For 12 families from the Association "Heart for Children Suffering from Cancer", CryoSave allocated 53,820 KM

By January 2015, funds in the amount of 237,705 KM were allocated for 53 families from BiH who received free storage of stem cells from the umbilical cord. 12 of them are members of the Association Heart for Children Suffering from Cancer, reports the Patria News Agency.

The free family stem cell banking program from umbilical cord blood and tissue (CFFDP) in BiH has been enabled for the sixth year by CryoSave, the leading European and global family stem cell bank.

CryoSave is the only stem cell bank implementing this humanitarian program, which aims to help families in greatest need. It is designed to assist families expecting a new baby, if they have a close family member (mother, father, sibling of the baby) diagnosed with one of over 70 serious diseases that can be treated with stem cells.

Families can apply for the program if a family member is currently ill and undergoing standard therapy, or if a family member is in remission for up to 5 years.

Thanks to this program, which CryoSave implements in the countries where it operates, a four-year-old boy suffering from Blackfan-Diamond anemia in Spain successfully underwent a stem cell transplant using cells taken from his sister's umbilical cord.

For transplants to be successful, it is crucial that transplant clinics can rely on the quality of cryopreserved umbilical cord stem cells. Cryo-Save consistently proves it meets all requirements by storing stem cells according to the most modern standards.

-In addition to social responsibility, this program sends a clear message that stem cell therapies and treatments are a reality, and that stem cells stored in the Cryo-Save stem cell bank can be successfully used for therapies and treatments in accredited centers and hospitals worldwide, stated Azra Habibija, Executive Marketing and Media Manager for CryoSave in BiH.

The fight against cancer is extremely difficult and exhausting for both the child and the entire family. Uncertainty, changes in life habits, encounters with frightening hospital scenes, pain, fears, misunderstanding of the disease, and other accompanying phenomena represent a great challenge that requires significant psychological effort. Many parents seek all possible options for their children's recovery. When parents are introduced to the concept of stem cell banking, especially the free program offered by CryoSave, many of them decide to have another child, if they are not already expecting one.

For a family whose child is being treated or has completed treatment, the greatest fear is the possibility of the disease returning, and the knowledge that stem cells exist that can help in a complete recovery gives families strength and security. The Association Heart for Children Suffering from Cancer strives to help in the treatment of children, and the free stem cell banking program greatly aids in achieving this goal, emphasized Jasna Vatreš, Secretary of the Association.