NCUBB Launch Rally

11/15/2007 - 4:03 PM PST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY
Catholic PRWire

Public Cord Blood Bank Campaign Launch

72 SF Fifth Graders to Hold Red Kites at Event

WHAT: Northern California Umbilical Cord Blood Bank Campaign Launch
WHO: Sen. Carole Migden, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, SF Supervisor Sean Elsbernd, Dept. of Public Health Director Mitch Katz, and others
WHERE: SF City Hall, Front Steps (Goodlett)
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 15th, 1:00 pm

Citing the need for a way to collect and store potentially life-saving umbilical cord blood stem cells, SF Supervisor Sean Elsbernd and other local politicians, doctors and officials of the Joanne Pang Foundation and UCSF Children�s Hospital will officially launch a fundraising campaign to raise $2.5 million. Funds raised will establish the public, non-profit Northern California Umbilical Cord Blood Bank in San Francisco.

Also in attendance will be Christopher Pang, Joanne Pang�s brother, and his fifth grade classmates from St. Cecilia Elementary School. The children have made red paper kites for the event to symbolize the hope embodied in this grassroots cause. Joanne died of juvenile leukemia in 2003 at the age of nine.

"This campaign is on the front line of saving lives," said Assemblywoman Fiona Ma. "Cord blood stem cells have the power to provide new life for those who otherwise would have little hope for survival. The Bay Area's diverse and generous residents make San Francisco the perfect location to establish this life saving bank."

Nearly 20 percent of all babies born in California each year are delivered in Northern California. The ethnic diversity of the region means that the Northern California Umbilical Cord Blood Bank units will have a broad genetic mix which will benefit Asian, African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic patients of all ages.

Unlike bone marrow donor matching, collecting cord blood stem cells is non-invasive, easier to match to patients in need and non-controversial. In most births today, cord blood is disposed of after a baby is born. Once this cord blood bank is established, parents giving birth will have the option of donating this gift of life at no cost to them.

Media Contacts:

Joanne Pang Foundation
Scott Hildula, President
Email: scott@joannepang.org
Tel: (415) 786-3036
San Francisco Supervisor
Sean Elsbernd, District 7
Email: sean.elsbernd@sfgov.org
Phone: (415) 554-6516

Contact

Joanne Pang Foundation
http://www.joannepang.org CA, US
Scott Hildula - President, 415 786-3036

Keywords

Umbilical cord blood bank rally

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