Celebrating 14 Years!
Arizona Health Services Program Surpasses Milestone
The Arizona Public Cord Blood Program Reports 101 Units of Life-saving Cord Blood Shipped to Transplant Hospitals
PHOENIX – Last week, the 101st cord blood unit collected through the ADHS sponsored Arizona Public Cord Blood Program was delivered to a hospital on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard for use in the treatment of a rare metabolic syndrome. Stem cells in bone marrow or umbilical cord blood (in this case) can be transplanted into a patient to improve life expectancy.
This medical miracle is made possible through the donation of a mother’s umbilical cord blood remaining after a child’s birth. Normally, the umbilical cord and placenta are disposed of after birth as medical waste.
When donated through one of five Arizona hospitals receiving funds from the Arizona Public Cord Blood Program, the stem cells in the cord blood units collected are sent to MD Anderson Cord Blood Bank at the University of Texas in Houston for processing and storage (since 2023). Prior to 2023 they were sent to the University of Colorado (where many units are still stored today). They can be used to treat over 80 different diseases such as various cancers, lymphoma, leukemia, stroke, Hurler Syndrome, Sickle Cell Anemia, Aplastic Anemia, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome (SCIDS), ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Parkinson’s Disease, and heart disease. Any cord blood units that cannot be used for transplant are provided to research institutions to continue the search for new treatments using cord blood stem cells.
Since the inception of the cord blood initiative in 2011, over 97 units of cord blood have been sent from the University of Colorado and 4 from MD Anderson for transplant operations and cellular therapies. The stem cells collected through this unique program have gone to patients in over 20 states, including Arizona, and in 7 countries. Today, approximately 4,538 units of cord blood are in storage and await matches for transplantation or cellular therapy.
The cord blood initiative is a program of the Arizona Biomedical Research Centre, an Office of the State Laboratory Services Bureau, within the Arizona Department of Health Services. Participating hospitals receive grants of funding ADHS receives from a portion of the proceeds of the Arizona State Lottery. The hospitals where public bank donations can be made include: Dignity St. Joseph’s Hospital and Valleywise Health in Phoenix, Dignity Chandler Regional, Dignity Mercy Gilbert (open in 2025), and Tucson Medical Center.
Publically banked cord blood units collected (at no charge to the mother) are made available to anyone who matches; versus units that are privately banked (for a fee) that are kept specifically for familial matches.
E-mail: cordbloodinfo@azdhs.
2024 SPEAKERS
Dr. Maegan Capitano
Maegan L. Capitano earned her B.A. in Biology from St. Mary’s Honors College of Maryland in 2004. She next went on to earn a M.S. in Natural Science-Oncology in 2006 and her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology in 2012 at the State University of New York- Roswell Park Cancer Center Division under the mentorship of Dr. Elizabeth Repasky where she was given the George Meyer’s Award for Proficiency and Academic Excellence in Immunology. She received her post-doctoral training (2012-2016) in the laboratory of Dr. Hal E. Broxmeyer at Indiana University School of Medicine focusing on Experimental Hematology. Dr. Capitano’s research focuses on discovering potential new agents that regulate hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell migration, proliferation, differentiation and survival capacity under normal and stressed conditions.
Charis Ober
Charis Ober is the Founder and Executive Director of Save The Cord Foundation ( www.SaveTheCordFoundation.org ), a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. She is a global advocate for umbilical cord blood education, awareness, research and legislation. Mrs. Ober is a graduate of the University of Arizona and has more than 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical and biotech sales, marketing and product development. After working for many years in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, Charis and her friend, Anne Sarabia, future founders of Save the Cord Foundation, were were invited to tour a cord blood bank in Tucson, Arizona. It was life changing. During their tour, these career women and mothers met two extraordinary children who had received life-saving cord blood transplants. One child had won a battle against leukemia and the other beat sickle cell anemia, both thanks to cord blood. It was then that they decided that no more cord blood should go to waste. They decided to focus their efforts on establishing the Foundation, as an independent 501c3 non-profit, whose mission was to advance cord blood education across the globe. Today, the Foundation is led by Charis with invaluable support from a talented team of volunteers and interns.
Dr. Chitra Hosing
Dr. Hosing is the Medical Director of the Apheresis Center and the Associate Medical Director of the Cord Blood Bank in the Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her focus is the development of novel cellular therapies for the management of hematologic malignancies. She was co-PI for CD19 NK CAR study;. The preliminary results from the trial were published in New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Hosing is currently developing a clinical trial using CD-5 NK CAR also for hematologic malignancies. I am a collaborator on the trial of CD70 NK CAR (I am the collaborator for T cell malignancies). I am also the co- PI for the NK CAR trial for AML. We are also currently developing NK CAR studies for autoimmune disorders like Lupus nephritis, systemic sclerosis etc.
CORD BLOOD RESEARCH
Dr. Filippo Milano
Dr. Milano’s background includes a medical degree with honors in 2001 from the University “la Sapienza” of Rome where he graduated first in his class. He completed a Ph.D. in Hematology at the University of Washington. Since 2020, he has served as an Associate Professor at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center & University of Washington. He currently serves as Director of the cord blood transplantation program and as Scientific Director of the Cellular Therapy laboratory at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.
Dr. Heather Stefanski
Heather Stefanski, M.D., PhD, joined NMDP/Be The Match in May 2021 as Vice President, Medical Services. Prior to her arrival, Dr. Stefanski was an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota and was actively involved in clinical care and research involving children with life-threatening blood and immune system disorders. One of her areas of focus was the use of cord blood units in stem cell transplants and other cellular therapy. She is board certified in both Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology-Oncology. Excerpt from https://cellculturedish.com/experts/heather-stefanski/
Barbara Torrey
Barbara Torrey currently works as the K-12 Science Coordinator at Gilbert Public Schools. She was nominated for Administrator of the Year in 2022. Barbara previously served as the STEM Coordinator and Biomedical Science Instructor at Red Mountain High School in the Mesa Public School district. Named Teacher of the Year in 2012, Barbara was also a recipient of the ASBA/ASA Golden Bell Award in 2015. Barbara has over 24 years of teaching experience ranging from freshmen in high school to seniors in college. Barbara ignites sparks, both in students and in fellow educators. Witnessing a student's eyes light up with understanding, or empowering a teacher to embrace the three dimensions of science teaching, fuels her mission to transform science education. She equips teachers with the tools and confidence through collaborative workshops, engaging professional development sessions, and personalized coaching. Barbara believes that true understanding comes from connecting curriculum to current events, students' lives, and integrating career opportunities. Beyond the classroom, Barbara enjoys nurturing her own garden. When not exploring nature, she cherishes time with family and friends, always on the lookout for the next adventure, both in life and in learning.
Melanie Hall
Melanie Hall serves as Director of Student Education at Save the Cord Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. As content designer of a curriculum aimed at increasing awareness and interest in cord blood stem cells, Melanie brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and innovation to her work, consistently seeking creative solutions when promoting initiatives. With a dedicated focus on enhancing the human experience in healthcare, Melanie works at Mayo Clinic as a contributor on the patient experience team. Earning her B.S. in Healthcare Administration from Brigham Young University - Idaho, Melanie has over 12 years in non-profit leadership, marketing, program development and management, and promotion.
MEET OUR TRANSPLANT SURVIVORS
Luke Fryer
Luke was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when he was 12 months. Everything about Luke's gestation and delivery was very normal. It wasn’t until he was 9 months old that his parents noticed he was not reaching important milestones in his development. Their fears were validated with his diagnosis around one year of age. Fortunately, Luke’s parents banked his umbilical cord blood and Luke received a stem cell reinfusion at Duke University when was 15 months old. Luke is now 15. Luke looks like most other teenage boys. He is able to run, jump, play sports with his peers and he is even getting ready to learn how to drive.
Ariane Navarro
Ariane Navarro is an educator, linguist, published author and a cord blood bank collector. She is a two-time acute leukemia survivor and received a double-cord blood stem cell transplant in February of 2012. Ariane advocates for greater access to survivorship care and mental health services within the young adult (YA) cancer survivor community. She is currently working as Cord Blood Bank Collector at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She was featured in a segment on Good Morning America that showcases First Descents, an organization that provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer. Ariane lives with her husband, two sons and two dogs. She has published personal essays in Elephants and Tea Magazine and in the Stupid Cancer blog. She is currently writing a memoir about the dialectic view of grieving and celebrating life after cancer.
CONFERENCE HOST SPEAKERS
Jennifer Cunico, MC
Jennifer (Jennie) Cunico is the Cabinet Executive Officer/Executive Deputy Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). Jennie has been with the agency since 2014. During this time, she has served in multiple leadership roles, including Deputy Director for Public Health Planning and Operations, where she oversaw policy development, hiring professional and support staff, information technology, business intelligence, data management, workforce and professional development, community engagement and the department’s budget. Prior to joining ADHS in 2014, Jennie worked in the private sector overseeing office operations for a successful small business for 15 years. In addition, Jennie worked in Arizona’s behavioral health system at a local non-profit for 10 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University and a Master of Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix.
Dr. Victor Waddell
Victor Waddell, Ph.D., is the Director of the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory and Executive Director for the Arizona Biomedical Research Center which includes the Arizona Public Cord Blood Program. Dr. Waddell earned his doctorate in Molecular Biology and Genetics at Queen’s University Belfast, N. Ireland. His other degrees include a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences also from Queen’s University Belfast. He has published many articles relating to both Public Health and Molecular Biology. Dr. Waddell has worked for the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory since 2001, and is responsible for overseeing the entire laboratory including the Chemistry, Microbiology, Newborn Screening, BioEmergency Response, and Chemical Emergency Response Sections at the State Laboratory. Dr. Waddell served as President of the Association of Public Health Laboratories from 2011- 2012 and is currently President of the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute.
Mr. John Garcia, MBA, CPM
Since 2020, John Garcia is the Program Director of the Arizona Biomedical Research Centre (ABRC). Mr. Garcia oversees the distribution of grant funds to biomedical researchers and to Arizona universities to educate their faculty, staff, students, and the public. He also manages the Arizona Public Cord Blood Program. He earned a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Information Technology Administration from Ashford University. Mr. Garcia also completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management with the University of Phoenix. Additionally, he also received certification as a Public Manager through Arizona State University. His career in public service spans 40 years. John's work includes information technology, grant administration, public policy, budget, finance, and criminal justice administration.
Kimberly Romo, Master of Ceremonies
Kimberly Romo is currently the Director of Business Operations for Marana Health Center Healthcare, also known as MHC Healthcare, where she oversees 17 community health clinics. She is proud to have served on the Save the Cord Foundation board for more than a decade. A native of Tucson, Kimberly spent the first 11 years of her career as a broadcast journalist before transitioning to healthcare in 2012. Since then, she has spent time in the acute, post-acute and behavioral health space where she leveraged her vast experience in communications, media relations, business development and revenue operations to drive companies forward. Helping establish Arizona's first public cord blood donation program at Tucson Medical Center remains one of her proudest professional accomplishments.
Hon. Juan G. Ciscomani
Congressman Juan Ciscomani represents Arizona’s 6th Congressional District in the House of Representatives, where he sits on the House Appropriations Committee and House Veterans Affairs Committee. Juan and his family immigrated to the United States when he was a young boy and established roots in Tucson, Arizona, where his father worked as a bus driver to give his children a shot at the American Dream. Juan attended Pima Community College and the University of Arizona, working his way through school with maintenance jobs until becoming the first in his family to graduate from college. Prior to being elected, Juan worked in Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s administration, where he served as Senior Advisor and Vice-Chair of the Arizona-Mexico Commission. Juan resides in Tucson with his wife, Laura, and their 6 kids.
ABOUT US
Umbilical cord blood is blood that remains in the blood vessels of the placenta and the umbilical cord, and is collected after the baby is born and the cord has been clamped and cut. Cord blood can be used much the same way that bone marrow stem cells are used for a life-saving transplant. For many patients in need, a cord blood transplant is the best or only hope for a cure. Donating umbilical cord blood is free, painless and neither mother nor child is harmed in the collection. The Arizona Biomedical Research Centre currently funds four collection hospitals, Save the Cord Foundation, and the cord blood bank with lottery revenue to make the program possible.
Today, cord blood can be publically collected, stored, and made available for transplant to children and adults for the treatment of more than 80 life threatening diseases such as certain genetic and metabolic diseases, blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia.
38% of African Americans,
31% of Native Americans,
27% of Hispanics,
12% of Caucasians and
51% of Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders rely on cord blood transplants.
Many people are still unable to find a match.
Adding diverse units of umbilical cord blood to the registry increases the likelihood that all patients will find a match.
have been used in transplants to treat or cure life-threatening diseases and hundreds of cord blood units have been banked and listed on the registry for potential transplantation.
The Arizona Public Cord Blood Program is working to expand cord blood education to the next generation – students, as well as to expectant parents, health professionals, and the public. This new and innovative program was launched November 15, 2024. Click opn the image above for more information.
The MD Anderson Cord Blood Bank is licensed by the FDA and accredited by FACT as a public cord blood bank. The bank is managed by immunogeneticists and stem cell transplant physicians who have decades of experience in the field.
Save the Cord Foundation is a 501c3 non profit, which was established to promote awareness of the life-saving benefits of cord blood based on unbiased, factual information. The foundation educates parents, health professionals, students and the general public about the need to preserve this valuable medical resource. The foundation provides information on cord blood research, and both public cord blood donation programs and private family cord blood banks worldwide.
CONTACT US
Feel free to get in touch with us by sending us an e-mail at:
cordbloodInfo@azdhs.gov
PARTNERS
