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CNN report: stem cells provide hope for damaged hearts
Thursday, August 27th, 2009
CNN is reporting promising results from studies that use adult stem cells to treat heart disease and damage. Early results from the largest stem cell study for heart disease in the U.S. indicate that adult stem cells, when injected directly into the heart muscle, have been capable of growing new blood vessels.
The cardiologist Dr. Douglas Losordo, who leads the clinical trial injecting adult stem cells directly into heart muscle, believes that if the trial continues to perform as well as expected, it’s possible that new treatment could be widely available in a little over four years for end-stage cardiac patients who have tried all other available therapies. It is estimated that there may be between 300,000 – 900,000 end-stage cardiac patients who may be helped.
In the CNN article, Dr. Jeffrey Karp, who runs a stem cell biology lab at Harvard University, cites that the major focus of stem cell research in cardiology has been in promoting regeneration-using stem cells to help the body repair and regrow damaged cells and tissues.
Categories: Emerging Treatments
Reason #14,834 to be on Facebook: Baby Shower Planning
Monday, August 24th, 2009
If you’re on Facebook already, you know that it’s an easy way to connect with family and friends quickly, easily and with a bit of fun. Now, ViaCord helps you leverage the power of Facebook to celebrate the impending birth of a new baby by introducing a Facebook application, the ViaCord Baby Shower Planner.
Whether you are planning a baby shower or simply attending, the ViaCord Baby Shower Planner makes it easy to be part of the big event-from advanced planning to post-celebration. Connect with guests to share shower details, manage RSVPs, and post priceless photos and videos. Because the ViaCord Baby Shower Planner is built on the hugely popular Facebook platform, it’s simple to communicate, organize, connect and share-and get everyone involved in the process!
Categories: Did You Hear?
Lillian’s Story: Cerebral Palsy treated with Cord Blood
Thursday, August 13th, 2009
Surprises. They come in all shapes in sizes. Some are welcome with open arms, and others, well, not so much. Today’s blog post is about one family’s remarkable journey – one filled with surprises – and their perseverance in handling whatever came their way.
For Kahla and Brandon, it all started when Kahla was six months pregnant. She was driving when out of nowhere, an 18-wheeler plowed into her car and broke her pelvis, sacrum and the bones in her thigh and leg. Miraculously, Mom and baby survived the crash.
Categories: Emerging Treatments, Family Matters, Stories of Hope
Welcome to the ViaCord Blog
Tuesday, August 4th, 2009
Welcome to the ViaCord Blog where you’ll find an insider’s look at the cord blood industry and the future of stem cell research.
Did you know that clinical trials are taking place right now that are helping to advance the potential uses for cord blood in treating illness, disease and trauma? Or that ViaCord is collaborating with leading medical institutions to help advance medical uses of cord blood? There is so much to share about cord blood – medical advances, healthcare trends and inspiring family stories. We launched our blog as a way to share this news with you.
You will hear from the leaders at ViaCord, such as Morey Kraus , Chief Scientific Officer for our Research Institute, and Kate Falcon, Clinical Manager for ViaCord who coordinates cord blood units that leave ViaCord for transplantation, and Karen Foster, Vice-President of ViaCord’s Processing Laboratory. They will provide honest perspectives and candid insights.
Categories: Inside ViaCord