Cord Blood Banking

mclorn

Hi Ladies!
My father has leukemia and we are searching for a stem cell match.  I am 33 weeks pregnant with twins and would love to have their cord blood checked (I know it's a long shot, but I want to explore every option).  I am running into some hiccups:  Most banks won't accept TWINS as donors (why I have no idea...).  Also, the hospital I am delivering at only does PRIVATE banking, not PUBLIC, with the exception of collecting for an immediate family member.  Unfortuantely, a grandparent is a second degree relative so I do not qualify.
Before I give up my exhausting search, I thought I would do one final reach out to you lovely ladies!  Any insights on twin banking for use of a family member?!
Also, while I am at it, it would mean the world to me if you spread the word and get on the bone marrow registry... you could be the key to saving someone's life!    deletebloodcancer.org

meggyme

Maybe talk to your father's oncologist.

mclorn

Thanks, I definitely have. 

huskypuppy14

Why not do private and then it's yours to do what you wish, whether that's keep for your baby or give it to your dad. I know the costs could be prohibitive, but if it doesn't match your dad, you can always discard it.

The other issue is that cord blood might not be enough for an adult transplant. Though if you are having identical twins and they are a match, that's double the amount, so it could help. Is it possible a twin birth is more complicated for cord blood collection?

mclorn

@huskypuppy14thanks for your thoughts!  You're right; from what I've learned cord blood isn't enough for an adult transplant.   And for some reason, I can't find a private bank that will allow the cord blood to be used for someone else.  I think it's odd, like you said, can't we do what we want with it?  Oh well, I think I have reached the end of the road but at least I know I have given this effort 110%.  I'll definitely post an update if I get more information (such as why a twin collection is not a public option - the only explanation I have found is that each umbilical cord has different tissue types and it’s possible the two cord blood units could be mixed up during collection).

mclorn

*and by someone else, I mean outside the immediate family.

whataboutscience

No help, but best of luck. DH and I are on the registry since a close friend is a leukemia survivor. I believe they some how harvested stem cells from his own bone marrow if I'm remembering/understanding correctly. He was not able to find a donor so the doctor found a way he could be his own. Not sure how exactly that works or who it is a good option for.

mclorn

@whataboutscienceThank you!  Autologous transplants are a great option.  Unfortunately my dad is 70 years old and I think his own cells are just too old at this point to go that route.... we shall see!

mmariahmm

Been running into a similar issue, I stumbled upon cord blood banking and really wanted to donate to a public bank because why not possibly help someone, but it has been exhausting! We are in Virginia and military and I'm having a hell of a time trying to find a donation bank that will pick up the donation. It also takes multiple phone calls / emails before even getting a response! So frustrating.