Yesterday I received one of those miracle phone calls that non-Christians refer to as "coincedences". As of today, I am 35 weeks along in my pregnancy and Hubby and I have not seriously discussed cord blood banking. I had relegated it to the back of my mind and I had decided that if something happened (like winning a sweepstakes) that I would ask him about it. Otherwise, I didn't really want to ask for $2500 to do what seems like a science experiment.
Late yesterday afternoon, a rep from the cord blood bank called on my cell phone and asked for Christine. Well, that's my middle name, but I have NEVER used that name and certainly not in conjunction with my cell phone. I almost let her go and then I decided to ask if she was trying to find me. And, she was. Apparently I had registered for some free info (to enter a contest) with both my real name and phone number and with my "fake" name and cell phone number. It's a good thing I did it that way because we have since moved and the old phone number is invalid.
I listened to her sales pitch and explained how we couldn't really afford to do it. She then explained to me about a grant that is available for banking cord blood if the baby has a first degree relative who has a disease that can be treated with the cord blood. Rosy has Type 1 diabetes and the University of Florida has treated at least 4 kids who have Type 1 Diabetes with their own cord blood and has either eliminated or reduced their need for insulin. This is the sort of information that is really overwhelming to the parents of a child with long-term life threatening disease.
Hubby and I talked about the situation and we decided that even if we can't get the grant, we are willing to accrue some debt to bank this cord blood. Because Baby Boy and Rosy are only half siblings the chances are not perfect that they will be a match. However, Baby Boy is her best shot. And, on the other good side, the rep told me today that our family can receive a discount because III and Rosy's Bio Mom is an RN. What a crazy blended family world this is, but my baby's cord blood banking is eligible for a discount because his 1/2 sister's Bio Mom is a medical professional!
We are asking for prayers concerning this whole situation. 1. That there will be lots of cord blood available. We need enough to use for Rosy, to set aside for Hubby (who also has Type 1 Diabetes), and to save for Baby Boy in case he needs it later. 2. That Baby Boy will be a genetic match for Rosy and for Hubby. 3. That we get approved for this grant. 4. That Bio Mom will work with us to get this discount if the grant is not approved.
This all sounds a little out there, but for our family it is the hope of a miracle that we were even afraid to dream was a possibility. For those of you who know Rosy, can you imagine just being able to give her a snack without thinking about it? And, then imagine what that would be like for us!
Late yesterday afternoon, a rep from the cord blood bank called on my cell phone and asked for Christine. Well, that's my middle name, but I have NEVER used that name and certainly not in conjunction with my cell phone. I almost let her go and then I decided to ask if she was trying to find me. And, she was. Apparently I had registered for some free info (to enter a contest) with both my real name and phone number and with my "fake" name and cell phone number. It's a good thing I did it that way because we have since moved and the old phone number is invalid.
I listened to her sales pitch and explained how we couldn't really afford to do it. She then explained to me about a grant that is available for banking cord blood if the baby has a first degree relative who has a disease that can be treated with the cord blood. Rosy has Type 1 diabetes and the University of Florida has treated at least 4 kids who have Type 1 Diabetes with their own cord blood and has either eliminated or reduced their need for insulin. This is the sort of information that is really overwhelming to the parents of a child with long-term life threatening disease.
Hubby and I talked about the situation and we decided that even if we can't get the grant, we are willing to accrue some debt to bank this cord blood. Because Baby Boy and Rosy are only half siblings the chances are not perfect that they will be a match. However, Baby Boy is her best shot. And, on the other good side, the rep told me today that our family can receive a discount because III and Rosy's Bio Mom is an RN. What a crazy blended family world this is, but my baby's cord blood banking is eligible for a discount because his 1/2 sister's Bio Mom is a medical professional!
We are asking for prayers concerning this whole situation. 1. That there will be lots of cord blood available. We need enough to use for Rosy, to set aside for Hubby (who also has Type 1 Diabetes), and to save for Baby Boy in case he needs it later. 2. That Baby Boy will be a genetic match for Rosy and for Hubby. 3. That we get approved for this grant. 4. That Bio Mom will work with us to get this discount if the grant is not approved.
This all sounds a little out there, but for our family it is the hope of a miracle that we were even afraid to dream was a possibility. For those of you who know Rosy, can you imagine just being able to give her a snack without thinking about it? And, then imagine what that would be like for us!
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