Inaugural event, World Cord Blood Day 2017, highlights non-controversial source of stem cells
Expectant parents and health professionals across the globe are invited to participate in the first ever World Cord Blood Day to be held on November 15th, 2017.
More than 35,000 cord blood transplants have been performed worldwide since 1988 to treat over 80 life-threatening diseases including sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia, lymphoma and leukemia. In the emerging field of regenerative medicine, cord blood holds great promise in treating autism, diabetes, hearing loss, stroke, brain injury and more. Yet, cord blood is still thrown away as medical waste in the majority of births worldwide. The purpose of World Cord Blood Day is to educate expectant parents and health professionals about the current applications for this non-controversial source of stem cells and to highlight the exciting research happening in this field of medicine.
"We are excited about this opportunity to expand cord blood education worldwide while providing a platform for discussion focused exclusively on this valuable medical resource," said Charis Ober, Executive Director of Save the Cord Foundation.
Organized by Save the Cord Foundation, World Cord Blood Day is officially sponsored by Quick Specialized Healthcare Logistics (www.quickhealthcare.aero), a recognized leader in medical shipping and logistics. Inspiring Partners for this inaugural event include the Cord Blood Association, Be the Match (NMDP), World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA – Netcord), AABB and FACT. As Inspiring Partners, these organizations will provide industry-specific and medical expertise.
"As the most experienced global transportation provider of cord blood for processing and transplant, we are proud to be a sponsor of World Cord Blood Day and are dedicated to supporting the life science community by providing innovative logistics solutions that help save and improve lives. Our 36 years of life science experience makes the difference when it comes to product security, integrity and chain of custody during the transportation process," said Dave Murphy, Executive VP of Quick’s Life Science Division.
In addition to free events to be held around the globe, World Cord Blood Day will host a free virtual conference (free, open to the public and health professionals) on November 15th. The program will include introductory presentations appropriate for the public as well as academic lectures specifically designed for health professionals, led by renowned researchers and transplant doctors. In parallel, social media (#WCBD17) will be used to build cord blood awareness and encourage participation in the day’s events.
Visit www.WorldCordBloodDay.org to learn how you can participate or host an event.
About Save the Cord Foundation
A 501c3 non-profit, Save the Cord Foundation’s vision is to make saving umbilical cord blood the standard of care in birthing hospitals across the U.S. and around the globe. Save the Cord Foundation provides non-biased information to expectant parents and the public about the options for saving umbilical cord blood by public donation, private banking and donation to research. A nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, Save the Cord Foundation was established to create and expand cord blood education and create awareness for the need to preserve and share this valuable, lifesaving medical resource.
For more information on Save the Cord Foundation, please visit www.SaveTheCordFoundation.org.
About Quick Specialized Healthcare Logistics
Quick is the trusted logistics leader serving the Healthcare and Life Science community for over 36 years. Quick safely transports human organs and tissue for transplant or research, blood, blood products, cord blood, bone marrow, medical devices and personalized medicine, 24/7/365. Quick’s specially trained experts work with hospitals, laboratories, blood banks and medical processing centers, and utilize the safest routes to ensure integrity, temperature control and chain of custody throughout the transportation process.
For more information about Quick Specialized Healthcare Logistics, please visit www.quickhealthcare.aero.