Umbilical cord stem cells are currently used to fight more than 80 health issues, including leukemia, autoimmune diseases, lupus and inheritable diseases such as sickle-cell anemia. Researchers are also studying stem cells as a treatment for cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, Type 1 diabetes, stroke, heart disease and Parkinson's.

Because of this, many parents view collection and banking as a one-time opportunity to harvest cells that may be needed for future use. You may choose this option due to a family history of disease, if you have a loved one with a treatable condition or if you'd like to donate cells.

If you choose to save your baby's cord blood, we want to make it easy for you. That's why we've partnered with StemCyte, the leader in cord blood collection and banking.

StemCyte offers three banking options:

• Public cord blood banking
  You can choose to donate your baby's cord blood to others in need and to further cord blood research. Public banking is a unique option offered only at Sharp Mary Birch through StemCyte. Just notify your nurse upon admission that you would like to donate your baby's cord blood. There is no charge for public banking.
• Related-donor cord blood donation
  Through this program, your baby's umbilical cord blood can be collected and used to treat a biological sibling or parent with a diagnosed disease. Some families may be eligible to receive this service free of charge through a program developed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Contact StemCyte to find out if your family qualifies for this program.
• Traditional or private cord blood banking
  You can collect and store your baby's cord blood for potential future use. Since cord blood can be stored indefinitely, private cord blood banking offers a safeguard against diseases treatable today, as well as potential treatment possibilities in the future. Collection fees and annual banking fees may be financed, and discounts are available.

For more information, visit StemCyte or call 1-866-389-4659.

StemCyte's cord blood collection and banking services are offered at the following Sharp hospitals:

• Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center (private banking only)
• Sharp Grossmont Hospital (private banking only)
• Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns (public and private banking available)

Collecting your baby's cord blood at Sharp and banking at StemCyte is easy. Simply visit StemCyte or call 1-866-389-4659 prior to your due date to enroll and receive your collection kit.