A Precious Gift: Investing in Stem Cell Storage for Your Child’s Future Health, which is Something Mothers Should Not Overlook

A Precious Gift: Investing in Stem Cell Storage for Your Child’s Future Health, which is Something Mothers Should Not Overlook

No matter what the era, a mother’s love for her child never changes. However, love can be expressed in many ways through words, actions, care and attention, nurturing, education, or even giving gifts. There is no doubt that every mother has given her child a gift at some point. Today, one precious gift many mothers are beginning to consider can be given even before a baby opens their eyes to the world or immediately after birth: stem cell storage.

In fact, stem cell storage can be done at any age, not only at birth. Currently, stem cells can be collected from three main sources.

Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs): These are obtained from umbilical cord blood collected from the placenta through a cord blood collection process. Today, advanced methods such as automatic cord blood extraction are also available.

HSCHSC2MSC

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): These can be collected through placenta preservation or from umbilical cord tissue, which is rich in high-potential stem cells. The collection process is painless and is commonly known as the Umbilical Cord Tissue Collection Process or Wharton’s Jelly Collection Procedure. Currently, only a limited number of stem cell banks can collect high-quality stem cells of this type.

Adipose

Stem Cells from Adipose Tissue (Fat): In advanced laboratories such as MEDEZE GROUP, stem cells can also be collected from adipose (fat) tissue, which contains a high concentration of stem cells. This method causes minimal injury and allows individuals to store their own stem cells.

The collection procedure typically involves a very small incision of approximately 3 millimeters, does not require general anesthesia, and does not require hospitalization. Other processes are carried out in accordance with strict medical standards, as described above.

“Life is uncertain. People of all ages can experience health problems at any time.”

Stem Cell

No matter the age, everyone is at risk of health issues. For children, cancer is the second leading cause of death among patients under the age of 15. In Thailand, approximately 900 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. The five most common types include:

Acute leukemia

Lymphoma

Central nervous system tumors (brain tumors)

Neuroblastoma (adrenal gland and sympathetic nervous system cancer)

Germ cell tumors

The most common type is acute leukemia, Acute Leukemia accounting for approximately 50% of all pediatric cancer cases. Common symptoms include fever, paleness (anemia), and unexplained bruising or bleeding.

Treatment Options

Chemotherapy

Bone marrow transplantation is used, especially in cases where patients do not respond to treatment or experience relapse. Traditionally, this requires a compatible donor. However, today it is no longer necessary to wait for a perfectly matched donor, as stem cell technology can serve as an alternative treatment option.

For the benefit of our future selves and our children, stem cell storage represents a highly valuable investment in health. It is simple to do and offers one of the best opportunities to begin long-term health planning, providing reassurance and preparedness in a world full of uncertainty

From an Adult’s Perspective: Thoughtful Decisions for a Child’s Future. We must use our maturity and judgment to analyze and decide on their behalf carefully. Let us take a moment to listen to the perspective of a mother who chose to store stem cells for her child.

Danita

Ms. Danita Phithaknetikun Danita Phithaknetikun

(Moddaeng’s mother) Moddaeng’s mother

Ms. Danita shared her thoughts: “I believe every mother loves her child deeply and wants to protect them as much as possible, at every stage of their life. No matter how old our children grow, they will always feel like little ones to us, and it’s hard not to worry about them. Because we never know how long our lives will last, we may not be able to stay and care for them in the long term.”

She added that MEDEZE GROUP offers a stem cell storage program that can preserve stem cells for up to 60 years, which gave her peace of mind. “I believe that even when I am no longer here, this will still be able to take care of my child’s health.”

Ms. Danita also explained: “There are many things we can give our children, whether education, gifts, or opportunities. But I believe that stem cells are a particular gift that is truly special. It is something that will stay with my child on the day I am no longer here and can take care of them in a way that gives me the greatest peace of mind.”

Love and care can be expressed in many ways. Storing stem cells for one’s child is another form of security. When the day comes that the child has the opportunity to use them, they will feel the love and concern that was thoughtfully planned for them.

Storing stem cells for a child lays a long-term health foundation after we are no longer there to care for them.

From Moddaeng’s Perspective, A Stem Cell Banking from adipose tissue Client Since Secondary School

Phichayapha

Miss Phichayapha Phithaknetikun

Phichayapha Phithaknetikun

Stem cells from Adipose banking client

Stem cells from Adipose banking client

Interview with Moddaeng

How did you come to know about stem cells at such a young age?

“At first, I wasn’t interested. But when I started learning about stem cells, how they work, and how they are used. I realized that when the body becomes ill or deteriorates, stem cells can be injected to help restore and repair those areas.”

Can you explain what stem cell storage is?

“It’s the process of storing stem cells from fat tissue. Fat already contains stem cells. The fat is screened, removed, and the stem cells are isolated and cultured. When they are needed, they can be injected back into the body.” Moddaeng and her sister, Aura, stored their stem cells with MEDEZE GROUP.

Phichayapha

Moddaeng and her sister Aura storing stem cells at MEDEZE GROUP

What was it like during the stem cell collection process?

“It felt like nothing really happened. It was like lying down and soaking in a lake for a short while.”

Is there anything you’d like to share with readers?

“Teenagers who want to store their own stem cells can do it as I did. Even younger kids can do it too, because at this age our cells are strong, effective, and recover quickly.”

Medical Perspective: We consulted a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Prapas

Dr. Prapas Ratchatasumrit Prapas Ratchatasumrit/Plastic Surgeon

Plastic Surgeon

Interview with Dr. Prapas Ratchatasumrit

Dr. Prapas shared his professional opinion: “Children are children, teenagers are teenagers. Their cells are generally stronger and more abundant. However, storing stem cells at an older age is still possible.”

“But if we ask when it is best to do it, the earlier we do it, the greater the advantage. Stem cells are beneficial to humans. The earlier we store them, the sooner we can use them if needed.”

So, when is the best time to store stem cells?

The answer is clear: the earlier stem cells are stored for a child, the younger and more potent the original cells will be.

Final Thoughts for people who are interested in stem cell banking

Stem Cell

While stem cells themselves are important, the technology used to process and prepare stem cells for future use is equally critical. Once confidence is established, there is no reason to delay making this decision for one’s children or future generations. Before investing in anything for our children, we must apply careful thought and mature judgment on their behalf. MEDEZE GROUP, a Thai stem cell bank with internationally recognized standards and awards and branches in multiple countries, has demonstrated its capability to store adipose-derived stem cells. This opens opportunities for people of all ages and genders to build a personal health reserve for future treatment. MEDEZE GROUP is also the only institution to guarantee the quality of every stored cell, supported by its own in-house laboratory. This key distinction has enabled the group to build the largest stem cell care and operations team in the country, equipped with advanced technology and supported by international collaboration.

References

1) American Cancer Society.Types of Cancer that Develop in Children. American Cancer Society. (2021).https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-in-children/types-of-childhood-cancers.html.

2) Stanford Children's Health - Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. (2021). https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=what-are-stem-cells-160-38.