Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Newborn Possibilities Program?
The Newborn Possibilities Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative launched by Cord Blood Registry in collaboration with a select group of leading U.S. medical institutions. The goal of this program is to ensure that children born at-risk for neurological damage and disability — conditions like cerebral palsy — are given every opportunity to participate in new medical research using their own newborn stem cells. CBR collects the cord blood of the infants in this program at no charge.
What is the Newborn Possibilities Fund?
The Newborn Possibilities Fund was created to provide financial assistance to families who have difficulty participating in a cord blood stem cell research study for their child because of significant expenses, like travel costs or lost days at work. One of the first trials being supported by the fund is a clinical trial studying the use of cord blood stem cells to treat cerebral palsy.
Why are Cord Blood Stem Cells Being Studied to Treat Cerebral Palsy?
A growing body of published data suggests that a child's own cord blood stem cells may play an important role in helping the body repair damage to nerve and brain tissue. Research has shown that cord blood stem cells have the ability to migrate to the site of injury in the brain and, in certain cases, have been shown to prevent neurological deterioration and even cause cognitive improvement.
Even more exciting, the first FDA-approved human clinical trial evaluating the use of a child's own cord blood stem cells in the treatment of cerebral palsy is underway at the Medical College of Georgia. Cord Blood Registry is the only cord blood bank to participate in this trial to ensure consistency and quality of the stem cells used.
How prevalent is brain injury in children?
A recent report by the March of Dimes estimates that 1 out of every 10 pregnancies in the U.S. results in a premature birth. Infants who survive premature birth face a higher risk of developing neurological complications such as cerebral palsy.
In addition, nearly 1.4 million individuals suffer a traumatic brain injury each year. One of the highest risk groups are infants ages 0-4. To date, there has been no cure for treating brain injuries.
How can you help?
Click here to donate to the Newborn Possibilities Fund. We invite you to support this worthy cause — and ask your friends and family to participate as well.