cord blood privately actually use it.
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In an effort to raise awareness about the life-saving potential of cord blood, July has now been designated as Cord Blood Awareness Month. Cord blood, the remaining blood in the umbilical cord after birth, contains stem cells that have proven effective in treating more than 80 diseases and disorders in children, particularly those under the age of 12. Despite its critical medical value, many Canadians remain unaware that they can contribute to this cause locally. Caitlyn Wilson of CTV News highlights how Ottawa residents can donate their newborn’s cord blood to potentially save lives.
Chanel Depo and her husband are among the growing number of parents choosing to donate their newborns’ cord blood. Reflecting on her decision, Depo expressed a sense of fulfillment, knowing that her infant daughter Isa made a significant contribution as early as her first day of life. The Depo family opted to donate the leftover cord blood and placenta after Isa’s birth, understanding that these immature stem cells can be pivotal in treating cancer, blood diseases, and immune system disorders. There are currently over a thousand patients across Canada waiting for stem cell transplants, emphasizing the need for such donations.
The Ottawa Hospital is one of only four designated donation sites across Canada. While some parents choose to store their child‘s cord blood privately, less than 1% actually use it for personal medical needs according to Health Canada. Public donations, on the other hand, ensure that these invaluable stem cells are added to the national registry, making them accessible to patients in need both in Canada and globally. Depo described the donation process as straightforward, having registered online and completed the collection seamlessly through Canadian Blood Services after delivery. Her decision underscores the profound impact a small gesture can have in the medical community.
