A lifetime of possibilities: Celebrating Cord Blood Awareness Month

July is Cord Blood Awareness Month, a reminder of the one important decision you made at birth to preserve something extraordinary for your family. Cord blood banking is a one-time opportunity, to collect and save the tiny but powerful cells found in the umbilical cord.

Cord blood and cord tissue offer unique therapeutic potential.^† Cells from both cord blood and cord tissue are being studied in regenerative medicine for their ability to repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and even support the body’s natural healing processes.¹

To honor this special month, we’ve compiled the current state of research using newborn stem cells to treat several conditions such as congenital heart defects, cleft lip/palate, cerebral palsy, and brain injuries.

Congenital heart defects 

Congenital heart defects (CHDs), a structural problem of the heart or major blood vessels present at birth, occur in approximately 8.1 per 1,000 live births.² Research has investigated the use of a child’s own cord blood to support the function of the heart during the surgical repair of a specific type of CHD.² In 2024, CooperSurgical (Insception Lifebank’s parent company) announced a research collaboration with the Herma Heart Institute at Children’s Wisconsin for children with CHDs. Through our medical needs program, this partnership creates a research repository of cord blood and cord tissue from which investigators aim to develop novel treatment options for CHDs using a patient’s own stem cells.³

Cleft lip/palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate (CLP) are openings or splits in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth (palate), or both. They are among the most common birth defects, and are often accompanied by alveolar cleft, which is a gap in the gum line.^4,5 Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from umbilical cord tissue have recently been investigated as a source of cells for repair of the cleft based on their unique characteristics.⁶ A collaboration between researchers in Southern California and Insception Lifebank’s sister company, CBR, published in 2024, demonstrated successful bone fill using cord tissue MSCs in a mouse model of alveolar cleft.⁶ Of note, babies identified with CLP on prenatal ultrasound are eligible for our medical needs program, which allows potential access to their own cord tissue for future cleft repair surgeries.⁷

Cerebral palsy 

Cerebral palsy, which may be caused by a brain injury or lack of oxygen in the brain before birth or during the first few years of life, is a condition that can impair movement, learning, hearing, vision, and cognitive skills. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that roughly 1 in every 345 children in the U.S. has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.⁸ In 2025, a meta-analysis using data from over 300 participants across 11 studies was published examining cord blood infusions in the treatment of cerebral palsy.⁹ The authors concluded that, while still experimental at this time, cord blood infusions are safe and may provide a benefit for improving gross motor function in some children with cerebral palsy.⁹

Brain injuries

Pediatric brain injuries, which occur to the developing brain after birth, can be a result of various conditions or trauma to the brain.¹⁰ As there are few effective treatments available for these patients, cell therapies using both cord blood and cord tissue have been investigated as a novel treatment option.¹¹ These cells may help repair damage to the brain and decrease inflammation, leading to improved outcomes.^11,12 Duke University currently has an Expanded Access Protocol which allows for off-study infusions of cord blood for various pediatric brain injuries,¹³ which a number of our clients have participated in.¹⁴

One future, one choice

As research continues to unlock the powerful potential of cord blood and cord tissue, one thing becomes clear: a choice made today can have a lasting impact on tomorrow’s possibilities. Cord blood banking isn’t just a personal decision; it’s an opportunity to contribute to a growing area of medicine that could transform how we treat complex conditions and improve outcomes for future generations.

During Cord Blood Awareness Month, there’s no better time to start the conversation. Whether it’s sharing what you’ve learned with a friend, talking to expecting parents in your circle, or simply raising awareness on social media, your voice can help others make one informed, empowered decision. Enroll  with Insception Lifebank today or refer a friend. When someone you refer preserves with Insception Lifebank, you’ll receive a cheque or storage credit to fund your storage fee.*