November 2009 - Posts

• Using Stem Cells to Treat Cerebral Palsy

  Today I received a reader request. A parent wrote to me requesting information about Cerebral Palsy and the breakthroughs involving cord blood. After reading the extremely touching story about her son and his struggles with CP, I felt compelled to address the issue.  According to the center for disease control and prevention, approx 10,000 babies per year in the US will develop cerebral palsy (CP). Cerebral Palsy is a very debilitating disease that affects the brains ability to control the body.  CP has many symptoms; weak muscles, inability to walk, uncontrollable movement and jerking among many others. Victims of CP are often confined to a wheel chair, or form of walking assistance. Until recently there was NO cure for CP, only treatments to improve the condition.  HUGE BREAKTHROUGH: In 2008 scientist at Duke University made an astonishing discovery. They began using the stem cells found inside a babies umbilical cord blood to treat CP. In an experimental procedure they infused CP patients with stem cells in hopes of repairing the brain damage.  Patients had incredible results and started showing signs of improvement just days after the procedure. To learn about how cord blood helped CP patient, three year old Chole Levine visit: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,573265,00.html Everyday scientist are learning more and more about the life saving value of stem cells. The number of medical conditions treatable/curable with stem cells is increasing rapidly! The future of medicine is HERE: CORD BLOOD, is and will continue to save lives. Cord blood banking is an investment worth making! You never know what could happen, but saving the cord can give you a priceless gift,  peace of mind! Together We Can Help Save Lives, Natalie Curry Posted Nov 18 2009, 10:24 PM by nataliecurry2 with 2 comment(s) Filed under: Stem cells, cord blood banking, new parent, stem cell transplant, cerebral palsy

• H1N1 and ME

  We all want to remain heathy and durning the flu season it is especially important that we take extra steps to insure our health. Because of my consistent health issues, I have received the flu vaccine every year of my life. When I was little it was a family experience that was sure to be accompanied by my sister Audrey's tantrums, that inevitably ended with dad holding her down. While on the opposite side of the spectrum,my sister Emily and I argued about which one of us was going to go first   As a transplant patient doctors have always advised me to receive the regular yearly flu vaccine. However this year has had a different outcome. Upon a routine visit with my nephrologist I was surprised to learn that they DID NOT advise transplant recipients to receive the H1N1 vaccination. I couldn't believe their was actually a vaccine they didn't want to give me! Usually I am trying to convince them that I don't need whatever it is they are insisting that I get.    The doctor recommended that I receive the regular flu vaccine and suggested that anyone in my household receive one as well. As for the H1N1 it's not meant for me, but I'm sure it would be beneficial for others to receive it! Posted Nov 05 2009, 12:06 AM by nataliecurry2 with 1 comment(s) Filed under: Stem cells, Cord Blood, cord blood banking, pregnancy, new parent, transplant, H1N1