Every year in America, 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with some type of autism disorder. 75-80% of these children have no known factors or causes, yet the number of cases continue to rise effortlessly. Autism usually develops within a baby’s first three years, significantly altering development in language, behavior, and social skills. Until now, there has been no cure for this chronic disorder.

Cord blood stem cells offer these children hope. Researchers have recently connected some cases of autism with dysfunctional immune systems, and therefore believe that repairing the immune system will improve language and behavior in those children. Cord Blood Registry (CBR) is the first to set up an FDA-regulated trial to test this hypothesis. Researchers are using saved blood cells from the child’s umbilical cord. Based on the results of this experiment, we may even be on the road to curing other chronic illnesses such as cerebral palsy.

Saving cord blood stem cells at birth is critical, but the information is so new that many couples do not think about this when having children. We do not have the ability to guarantee healthy babies, and we certainly do not know what the future holds. Something so simple as saving the umbilical cord blood could save your child’s life. Please read more about this trial by visiting the links below:

http://www.cordblood.com/stem-cell-research/cord-blood-research/autism

http://www.cordblood.com/landing/~/media/Files/Beyond%20the%20Microscope/201210.pdf

Santa Carol was spotted at the HRC Fertility office in Pasadena with gifts and goodies for the Doctors and Nurses.

Santa Carol was spotted at the California Fertility Partners office in Los Angeles with gifts and goodies for the Doctors and Nurses.

The Building Families Team wishes all of you Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year!!

Santa Carol was spotted today at RPMG Westminster with gifts and goodies for the Doctors and Nurses.  There’s Santa Carol with Dr. Cassidenti & Dr. Yee!

Carol Weathers AKA “Santa Carol” was spotted at HRC Fertility in Laguna Hills with gifts & goodies for the doctors and nurses.   Santa Carol spotted Dr. Frederick and gave her a goodies basket.   Santa Carol also made a stop at HRC Fertility in Newport Beach and got to take a picture with all the nurses there.

Francesca smiling big after her 24 week ultrasound showing a healthy baby girl for her Couple!!  Great job Francesca!

Another great appointment for Jennifer. It is amazing how much the embryo has grown in just a week!  He or she must like what Jennifer is eating. LOL. Great pic of Jennifer and Patty at RPMG. 

A Case Manager is dedicated to their cause. They are on call 24/7/365, doing everything from taking phone calls in the middle of the night, to traveling to distant hospitals for deliveries, to communicating with all types of professionals who ask for everything and want it yesterday. They are good listeners, coaches, photographers, and even act as taxi drivers at times. Their communication skills surpass the average and rival the experts in using SMS, Skype, e-mail, facetime, Facebook, Twitter….. the list is endless. What else do we know about these special people? They genuinely care about the Surrogate Mother, her family, the new parents and the baby that is wanted beyond measure. How else can you explain their dedication?

Although so much credit should be given to them, their families should be applauded as well. I know from experience, that you cannot make this kind of commitment to the world of surrogacy without the support and understanding of one’s spouse and children. And when you are fortunate, as I have been, you not only have their support and understanding, but they too become emotionally invested in the cause.