The cord blood stem cells are very important because they can be used to treat many diseases. Leukaemia, for example, is hard to cure and there is only one treatment option available when it has come to the final stage and that is through transplant. Additionally, the stem cells should match with the receiver otherwise the body will reject them and therefore the treatment would become useless. It is rather hard to find a matching donor, though. You must find a donor that comes from the same race, or at least a mix of it. For instance the stem cells from an African American donor might be suitable for a pure American receiver.
Perhaps it is too late to keep your own cord blood stem cells in the cord blood bank. However, if you are pregnant or planning to conceive you should consider storing the stem cells in the appropriate cord blood bank. If it happens that you or your child is diagnosed with leukaemia you’ll know that you already have the right specimen that can save your life.
Many lives can actually be saved with the presence of stem cells. You will never know when you will need them. Since they are so important everyone should realize that storing their cord blood is vital. Even when they are perfectly healthy at the current moment, nobody can ever predict what would happen in the future. At least you are getting ready in advance and you can protect your loved ones from suffering and even death.