In a touching and proactive decision, 40-year-old Natalie Harrop from Newport has taken a significant step towards securing her son’s health by banking his umbilical cord stem cells, spurred by the poignant memory of a friend's battle with leukaemia. Harrop regards this process as a “back-up” for her family, granting her peace of mind in the face of unexpected health challenges.

The Stem Cell Banking Process

Describing the stem cell harvesting procedure with her newborn son Arthur as “really straightforward,” Harrop emphasizes its importance for her family. The stem cells will remain preserved in a bank for potential use until Arthur reaches the age of 25, at which point they will have the option to donate them to others in need.

The Importance of Umbilical Cord Stem Cells

According to Leukaemia & Myeloma Research UK (LMRUK), the stem cells derived from umbilical cords can be critical in treating various blood cancers and other life-threatening conditions. They are characterized as “effective biological health insurance,” delivering essential treatment options that could save lives.

“It feels like you've got a little back-up there, so if anything does come up, we have that on the side if we ever do need it,” shared Ms. Harrop, who is also a mother to three other children aged 8, 14, and 18. The noble act of banking stem cells is not solely about safeguarding her own child; it extends to anyone, such as close relatives or even strangers, who may be a suitable DNA match for Arthur.

Significance in Family Medical History

Reflecting on the family’s medical history, Harrop noted that certain eligibility criteria had to be met, including having a family member who has battled cancer. “Gary's dad had cancer in the past and recovered, so it was really important to him as well,” she explained, highlighting the personal significance of this decision. Tragically, her grandfather also succumbed to cancer during her childhood, further motivating her actions.

Navigating Challenges

Despite facing numerous hurdles, including navigating bureaucratic processes to secure necessary documentation, Harrop believes the challenges stem from a general lack of awareness among healthcare professionals about the benefits of stem cell banking. However, she reassured that the procedure itself was non-invasive and risk-free. “There’s nothing negative that can come from it. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out; if the stem cells get damaged, they get damaged, but at least you've tried,” she stated confidently.

A Personal Connection

In a poignant moment during the application process, Harrop was moved when she saw her grandfather’s name, Arthur, on his death certificate, leading the couple to name their newborn after him.

Baby Arthur's Birth

Arthur entered the world on October 31, 2023, at The Grange hospital in Cwmbran, Torfaen, following a challenging delivery, including an emergency caesarean. “No matter the type of birth experience you have, the collection of cells can still happen just the same,” she mentioned, underscoring the importance of this option for all parents.

The cells collected from the cord and placenta were carefully stored beside Harrop during her hospital stay before they were safely transferred to a stem cell bank. “They even sent me a letter and a little certificate as well,” she added warmly.

Raising Awareness

Since deciding to bank Arthur's stem cells, Harrop has delved deeper into the subject and expressed disbelief that so many potential life-saving stem cells go unused during childbirth. “It just baffles me there are all these stem cells going to waste,” she lamented.

The Role of LMRUK

LMRUK operates a cord blood banking service called the Model Cell Biobank, emphasizing the long-term benefits of taking stem cells from umbilical cords. This initiative offers critical health treatment options for children and family members facing serious illnesses, reinforcing the notion that a simple decision during birth could contribute to life-saving outcomes in the future.