In a bid to spread festive joy to those in need, Cordlife holds its annual public donation drive every year-end, also known as the Cordlife Donation Drive. Currently in its 4th year running, the Donation Drive reaches out to people from all walks of life to participate in its good cause. This year is no exception too, with Cordlife adopting Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS) as its beneficiary for Cordlife Donation Drive 2019.
Cerebral palsy is an incurable, neurological disorder that usually occurs during the early stages of development in a person’s life. It is caused by illness or injury to the brain that results in physical impairment, seizures and even speech disorders.
More often than not, individuals suffering from cerebral palsy find it challenging to perform simple tasks that most of us take for granted, such as taking a bath, eating, or just standing up and sitting down. An SMU study shows that cerebral palsy is one of the top 3 disabilities that need the most help with daily activities1.
A story that remains close to Cordlife’s heart is one of a Singaporean child named Ee Han who was diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay and Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy when he was 3 months old. Simple acts such as drinking from a straw or clapping his hands proved to be difficult tasks for him and his parents found it increasingly difficult to care for him as Ee Han grew older.
At Cordlife, we believe that every life journey is precious beyond measure, and are committed to helping parents safeguard their child’s future by providing quality processing and safe storage of their baby’s umbilical cord blood stem cells. Cord blood stem cells are currently used to treat over 80 diseases2 such as leukaemia, lymphoma and thalassemia, just to name a few. There are also ongoing research and clinical trials to treat incurable conditions such as cerebral palsy that have shown positive results.
In Ee Han’s case, his parents began to see several positive changes in their son after he received a reinfusion of his own cord blood stem cells. Seeing their son display improved motor skills, better manage his emotions and even interact with another child meant the world to them as Ee Han may eventually be able to lead a better quality of life. It is through patients like Ee Han and seeing him achieve these milestones that drives Cordlife in its constant pursuit to help those in need.
Join Cordlife in making a difference in the lives of those living with cerebral palsy. All proceeds raised during Cordlife Donation Drive 2019 drive will go towards CPAS in supporting and empowering these beneficiaries.
Together, we can make a change and build a City of Good this Giving Week season!
Cordlife Donation Drive 2019 is taking place from 22 November to 9 December. For more information, please visit https://www.giving.sg/campaigns/cordlifedonationdrive
References:
1 Raghunathan R, Balakrishnan B, Smith CJ, et al. People with Physical Disabilities in Singapore: Understanding Disabling Factors in Caregiving, Education, Employment and Finances. Lien Centre for Social Innovation, SMU Change Lab. 2015; 6-7. Accessed 6 November 2019
2 For the full list of treatable diseases and references, please refer to https://www.cordlife.com/sg/treatable-diseases.
