D’Maris Coffman
D’Maris, a Senior Lecturer in Economics, The Bartlett School, University College London stored her son’s stem cell samples with us in April 2015.
D’Maris has been kind enough to spare a few minutes to talk to us and tell us why she decided to store with Smart Cells for her son Philip.
Why did you decide to store your baby’s stem cells?
Stem cell research is showing great promise in treating not only life-threatening diseases, but also an ever-increasing range of chronic conditions that lower quality of life. Diabetes mellitus, sarcoidosis, and adrenal dysfunction all run in the family, and are areas where stem cell research is showing real potential, so it seemed like the prudent thing to do. Even if we never have to use them, the peace of mind is well worth the expense. Also what I didn’t know until I looked into it is that stem cell research can deliver meaningful treatments for brain injuries, neuropsychiatric developmental disorders (including ADD and autism), and other acquired ailments. Given what we know now, I would have a hard time forgiving myself if I missed the opportunity to protect my son’s future health and happiness.
Why did you choose Smart Cells?
I researched the market and then consulted my obstetric surgeon, whose practice independently recommended Smart Cells. At one of my antenatal appointments, we discussed the merits of cord blood (and tissue) storage. I also learned that my surgeon had had done Smart Cells’ first UK retrieval, and that the Westminster Maternity Suite (at St Thomas’ Hospital) was accustomed to working with the Smart Cells team. It was a relief to know that the WMS even has extra kits around in case something goes astray on the day! Knowing that Smart Cells and the WMS have such a good working relationship made you the obvious choice.
What differentiates Smart Cells from other private umbilical cord blood stem cell storage companies?
Longevity is a big selling point. Volume is another. In medicine as in law, smart money goes to the people with the most experience, those who do the same procedures all day, every day. Smart Cells has been around long enough that the client can rest assured that you know what you are doing, and that the stem cells that you store have been used successfully to treat diseases. Your customer service is also excellent, friendly and supportive. But that really should not be anyone’s main criteria, nor should price (within reason), on this occasion. Put simply, Smart Cells is the market leader.
What was your experience with smart cells like?
Very easy, especially as I had a bronchial infection and laryngitis the week before I gave birth, and thus was neither very well organized nor easy to speak with on the phone. So it was great you handled everything so efficiently!
What did you like most about us?
That you’re a known quantity! Storing cells is a one-shot deal, literally a once-in-a-life-time opportunity for my son, and thus crucial to get right. My obstetrician’s endorsement was the biggest factor in using your service.
Did everything work as you expected it to?
Absolutely! In fact, it largely ‘worked’ without my having to do anything at all, which is exactly what you want. I got a letter in the post five days later saying that the retrieval and storage had been successful. It couldn’t have been any easier.
Are there any obstacles that would have prevented you from using our service?
Some of the other firms in the industry make the process more difficult, or require that the client sign up weeks in advance of delivery. Smart Cells’ flexibility was helpful. As a service, it’s not cheap, but it is worth it.
What would you say to a friend or colleague who was thinking of using Smart Cells?
Deciding to store stem cells is a big decision, but choosing the firm shouldn’t be. The best obstetricians in London retrieve cord blood and tissue for Smart Cells, pretty much daily. I would be very surprised if the market were any different outside the capital.
Would you recommend this service to others? If so, why?
Absolutely! Because if their family is going to store stem cells, they should choose a firm that can deliver!
Is there anything else you wish to add?
Just those recent advances in medical science are astounding. Storing stem cells represents a genuine opportunity for families to ride that wave, possibly with life-saving or at least life-changing consequences!