Peel region comes together to learn about the lifesaving impact of stem cells

Community supporters and guests gathered at a special event on Feb. 27 to learn about Canadian Blood Services’ footprint in Peel Region, specifically the Canadian Blood Services’ Cord Blood Bank and the need for more stem cell donations.

Topics: Information

August 30, 2018

LTR: Shawn Dandiwal, Mehreen Javaid, Dr. Heidi Elmoazzen, Margaret Miedema, Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Sarbjit Kaur, Michael Sung

Dr. Heidi Elmoazzen, Director of Cord Blood Bank and Stem Cell Manufacturing for Canadian Blood Services, delivered an educational presentation to invited guests, showcasing the power of stem cells and the building of Canadian Blood Services’ Cord Blood Bank.

Cord blood contains valuable stem cells that can help treat up to 80 diseases and disorders such as lymphoma, leukemia, or other blood cancers. At any given moment, 1,200 Canadians are waiting for a stem cell match.

Dr. Heidi Elmoazzen, Director of Cord Blood Bank and Stem Cell Manufacturing for Canadian Blood Services.

“Only one in four people who need a stem cell transplant will find a match within their family,” said Dr. Elmoazzen. “It is harder to find matches in ethnically-diverse populations, like in Peel region. This is why public donations are so important. New moms donating their babies' cord blood, and young adult males of diverse ethnic backgrounds registering to be stem cell donors, will provide more opportunities to find these matches."

“Cord blood saves lives,” said Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, who was amongst those in attendance. “We are fortunate to have a public cord blood collection site right here in Peel Region.”