Preserve Our Legacy

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are the cells that have an ability to become various types of cells. They are present both during embryonic development (embryonic stem cells) and in the adult body (adult stem cells).

What is the difference between Adult and Embryonic stem cells?

An adult stem cell is thought to be an undifferentiated cell, found among differentiated cells in a tissue or organ that can renew itself and can differentiate to yield some or all of the major specialized cell types of the tissue or organ. The primary roles of adult stem cells in a living organism are to maintain and repair the tissue in which they are found.

Embryonic Stem Cells are derived from embryos. Most embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos that develop from eggs that have been fertilized in vitro—in an in vitro fertilization clinic—and then donated for research purposes with informed consent of the donors. They are not derived from eggs fertilized in a woman's body.

What is stem cell research?

Stem cell research is a relatively new technology that takes primitive human cells and develops them into most any of the 220 varieties of cells in the human body, including blood cells and brain cells. Some scientists and researchers have great hope for stem cell research and its ability to uncover treatments and possibly even cures for some of the worst diseases including heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

"Stem" cells can be contrasted with "differentiated" cells. They offer much hope for medical advancement because of their ability to grow into almost any kind of cell. For instance, neural cells in the brain and spinal cord that have been damaged can be replaced by stem cells. In the treatment of cancer, cells destroyed by radiation or chemotherapy can be replaced with new healthy stem cells that adapt to the affected area, whether it be part of the brain, heart, liver, lungs, or wherever. Dead cells of almost any kind, no matter the type of injury or disease, can be replaced with new healthy cells thanks to the amazing flexibility of stem cells.

What is bone marrow?

Bone marrow is a special, spongy, fatty tissue that houses stem cells, located inside a few large bones. These stem cells transform themselves into white and red blood cells and platelets, essential for immunity and circulation.

How to become a bone marrow donor?

If you are interested in registering as a bone marrow donor, log on to: www.marrow.org, www.dkmsamericas.org

What is a bone marrow transplant?

A bone marrow transplant is when special cells (called stem cells) that are normally found in the bone marrow are taken out, filtered, and given back either to the same person or to another person.

Can you obtain bone marrow from a family member?

Yes, you can but it is a 25% chance that bone marrow will match.

What is umbilical cord donation?

At the start of the third trimester, contact the Preserve Our Legacy and inform them you would like to have your cord blood collected, and they will provide you with instructions about the process. Between the 28^th and 35^th week of pregnancy, ensure that your Collection Form has been completed and submitted. The cord blood will be collected directly after your baby is delivered. It will only be collected once both mother and baby are healthy post-delivery.

What are health disparities?

Health disparities are the persistent gaps between the health status of minorities and non-minorities in the United States. Despite continued advances in health care and technology, racial and ethnic minorities continue to have higher rates of disease, disability and premature death than non-minorities. African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, have higher rates of infant mortality, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, HIV infection/AIDS, cancer and lower rates of immunizations and cancer screening.

What is The Jaden Hilton Initiative?

Our goal for Jaden’s Law is to mandate hospitals and doctors to educate patients via the hospital consent form about donation options. This form can be provided when a patient registers at the hospital. This consent form will provide an increase of donation and increase the chance of a life-saving tissue match.

What are some of the treatment options that stem cells provides?

Stem cells through umbilical cord donation has provides treatment and sometime eliminates sickle cell anemia in patients. Bone marrow donations provide treatment for individuals that suffer from leukemia, diabetes, heart diseases, and 76 other diseases.

How can participate in a study?

Scientists are testing the abilities of adult stem cells to treat certain diseases. You can search for clinical trials using stem cells (or other methods) to treat a specific disease at ClinicalTrials.gov.

What are the present percentages of minority donors?

Hispanic or Latino, 9% of the total population. African-Americans or Black, 8% of the total population, Asian, 7% of the total population, Multiple Race, 3% of the total population, Native American or Alaskan Native, 1% of total population, while Caucasian donors represent more than 80% of the total population.

How can I become a donor?

If you interested in becoming an umbilical cord blood donor please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Where can I find a donor drive in my area?

If you are interested in participating at a local drive log on to: www.blackbonemarrow.com

www.marrow.org

www.dkmsamericas.org

How can I volunteer for Preserve Our Legacy, Inc.?

If you are interested in volunteering with Preserve Our Legacy, Inc., please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

How can I donate to Preserve Our Legacy, Inc.

You can donate from our website. Click the home page and look for the donate tab.