NHS Cord Blood Bank

At the young age of only 16 months, Cody was diagnosed with Hurlers syndrome, a rare but fatal disease which is caused by the body failing to produce a particular enzyme (alpha – l – hydrogenase). Once diagnosed, Cody was treated for 12 weeks with enzyme replacement therapy. A cord blood transplant was Cody’s only real hope of stopping the disease from progressing any further and without which she would not survive into her teens.

A search of the international cord blood bank register found a good match for Cody from America and plans were immediately put into place to transfer the cord blood unit to the UK. Cody’s transplant was a great success and she is now back at home with her parents and big brother Callum, enjoying watching her favourite cartoons on TV and riding her new bicycle.

• If you think you could help someone like Cody, Register today to donate your cord blood

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