Top 5 Powerful Ways to Champion Stem Cell Research
Stem cells are amazing because they can transform into other types of cells in the body. For instance, they can become red or white blood cells, liver cells, muscle cells, skin cells, tissue cells, or nerve cells. The best sources of stem cells are umbilical cord blood, but you can also find them in bone marrow, fat, and blood.
Join a Donor Register
Donor registers match people who are willing to donate stem cells with those who need them for life-saving transplants, like those fighting leukemia or blood cancer. There are two ways to donate stem cells: peripheral blood stem cell collection and bone marrow donation. The first method involves getting a few injections over a few days to boost stem cell production, followed by a blood draw. This doesn’t require general anesthesia. The second method, bone marrow donation, involves using a needle and syringe to collect stem cells from the pelvic bone, which does require anesthesia and a short hospital stay.
Donate Your Umbilical Cord
If you’re pregnant, you can choose to have your baby’s stem cells collected. This can help protect your child’s future health and that of close relatives since the cells can be stored for a long time. You can also donate these cells to someone in need. The collection process is quick and easy, but you need to be signed up with a register before giving birth because the cells can’t be collected afterward.
Donate Money
You can help by donating money to charities like Anthony Nolan, a UK-based blood cancer charity and bone marrow register, or to research organizations like the UK Stem Cell Foundation. These funds support stem cell research and storage, both of which are crucial for advancing treatments and improving lives. Donations can be one-time or regular contributions.
Leave a Gift in Your Will
Thinking about the future? Consider leaving a gift in your will to a stem cell charity. This can help advance research and save lives of those suffering from diseases like leukemia, certain types of cancer, blood disorders, immune system diseases, and bone marrow syndromes.
Volunteer
Volunteers are crucial for stem cell charities. They help with fundraising, raising awareness, recruiting new donors, and even transporting stem cells between research centers and hospitals. A stem cell transplant can be a person’s last hope for survival, so volunteering can make a real difference.
