Stem cell transplant saves man's life

By: Rochelle Ritchie

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - It's music that may never have been heard again. And fingers that may never have played again.

But Florida Atlantic University Professor Joe Scott is back playing a piano and doing what he loves. "It was just the most incredible thing."

For two years Scott has been cancer free. All thanks to a donor thousands of miles away.
"She might as well have pulled me out of a river. I was drowning and she literally saved me life, " says Scott.

She, is 50-year-old Jo Pillon, a Canadian who donated stem cells 10 years ago.
"It's hard to put into words how it makes you feel when you could potentially save a life," says Pillon.

Scott was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2005. His chances of survival slim to none.

"They gave me a 20% chance of just getting into remission," he said.

For three years he survived on experimental drugs that were approved by the FDA.

It wasn't until stem cell transplants became more advanced that he found the key to life.

For years it remained a mystery who his donor was. Thinking it was a male he was surprised to find out it was a woman.

"I have all of her cells my blood type changes and I have female chromosomes," Scott said.
Dr. Shachar Peles, an oncologist with the Palm Beach Cancer Institute, says stories like Scott's are why so many people need to donate. "I think it's critical."

"I know just from being in the hospital that many people can't get a match and it's really important that we have as many donors as we can," said Scott.

Source: New Channel 5, 04,Jan 2011

CordLife康盛人生參加第三屆香港國際燒傷及傷口癒合研討會促進科學交流

康盛人生參加第三屆香港國際燒傷及傷口癒合研討會促進科學交流

康盛人生參加2010年11月27日至28日期間於威爾斯親王醫院舉行的第三屆香港國際燒傷及傷口癒合研討會。該研討會針對時下流行的話題包括被酸灼傷、先進的傷口護理技術、處理由輻射引起的併發症、幹細胞及組織工程。康盛人生菲律賓的醫務總監Dr. Arvin C. Faundo, M.D. FPSP應邀成為講者之一及以臍帶血庫的代表身份分享利用臍帶血治療燒傷和創傷。此外，他還與臨床醫生、醫療暨研究人員，及來自香港和亞洲的學生討論有關道德和臨床測試的問題，這個科學交流對業界獲益不少。

CordLife encourages scientific exchange by participating in the 3rd Hong Kong International Burns & Wound Healing Symposium

CordLife has participated in the 3rd Hong Kong International Burns & Wound Healing Symposium held during 27- 28 November 2010 at Prince of Wales Hospital. The symposium focused on some very topical and current concerns including acid assault burns, advanced wound care technologies, dealing with the challenges of radiation induced complications, stem cells and tissue engineering. Dr. Arvin C. Faundo, M.D. FPSP, Medical Director, CordLife Medical Philippines, Inc. was invited as one of the speakers and a representative of cord blood banking industry to share how cord blood stem cells help burns and wounds treatment. He also discussed with the clinicians, allied health and research workers and students from Hong Kong and Asia about ethical issues and clinical trials. The scientific exchange was fruitful for the industry.