Catherine's blog: Special gift

Monday, 7 December 2009

Special gift

I am feeling quite emotional today as it has been agreed with our Consultant that when our baby is born, the cord blood will be stored. This is very special, as cord blood is used in Bone Marrow Transplants. Whilst we fully believe Catherine will not need the cells from the cord blood, her unborn sibling will be donating these cells which could, if unused, be a match for another child in need of a Bone Marrow Transplant. They will be stored at our hospital. Finding a match is very difficult in Bone Marrow Transplants. With a sibling's cord blood, the likelihood of a match increases. I never thought this would be possible through our hospital so am very touched that our Consultant is arranging it for us. Originally I had anticipated that I would have a home birth, but due to the medication I need to prevent further blood clots, I now have to give birth in hospital. However, today's news gives more purpose to this situation, and one day I will be able to explain to Catherine's brother or sister what their donation means.

Many hospitals now ask for consent to take cord blood and it is so worthwhile. The more who donate, the greater the chances of finding a match. For more on this, please see the link http://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/cordblood. It is also possible for adults to donate bone marrow: http://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/bonemarrow/patientstories. Thankyou God for the amazing abilities and knowledge you give to us to help cure such horrible illnesses.

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This is Catherine's story: Expect Miracles

This is Catherine's blog. Catherine is now six years old and is in remission from leukaemia (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia - ALL). Leukaemia is a rare yet treatable form of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. This blog began at the start of her treatment in August 2008. The treatment lasted until October 2010. She went into remission remarkably early and the treatment was focussed on making sure the disease never returned. Over 15000 people have prayed for Catherine during the past three years for which her parents are deeply grateful. So many people love Catherine that it was hard to update everyone, so her parents began this blog to keep everyone updated. Catherine is the daughter of two Salvation Army Officers in the UK. This blog is a place to be updated, to send wishes to the parents and basically for everyone who knows Catherine (or doesn't) to be able to find out more about her progress. Feel free to post comments, concerns and questions. All prayers for Catherine at this time continue to be warmly received by her parents and Catherine's extended family. Catherine is now receiving blood tests and will be monitored regularly until she is ten-year-old when she will be give the official 'all clear'. Her parents especially welcome readers who are experiencing a child dealing with any form of cancer. Their prayer is that this blog will help them in their journeys.