Umbilical cord blood saves life of woman with leukemia

When Suzanne Penney was diagnosed with leukemia after she battled breast cancer, she decided to undergo an injection of umbilical stem cells – and the procedure saved her life, KNSD-TV reported Thursday.

Penney, who lives in Carlsbad, Calif., contracted leukemia as a result of the aggressive chemotherapy she received for her breast cancer.

"When information about stem cells first came out I was against it,” Penney told KNSD-TV. “I always thought, ‘don't mess with Mother Nature, and there's going to be a bunch of cloned people walking around.’”

But, today, as Penney recovers in the hospital, doctors tell her that her leukemia is in remission.

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Newborn News - Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Amazing Recovery Attributed to Cord Blood Toddler diagnosed with cerebral palsy shows remarkable improvement The 2-year-old son of the Sacramento, Calif., couple was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, but is now showing fewer signs of the disorder and marked improvement after an infusion of his own stem cells — made possible by the preservation of his own cord blood shortly before birth. > View TODAY show video

When and how is the cord blood collected?

"Cord blood is collected from the umbilical cord immediately after the birth of the baby and after the cord has been cut. This blood is routinely discarded and collecting it does not alter normal birthing procedures. The collection can only take place at the time of delivery and is normally performed by your caregiver." Courtesy of CBR

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