A decade ago, our Cord Blood Program was full of promise. Now it's full of life.

As one of the first institutions in the world to initiate a cord blood program, Puget Sound Blood Center continues its commitment to translating research efforts into improved patient care. Since creating the Cord Blood Program, under the direction of Northwest Tissue Services, scientists have learned just how valuable cord blood is to patients with a variety of illnesses - from blood diseases to genetic disorders.

Eight years ago, Sandi Payne, with the birth of her daughter Hannah, was one of the first donors of umbilical cord stem cells.

Cord blood stem cells, taken from the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of a baby, can develop into blood cells that match a patient's own. Their adaptability makes them less likely to be rejected, and offers a viable alternative to bone marrow transplantations.

Since its inception in 1998, the umbilical cord blood bank continues to expand.

This year 2,109 units were collected, with nearly 6,000 currently stored. Most importantly, more then 100 patient matches have been made. The success of this program has been recognized and funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration. It was also chosen for the National Cord Blood Inventory, allowing hospitals throughout the country to easily search for cord blood samples that match their patients' needs.

As one of the first donors, Sandi Payne understands the benefits of the program, having donated cord blood during the birth of her daughter Hannah, and again with her second child. "The umbilical cord used to be discarded. That's such a waste when its stem cells can save a life. Donating cord blood is easy, convenient, and can save a life.

I was adamant about donating because both my father and brother had lymphoma; I know that cord blood stem cells can help someone like them.