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Where do the stem cells come from? The umbilical cord is a rich source of stem cells and is a non-controversial way to use stem cells, similar to stem cells from bone marrow, which have been used for years in the United States.

What are the differences between embryonic stem cells and umbilical cord stem cells? Stem cells are the building blocks of our body. Embryonic stem cells are a life, the egg, the embryo. They are considered to be rouge cells as they are unsure and it is not predictable as to the outcome, they have been known to cause tumors in several tests.
The Umbilical Cord Stem Cell is from the umbilical cord it is a new pure cell. It is separated from the blood, so you have only pure new stem cell. There are no blood markers as this is not a blood product. These umbilical stem cells are nurtured and put into a body intraveneously or via lumbar puncture. These umbilical cord stem cells will travel to any damaged area and generate healthy cellular tissue, they repair the damaged area.

Because this is not a blood product and umbilical cord stem cells are pure it doesn't make any difference if these umbilical cord stem cells are from the same person or from a new born baby's umbilical cord from the other side of the world. What matters is that the body these umbilical cord blood stem cells is originally taken from has had tests to insure they are free of any disease or infection.

Why are stem cells important from a medical perspective? For decades, researchers have been studying the biology of stem cells to figure out how development works and to find new ways of treating health problems. Because stem cells can give rise to any tissue found in the body, they provide nearly limitless potential for medical applications. Current studies are researching how stem cells may be used to prevent or cure diseases and injuries such as Parkinson’s disease, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, spinal cord injury, Duchene’s muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer’s disease, strokes, burns, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, vision, and hearing loss. Stem cells could also be used someday to replace or repair tissue damaged by disease or injury.

What is the FDA’s position on Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells? The FDA has approved the use of these cells for over 80 conditions. Unfortunately approval for many illnesses and conditions has been slow to come which is why so many are opting to go outside for the treatment.

Are stem cell transplants from cord blood safe? Yes, in fact doctors have been using these types of stem cells for over 40 years. The National institute of Health (NIH) has stated that they have seen no cases of cancer or other health issues in relation to this type of transplant.

What are the side effects of Stem Cell Transfusions? The side effects are very minimal. Most common is a slight elevation in temperature lasting 12 to 24 hours. Some patients also experience mild to moderate headaches. Many recipients also experience some level of fatigue for a day or two.

Why the rush? Why not wait until it is available in the U.S.? The younger the child is while receiving the treatments the better the results seem to be. It is not known when the will have this treatment available, and even then it may not be open for people with ONH. Beau could also grow up using his vision instead of having to adjust the way he would if he were older.

How do we know they work? Since June 2006, there have been more than 40 children with ONH that have undergone stem cell treatments and every child has had positive results, along with other treated disabilities that have benefited.

How do they work? Everybody has stem cells in their body. Stem cells are what heals a cut on your hand. Once you body is injured your brain sends a signal for proteins to go to that area. These stem cells have a particular protein strand that has the ability to go to a specific area for vision. *(thank you to Hopeforhiltonfund.com for the helpful FAQ's on STEM CELLS!)