History

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 10:51 AM CST

It has been a while! My mom and dad tell me that they are going to get me checked out again, since I have been having some bad bouts of coughing, for almost 5 months now!

I do have some news...my mom had another baby in June! HE is now 7 months old...guess it HAS been a while since I updated! His name is Evan. He is just so cute and I LOVE to play with him!

My mom can not believe I will be 7 years old in 15 days. When she first started this, I was only 22 months old!!!! (And my stinky big brother was a mere 5 years and 2 months!! Now he is 10!)

My mom is going to work on fixing my page, I am sure she will do a great job!

Love,

Michele Lynn

PS I forgot to mention we moved BACK to NY in December 2009...I kind of miss the warm weather of NC LOL

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 10:44 AM CST

Sunday, February 8, 2009 10:02 AM CST

I am loving school, and ask mom and dad on every non -school day, if there is school tomorrow! My teacher is awesome.

I won an award for Character Education in Responsibility at school!

Mom took lots of pictures, but this is my favorite!

My little brother watched me and sat so nicely during the whole thing!

I am sure I will be hoping to go back to school all summer!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008 9:05 PM CST

I do not think I have updated in a long time!

I have exciting news! I am going to be a gig sister...again!

Mommy is due in June with, I hope, a baby sister for me!

I am doing very well in kindergarten, and at the tip of my class. I still love making Nick frustrated with me! That is what little sisters are for!!!! And I love hugging my little brother. Though, he is starting to find ways to make me crazy!!!

Thank you for visiting!

Michele Lynn

Tuesday, March 4, 2008 7:41 AM CST

Pennies for Paxton

CaringBridge® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit web service that connects family and friends during a critical illness, treatment or recovery. They provide a free website to anyone going through a health crisis, so they can post updates in one place, and family and friends can post replies of support.

Several Mommies Network community members have used this organization in times of crisis. Most recently was Jennifer Griffith, a former Network Administrator (experienced site admin who assists other site admins with their community) for TMN, co-site administrator for CentralFoothillsMommies (NC) and a member of CharlotteMommies (NC) since 2005.

Jennifer created a page for her infant daughter Paxton, who started struggling with seizures weeks after her birth. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/paxton Paxton died Feb. 29th, she was four months old.

Sherry, the site administrator for GreenvilleMommies (NC) has sites for two of her three children who were both preemies. http://www.caringbridge.org/nc/michael and http://www.caringbridge.org/nc/emily

Kathy from UnionCountyMommies (NC) has a site for her daughter, who is currently battling leukemia. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/julianesbitt [/list]

We are honoring this organization and the wonderful work it does with a Network-wide charitable drive, in honor of Paxton, and all the other moms, dads and children in our Network who have benefited from this wonderful organization.

We are asking you to donate Pennies for Paxton to support CaringBridge. 500 pennies each to be exact. Just $5 to help support a great organization working hard to support so many families during a health crisis. Our Network-wide goal is to collect 1 Million pennies: $10,000. With over 23,000 members this is a goal we can certainly reach together.

Please help us support CaringBridge by sending a tax-deductible PayPal donation today to babypaxton@themommiesnetwork.org - just click here to donate via PayPal. After you have made your contribution, please add this graphic to your page, to help us promote this campaign to the rest of your community.

We encourage you to forward this to any of your friends and family who may also want to participate, and to consider organizing a coin drive or other fundraising effort via your TMN or TDN community to help us reach our goal. Please send your friends and family to www.themommiesnetwork.org/paxton.php for more info on this charitable drive.

Thank You :)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2008 7:47 PM CST

Please say a prayer for This family. Their baby girl went hom to be with God. In 4 years I have seen many of my friends pass on. It is just so sad.

Michele

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/paxton

[img]http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/pennies-paxton.gif[/img]

Monday, February 11, 2008 7:45 AM EST

Happy First Birthday Wyatt!!

Isn't he a cutie!

Tuesday January 1, 2008 12:00 AM EST

Happy New Year!!! I can not believe how fast 2007 went.

Wishing all my CB friends a very happy and healthy New Year 2008.

Thursday, August 2, 2007 11:13 AM CDT

Wow it has been a while since I updated!

Everyone here is doing ok. Wyatt will be 6 months old soon! He always smiles at me and Nick and loves to play with us. He is almost sitting up all by himself.

I love my brothers! They are so fun to play with!

My mommy put new pictures in my album, go check it out!

Thursday, February 11, 2007 9:36 PM CST

Wyatt was born Sunday, February 11 at 12:38pm, weighing in

At 8lbs., 4oz and 21 inches long. Nick and I are very happy to have our new baby brother home.

Monday, February 4, 2007 9:12 PM CST

THE COLTS WON ONE FOR BABY D!!!!!!!!!

They certainly had an angel in the endzone!!

Sunday, February 4, 2007 10:15 AM CST

GO COLTS!!!!!!!!! Toay the Colts will win one for Baby Donovan! I hope you are having a blast at the game Melissa!! I will be looking for you!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, January 31, 2007 11:02 AM CST

GO COLTS!!!!!!!!

We usually do not watch football, but we are rooting for Donovan's Colts this Superbowl Sunday!!

WIN ONE FOR BABY D!!!!!!!!

Sunday, January 21, 2007 11:51 AM CST

It is with a heavy heart, that I write this. Our friend Donovan earned his wings last night, surrounded by friends and family.

Fly high baby Donovan! We know you are watching over your mommy, daddy and big brother.

We will miss you!!

Becka, Chris, Nick and Michele

You can view his site at http://www.caringbridge.org/in/babydonovan/index.htm

Thursday, January 18, 2007 8:48 AM CST

PLEASE pray for my friend Donovan. The doctors just do not seem to be able to make him healthy again. His mommy, daddy and big brother are all very sad! His brother is having a very hard time dealing with this. I know my big brother had a hard time when I had my surgery, but this is SO different.

Please pray that God performs a miracle for my friend Donovan, and makes him better again!!

His CaringBridge page is http://www.caringbridge.org/in/babydonovan/

Monday, January 15, 2007 10:36 AM CST

My baby brother will be here in only 6 1/2 weeks!! (Maybe sooner :) )

I can not wait to see him and hug him!!! I talk to him all the time, and Nicky does too. He likes to kick Nicky in the head! I find that very funny!!!

Well, I am off to the park!!

Plese sign my guestbook to let me know you were here!!

Michele Lynn, soon to be big sister!

Thursday, December 14, 2006 10:38 AM CST

WOW it si almost Christmas! This time next year, I will have my baby brother to buy for!! Should be easy, since he will only be 9 months old :)

Please pray for my friend Donovan, him and his fmaily are in need of lots of thoughts and prayers this Christmas Holiday!! http://www.caringbridge.org/in/babydonovan/

Michele Lynn

Saturday, October 28, 2006 11:16 AM CDT

It's a BOY!!!!!! My mommy told me I am having a baby brother!! His name will be Wyatt Anthony Marsch. Hopefully he will wait until his due date of March 3, so I have my own February birthday lol.

Here is his picture!

Wednesday, September 27, 2006 1:09 PM CDT

“What are the odds my family will benefit from stored cord blood stem
cells?”

The answer will surprise you…

Background
Fifteen years ago cord blood stem cells helped treat one disease. The
probability of being diagnosed with that disease was 1:333,000 in 1988.

Today cord blood stem cells are used to treat over 40 diseases. The
probability of being diagnosed with one of these 40 diseases is 1 and 27.
Again, the odds of benefiting from stored cord blood stem cells TODAY are 1
in 27, or 3.7BR>
Future
Looking ahead, research is demonstrating that stem cells may one day treat
stroke and heart disease. Should cord blood stem cells prove successful in
treating just one of these diseases the odds increase dramatically; for
example, a breakthrough in stem cell treatment for heart disease would
increase the odds to 1:2. Viacell scientists are leading the way in stem cell
research for heart disease with the discovery of the USSC and will help bring
that promise to life.

Source
Statistics based on Abt Associates Clinical Trials 2004 UCB study.
Estimates reflect an upper limit on the probability of using a cord blood draft.
Not all patients with a disease treatable with cord blood stem cells will
qualify for transplant.

Did you know that Heart Disease is the Number one
killer in the US today?
Viacord is working hard to find a cure.

Just Consider:
Cord blood cured
in 1988... 2 diseases
in 2002... 20 diseases
in 2004... 47 diseases

Just IMAGINE the future possibilities!

Viacord's Mothers Circle Program
Viacord's Mothers Circle just celebrated its one year anniversary on
September 8th. Mothers Circle members are not Viacord employees.
They are simply Moms who chose to preserve their child's cord blood
with Viacord and have agreed to share their reasons with expectant
parents and grandparents. Mothers Circle Moms can also offer a
substantial $100 - $250 OFF on Viacord enrollments.
The Clinical Trial Access Program
ViaCord’s Clinical Trial Access Program is designed to keep families up
to date on ongoing clinical trials. Viacord is currently conducting
trials on Heart Disease, Stroke, Muscular Dystrophy, and Diabetes).

Quality Product Guarantee
Since 1993, Viacord has been the leader in high-quality cord blood
preservation. Everything we do is designed to preserve the highest
quality yield of your baby's cord blood stem cells.

Quality Product Guarantee Everything Viacord does is designed to
preserve the highest quality yield of your baby's cord blood stem
cells. Viacord stands behind its service with a 100uality Product
Guarantee.

Rarely a week goes by, without something in the news about stem cells.
However, I don’t think most people know much about what they are, the limited
sources from which they can come, and what incredible promise they hold. Ever
heard of a bone marrow transplant? This is just one source of stem cells.
Unfortunately, an exact match cannot always be found and these cells are
rejected more often than cord blood stem cells. Nevertheless, I doubt that
most people, much less parents or grandparents-to-be, know that this, literally,
once in a lifetime opportunity to bank a baby’s cord blood even exists!

Why Bank?

• Your baby's cord blood may save lives - your baby's and your
familiy's. Cord blood contains a life-saving resource called stem cells.
Collected in a safe, painless procedure after the birth, cord blood
stem cells can provide a distinct advantage in fighting certain -
diseases for your baby, for siblings, parents, and even grandparents.

* Today, cord blood is used in the treatment of 47 life-threatening
diseases. Cord blood is now being used in the treatment of Leukemia
and other cancers, genetic diseases, immune system deficiencies and
blood disorders.

* Researchers are now looking to cord blood to treat Heart Disease,
Stroke, Diabetes and Muscular Dystrophy, to name a few. Plus, many
doctors believe cord blood stem cells might someday be used to repair
brain and spinal cord injuries.

* Preserving your baby's cord blood stem cells is literally a one-time
opportunity. The fact is, if you don't preserve your baby's cord
blood at birth, you can never take advantage of its potential in the
future.

The Diseases Currently Treated
with Cord Blood Stem Cells

CANCERS
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
• Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
• Burkitt's lymphoma
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
• Juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia (JCML)
• Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML)
• Liposarcoma
• Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
• Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML)
• Neuroblastoma
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Langerhan's cell histiocytosis

BONE MARROW FAILURE SYNDROMES
• Severe aplastic anemia
• Diamond-Blackfan anemia
• Dyskeratosis congenita
• Fanconi anemia
• Amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia
• Kostmann's syndrome

HEMOGLOBINOPATHIES/BLOOD DISORDERS
• Sickle-cell anemia
• ß-thalassemia (Cooley's anemia)

INBORN ERRORS OF METABOLISM
• Adrenoleukodystrophy
• Batten disease (inherited neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis)
• Gunther disease
• Hunter syndrome
• Hurler syndrome
• Krabbe disease (globoid cell leukodystrophy)
• Lesch-Nyhan disease
• Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome

IMMUNODEFICIENCES
• Omenn's syndrome
• Severe combined immune deficiency (SCID and SCID-ADA)
• Reticular dysplasia
• Thymic dysplasia
• Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
• X-linked lymphoproliferative disease
• Leukocyte adhesion deficiency

OTHER DISEASES
• Evans syndrome
• Familial hemaphagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
• EBV-assoc. hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
• Osteopetrosis

The Diseases in the Future That
Might Be Treated with Cord Blood
Stem Cells

• Stroke
• Certain autoimmune disorders (ex: Diabetes, Lupus)
• Neurological disorders (ex: ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy)
• Muscular/cartilage diseases
• Heart Disease

Non-controversial
Stem Cell Research

Viacord Uses Non-controversial Cord Blood
Stem Cells Only

Even the Pope of the Catholic Church
distinguishes between cord blood stem cells
and other sources of stem cells

Mary Laughlin,M.D.,is an internist who has performed over 135 cord blood stem cell
transplants in the US since 1994,and has published a great deal of research in cord blood
stem cell transplants. As this field has evolved in recent years,we asked her for an update on
answers to the questions expectant parents might have in 2003 when considering storing the
placenta cord blood stem cells after the birth of their baby.

First,why might a parent store their baby's cord blood stem cells?
“This is really two questions,”explains Laughlin. “What are the uses now,and what is the
promise for the future? And they require two answers: what we know now in 2003 is that the
clinical application of cord stem cells from a related child can cure child malignant and non-
malignant blood or marrow associated diseases,like leukemia,in one of their siblings. Our
success rates are better for non-malignant blood disease but the technique works in both
cases. But these diseases are very rare not treating people yet. But the research underway is
promising,in more common—but nonetheless life-threatening—diseases. So,if an expectant
mom had asked me in 1993 whether or not to collect these cells,I would have advised her that
there is no harm in doing so,but the applications are rare and the possibility of actually using
these cells is not very likely. Now,however,with new potential on the horizon (within the next
5-10 years)I would change my advice. Again,I want to emphasize that while we have no direct
knowledge yet,the laboratory research points to a potential efficacy for cord blood stem
cells for many more diseases.

”Given that time frame,how long can these cells be stored? “
The honest answer is that we do not know,”offers Laughlin. “But in 1989,when the very first
transplant was done using these types of cells,researcher Hal Broxmeyer,Ph.D,at Indiana
University,had the foresight to store some of them. Dr. Broxmeyer continues to test the
viability of these cells every 5 to 10 years. His findings demonstrate they remain viable.
Again,I must caution that we do not routinely transplant patients with cord blood frozen for
more than 10 years. What we do know is that when we look at these cells after storing them
for years, there is no indication of loss."

”What is the cost of storing cord blood stems cells in relation to the benefits at this
time?“
In looking at cost,one has to take into consideration the potential benefit of these stem cells,
as well as their current known benefit,”says Laughlin. “We have to understand their value in
terms of their future potential. For the last two centuries of medicine,doctors have used
surgery or drugs as tools to help our patients and to treat disease. Drugs,however,do not
alter the underlying disease. They treat the symptoms,but generally they aren't cures. Today
we stand on the threshold of curing disease. Curing disease by transplanting stem cells is a
huge change. The value of the investment is in this promise. If,in the next 5 to 10 years,the
potential for these cells is not fully realized,anyone who had stored these cells could decide
to discontinue storage or could donate them to someone who could benefit from their
immediate use. If,however,the promise of stem cells exceeds even our current sense of their
potential,and they had not been collected at a baby's birth,there is no way of going back to
retrieve them.

”What else should parents know if they are contemplating cord blood stem cell storage?“
First,is this procedure dangerous to the mother and infant in any way? The answer is simply
no—there is no risk to the baby or to the mother. The cells are collected immediately after
the baby's birth,when previously these potentially valuable cells were just discarded. Second,
there is a lot of confusion swirling around this issue regarding the politics and the ethics of
'stem cells.' Parents are understandably confused about the term and the topic of stem cells
as discussed in the press and by politicians. It is important to emphasize that there is no
religious or ethical controversy regarding cord blood stem cells. In fact, the Pope's
statement on stem cell research and uses clearly distinguishes between cord blood stem
cells and other stem cells; he specifically states there are no ethical concerns around
the use of cord blood stem cells. I don't believe that this distinction is widely understood
by the public. All types of stem cells are often lumped together in people's minds,yet
everyone needs to realize that these cells—cord blood stem cells—are collected after the
birth of a baby.

”Dr. Laughlin is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Pathology in the Department of
Medicine,Division ofHematology/Oncology at Case Western Reserve University/University
Hospital attending physician for a 30-bed inpatient service and outpatient clinic. Her clinical
practice focuses on unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation in adult and pediatric
patients. Prior to joining Case Western Reserve University she served as an Assistant
Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics,Division of Hematology/Oncology,Bone Marrow
Transplantation at Duke University Medical Center. Her investigational and clinical trial work
with innovative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of hematologic diseases using cord
blood in adult transplant has resulted in multiple peer-reviewed publications including the
Journal of Clinical Oncology,Blood,Stem Cells,Experimental Hematology,Bone Marrow
Transplantation,and the New England Journal of Medicine.

There are a lot of companies out there. However, if you want
the cells to be around when you need them, and still viable, be
sure to use a reputable company.

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE
CHOOSING A CORD BLOOD COMPANY

1) What is the transplant success rate?
To date, Viacord collected and stored units have been used in 16 cord blood transplants.

• Viacord units have been used in the treatment of many diseases/conditions including:
o Leukemia - Acute Lymphoblastic and Acute Myelogenous
o Genetic Disorder - Fanconi Anemia
o Musculoskeletal Disease - Thalassemia Major
o Immunodeficiency Disorder - Wiscott Aldrich Syndrome

• Viacord units have been used in ground-breaking autologous transplants including:
o The first known autologous cord blood stem cell transplant for the treatment of neuroblastoma
in the United States.
o The first known autologous cord blood stem cell transplant for the treatment of severe aplastic
anemia in the United States.

2.) Does the company guarantee the quality of its product?
ViaCord stands behind its service with a 100uality Product Guarantee

3.) What is the long-term commitment to the cord blood industry?
Since 1993, Viacord has been a leader in cord blood preservation. Together with their parent company
ViaCell, they are leading the way in research.

4.) Does the company comply with industry quality standards?
At Viacord, maintaining the industry’s highest level of quality in the primary goal. Viacord is fully-
accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks and their laboratory is CLIA certified.

WHY CHOOSE VIACORD AS YOUR CORD BLOOD BANKING COMPANY?

THE VIACORD ADVANTAGE

The Viacord Advantage

In the end, it comes down to results and commitment:

1.) Viacord has a proven track record in delivering quality samples for transplant.

2.) ViaCell Labs bring greater value to your family’s stem cells through potential developments in
stem cell therapies.

3.) ViaCord stands behind its service with a 100uality Product Guarantee

4.) Superior Collection Method - Viacord uses only FDA-cleared “gravity bags” – the same method
used by the National Institute of Health and the American Red Cross. Viacord's use of gravity bags,
when used in conjunction with the closed system for processing, is designed to reduce the risk of
product mix-up and contamination from the time of collection until the unit is needed for transplant.

5.) Private Courier Bedside Pick-up - Simply put, the faster your baby’s cord blood gets to our lab,
the higher the yield of stem cells we’re able to process. This is why we use only private couriers who
specialize in handling biopharmaceutical materials. Frankly, we wouldn’t risk your baby’s cord blood or
our reputation with anything else.

6.) Superior Processing and Storage Techniques - All processing is done at Viacord’s state-of-the-
art laboratory utilizing the most advanced science and technology to optimize quality. Viacord’s “closed
system” processing and storage methods (which include FDA-approved cryobags) are designed to
maintain the highest integrity and prevent “airborne” contamination.

7.) State-of-the-art laboratory & cryopreservation facility - Viacord's Processing Laboratory
(VPL) is designed with fully-redundant back-up systems and has been recognized by the American
Association of Blood Banks (AABB) for having “exceptional and novel practices.”

Click here for some research articles:

Research Link Page

The Viacord Journal, Issue 10

The USSC
ViaCell scientists discovered a new stem cell in umbilical cord blood called the
Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cell (USSC), which holds enormous promise. Scientists at
ViaCell Labs have demonstrated that these cells have the ability to develop into many
different cells including brain, bone, cartilage, liver, heart and blood cells. Plus, this new
stem cell can be multiplied to create literally billions of cells from a single umbilical cord.
ViaCell and the International NETCORD Foundation, the leading international network of
public umbilical cord blood banks, recently published these findings in a peer reviewed
article in The Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM). The article is entitled, “A new
human somatic stem cell from placental cord blood with intrinsic pluripotent
differentiation potential,” and is available in the July 19, 2004 issue, vol. 200, no. 2, of
JEM. Dr. Brent Davidson, division head of obstetrics and gynecology at the Henry Ford
Health System, commented that “thousands of families have banked stem cells from
umbilical cord blood in the United States. While considerably more work is required, I
believe that the demonstration that these cells using the non-controversial umbilical cord
blood stem cells are able to differentiate into a broad range of tissues could prove to be
a significant scientific advance. I am particularly encouraged that the results provide a
proof of principle for use in many common illnesses possibly affecting a large portion of
the population.” Several illnesses that may potentially be treated with these cells
include: Alzheimer’s Disease, Heart Disease, Stroke, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Muscular
=Dystrophy, Spinal Cord Injuries, Diabetes, Liver Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. Other
possibilities include bone regeneration for those suffering from Osteoporosis and skin
and tissue regeneration for burn victims. Dr. Masood Khatamee, the executive director
of the Fertility Research Foundation and clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology
at New York University’s School of Medicine commented, “The data demonstrating that
umbilical cord blood contains stem cells capable of reconstituting multiple organ systems
like the brain, bone, cartilage, liver and heart validate the importance of recommending
the option of cord blood preservation to all of our patients. These data make it clear that
cord blood stem cells have the potential to treat diseases that impact nearly every
family.”

New ViaCell discovery may increase the value of your baby’s cord blood.
Issue 10
September 2004 The Viacord Journal
Viacord, a ViaCell Company

Sixty patients were treated either with stem cells taken from their own bone marrow,
or with the best conventional treatment. After six months, it was found that the hearts
of those who received the stem cell transplants were working better. (The University of
Freiberg research, pub. Wollert, KM, et al, The Lancet, 2004, 364:141-48)

Stem cells have the capability of turning into any other cell. Patients who undergo the
procedure have stem cells injected directly into the heart arteries. Because the stem
cells come from the patient’s own body, the transplant will not be rejected.

In this study, the researchers found that the treatment had improved the functioning of
the heart's left ventricle by 7In comparison, the patients given the best medical
therapy but no transplant saw a 0.7mprovement in their condition. The scientists said
the beneficial effects could not be explained solely by bone marrow cells transforming
into heart muscle. Instead they believe the stem cells promoted the secretion of
chemicals by heart tissue that encouraged growth. Ian Rosenberg, a UK heart attack
patient who had the pioneering treatment in Germany, was so impressed at how it
changed his life that he set up a charity to fund stem cell research in the UK.

He told BBC News Online: “It was a miracle. For over two years, I couldn’t get around
and go out. I had to have my bedroom downstairs.”“Now I can run up and down all the time.
It didn’t happen immediately, but I gradually felt better around six to eight weeks.”

Stem Cells Treat Heart Attacks

“Stem cells, the body’s master cells, are an effective treatment for patients who have
had a heart attack, researchers have found.” (Excerpt from the BBC News, July 8, 2004)

Viacord Update

September 2004: Over 55,000 units stored

Every Viacord unit that has been released for transplant has been proven viable for
transplant and chosen by the physician as the preferred source of cord blood stem cells.

Viacord’s Storage Saving
You pay your annual storage fees in advance. There are two options; a 10 and a 20-year
Storage Savings Plan with savings of up to $525. And you can either pay in full or you can
pay over 3 consecutive monthly installments. Viacord's Storage Savings Plans are
designed for people who appreciate the savings as well as the convenience of not having to
think about making annual payments in the future.

Why are cord blood stem cells said to be superior to other types of
stem cells?

The ViaCell Science Review: The Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cell (USSC)

Published and reviewed by ViaCell scientists. ViaCell’s 28 PhDs and MDs with over 500 ollective
years of experience in science and cellular medicine have published over 1,700 original peer
reviewed papers.

The Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cells (USSC)Review of: Kogler, et al., A new human somatic
stem cell from placental cord blood with intrinsic pluripotent differentiation potential, Journal of
Experimental Medicine, In press.

Background/Rationale:
Human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) is rich in stem cells. This is certainly true for hematopoietic
(blood forming) stem cells, and also appears to be true for stem cells that can differentiate into
other tissues as well. In this paper, ViaCell and its collaborators describe the isolation and
expansion of a “pluripotent” stem cell from HUCB that can differentiate into cell types from
several organ systems both in culture (in vitro) and in live animals (in vivo).
Methods:
Unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSC) were isolated from HUCB, taking advantage of their
property of “substrate adhesion,” i.e., their propensity to stick to the sides of culture flasks.
Once isolated, USSC can be cultured repeatedly and may be grown to large numbers. Billions of
USSC can thus be obtained from blood from a single umbilical cord.

Results:
The differentiation capacity of USSC was tested in several in vitro and in vivo systems. Under
the appropriate culture conditions in vitro, USSC can differentiate (turn) into precursor cells of
bone (osteoblasts), cartilage (chondroblasts), fat (adipocytes), blood (hematopoietic cells), and
brain (neurons and astrocytes). When administered to rodents in vivo, USSC can become nerve
cells (neurons) when injected into the brain, and can become bone and cartilage cells when
administered into bone and subcutaneous tissues, respectively. Following injection into fetal
sheep, USSC migrate to several organ systems, becoming cell types characteristic of these
organs, including heart, blood, and liver cells.

Experimental evidence suggests that USSC indeed differentiate (turn into) heart, liver, and
blood cells in this sheep model, rather than simply joining (“fusing”) with existing sheep cells.
USSC lack the HLA class II antigen, indicating that they are relatively resistant to immune
rejection.

Conclusions:
This paper describes the isolation and expansion of USSC from human umbilical cord blood
(USSC). This cell type, although relatively rare in whole HUCB, can be greatly expanded in number
under the appropriate culture conditions. USSC have the capacity to turn into several different
cell types in in vitro and in vivo models, including brain, bone, cartilage, liver, heart, and blood
cells. Previous experimental and clinical work has amply demonstrated the presence of blood-
forming (hematopoietic) stem cells in HUCB. With the discovery of USSC, it is clear that HUCB
contains stem cells capable of reconstituting multiple other organ systems as well, including
brain, bone, cartilage, liver, and heart

For additional information on cord blood preservation for your family,
visit www.viacord.com . If you would like to learn more about ViaCell Inc.,
please visit www.viacellinc.com.

Monday, September 11, 2006 8:25 AM CDT

Today we remember those who were lost on that horrible day five years ago.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Thursday, August 23, 2006 6:10 PM CDT

We LOVE North Carolina! It is very hot, but it is nice!!

I keep making mommy laugh by telling everyone I see that I will be going to kindergarten. Well, maybe I am ready :) Ok so I am only 3.5 but hey, I know alot of stuff!!

Hoping everyone has a great day!

Please pray for my friend Donovan, he is from IN, but here in NC for cancer treatment. His family could use alot of hugs!! His website is www.caringbridge.org/in/babydonovan

Hugs and Love,
Michele Lynn

Thursday, June 29, 2006 7:07 PM CDT

GUESS WHAT!??!? Not only will I be a big sister in March, but the end of July we will be moving from New York to North Carolina!!!!!!!!!! We are very excited about the move!!

Michele Lynn

Friday, June 23, 2006 8:01 AM CDT

I just found out I am going to be a big sister!! (Oh yea, and Nick will be a big brother...again)

We are very excited, maybe I will have a sister!

Mommy said it will either be Kayley Alexis or, well, not really sure about a boy, maybe Alexander (mommy will, of course, call him Xander, hee hee)

Mommy also fractured her foot, so I am (oh yea Nick is too) being a BIG helper to her!

I will keep you all updated!!

Saturday, May 13, 2006 9:05 PM CDT

I think summer is on the way, it just needs to stop raining! I am finally learning to say letters and numbers by looking at the flashcards mommy made me, and I know my months, days and other stuff! Mommy is very proud of her smart little girl! I was told I have the vocabulary of an almost kindergartener!

I can't wait til summer! And mommy is home-preschooling me, just like she did with Nick! That should be fun!!

love to all my friends and family!

Michele Lynn

Thursday, April 20, 2006 4:27 PM CDT

Wow! We are surely having great weather! Mommy, daddy, Nick and I are going outside to play almost every day. I am so happy I do not have to get into a snowsuit anymore to go play!

I hope all my friends are having a great day!

Michele Lynn Marsch

Tuesday, February 14, 2006 7:52 AM CST

HAPPY VALENTINES'S DAY!!! Yesterday was mommy's birthday, but she couldn't be here, but she is going to be here for mine on Saturday!!! YAYY!!!! Hope everyone has a great heart day! I know I will!

Michele Lynn

Thursday, February 9, 2006 7:16 PM CST

As of March 1, mommy will be living with us again! I am so happy she is coming back, and so is Nick and daddy. She can not believe I will be 3 years old in 9 days!!!

Love
Michele

Tuesday, January 10, 2006 9:27 PM CST

Hey everyone! I am so sorry I have not updated in so long! My mommy has been very busy! I am doing great and feeling great! You would never know I ever had surgery. I will be 3 in one month and 8 days!!! My mommy can not believe I am growing up so fast!

Love
Michele

Wednesday, August 17, 2005 7:03 PM CDT

Yes it has been a very long time. Mommy and daddy are no longer living with each other and my brother and I go back and forth. But I am a happy! I hope to hear from al my friends again soon.

Michele Lynn

Wednesday, May 25, 2005 8:34 AM CDT

Sorry it has been a while since I last updated, but mommy and daddy are going thorugh alot right now, and we are all going to move, this is putting alot of stress pn them, and mommy has not had the time to do much.

She will update wehn she gets a chance!!

Michele Lynn

Thursday, April 7, 2005 5:51 PM CDT

Wow it is getting warmer!! It got to 70 today! My brother and I played soccer outside and I loved it! I can't wait util summer so we can go swimming. Mommy can't wait either!!!

Michele Lynn

Friday, March 25, 2005 9:54 PM CST

My 2 Year Pictures!!!!!

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Monday, March 21, 2005 9:32 PM CST

I have to go to the ophthalmologist tomorrow, because my eye is still a bit lazy! My mommy hopes I do not have to have another surgery, and so do I!!

Michele Lynn

Monday, March 21, 2005 5:47 PM CST

Wow almost Easter!!! We are planning on leaving for Syracuse on Thursday night.

Syracuse is where my mommy and daddy grew up! They have lots of friends and family there!

We go to the Cavalry Club every year and eat lots of great stuff!!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Spring so far!!!

Love
Michele Lynn

Friday, March 11, 2005 8:00 AM CST

WOW! The middle of March already!! Almost St. Patrick's day! My mommy used to do Irish Dancing in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Syracuse! Maybe I will do that too someday! I really want to be a figure skater! (mommy did that too!!)

My brother's hockey team had their tournament a last week. They went in 8th and came out 3rd!!! I had so much fun watching it, and playing with my friends whose older brothers are on his team!! We also had fun going out to lunch with the team!!

Nick starts soccer in April and I can not wait to go watch him!!

Well I have to go, mommy wants to use the computer!

BYEEEE

Michele Lynn

Thursday, March 3, 2005 10:36 PM CST

Please pray for my friend Justin (his link is on my page)

He will be going in for hs 5th heart surgery on March 8, and he is not feeling well.

Please pray he feels better so they don't have to postpone his surgery!

Thanks

Michele Lynn

Saturday, February 26, 2005 10:59 AM CST

Please pray for our friend Ben's family. Ben earned his wings last night after a courageous fight.

Fly sweet baby angel

Saturday, February 26, 2005 10:59 AM CST

Please pray for our friend Ben's family. Ben earned his wings last night after a courageous fight.

Fly sweet baby angel

Saturday, February 26, 2005 10:59 AM CST

Please pray for our friend Ben's family. Ben earned his wings last night after a courageous fight.

Fly sweet baby angel

Saturday, February 19, 2005 6:47 PM CST

SOME PICTURES FROM MY PARTY TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, February 18, 2005 1:05 PM CST

HAPPY SECOND BIRTHDAY MICHELE LYNN!! MOMMY DADDY AND NICK LOVE YOU SOO MUCH! YOU ARE GROWING UP SO FAST!! I CAN'T WAIT TIL YOUR PARTY TOMORROW

LOVE YOU

MOMMY

Thursday, February 17, 2005 8:20 AM CST

TOMORROW IS MY PRINCESS'S SECOND BIRTHDAY!!!

Wednesday, February 16, 2005 1:45 PM CST

TWO MORE DAYS UNTIL MICHELE'S SECOND BIRTHDAY!!!!

Tuesday, February 15, 2005 4:19 PM CST

THREE MORE DAYS UNTIL MICHELE'S SECOND BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

Monday, February 14, 2005 1:38 PM CST

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!

Don't forget to tell that someone special (or someones) you love them and cerish them being in your life.

I had my stress test done today, and they want me to go back for anohter test, not sure why, hope it isn't bad. They said it was not, so I hope to take their word for it.

Today is also National Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day.

Happy lovey dovey day!

Becka, Chris, Nick and Michele Lynn

Sunday, February 13, 2005 9:14 AM CST

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEE! WOW I am 29 today, and in 5 days my baby girl will be 2!

We want to send our sincere sympathy to Stanton's family, Stanton earned his wings early this morning. They are all in our thoughts and prayers. Fly high in the arms of the lord little angel!

Becka and family

Wednesday, February 2, 2005 6:06 PM CST

I had my cardiologist appointment today, I have to go for an echocardiogram on the 24th, as well as a stress test and bloodwork. My blood pressure was high, which is unusual for me!! I go back for a checkup at the cardiologist in one month.

Nick and Michele are both doing great! Nick still has a cough, but he is like me, and has a lingering cough after a cold.

Only 16 days until Michele's second birthday!! I just can not believe she is going to be 2!!!

Becka, Chris, Nick and Michele

Tuesday, February 1, 2005 9:18 PM CST

Wow it is February already! 17 days until our princess turns 2!!! Where have the past two years gone? Nick is enjoying hockey and starts soccer in the spring, he is very excited about that!! Tomorrow is my cardiology appointment. I am a little nervous, mainly because I lost my mother to a heart attack 11 years ago, she was only 37. I am sure everything will be fine!

I am praying for all my fellow caring bridge parents, as always. I am especially praying for all Michele's frineds who have gone to be with Jesus.

Currently it is 15 degrees, if anyone has room in their house for me in a warm clmate, I would be willing to coem stay!

Love and hugs

Becka, Chris, Nick and Michele

Friday, January 28, 2005 6:06 PM CST

Well last week from Monday to Saturday, Michele had between a 102 and a 104 fever. Luckliy Saturday night the fever broke! Now she just has a small cold. Nick, however now has between a 100 and 102 fever. UGH!! At least they are good at sharing! Hopefully they will both be well this comeing week. Also, this Wednesday I have an apointment with the cardiologist, to find out why I have been having chest pains the last couple months. This Monday, I have volunteer Orientation with the Albany Ronald McDonald House! I can't wait!

Only 20 more days until Michele's second birthday!! We are going to have a My Little Pony theme for her party, of course!! Wow I can not believe it is the end of January already! At least this year is starting off better than last year!

Love and prayers to all who need it!

Becka, Chris, Nick and Michele

Tuesday, January 18, 2005 11:39 AM CST

Happy 23 months Princess!! I can not believe in one month you will be 2 years old! You are such a beautiful little girl and I thank God every day I got entrusted with such a beautiful child! Mommy and daddy love you and your brother so very much!!

Love
Mommy and Daddy and Nick

Saturday, January 1, 2005 8:05 PM CST

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Here's hoping everyone has a wonderful 2005.

Wednesday, December 29, 2004 4:02 PM CST

Well, a short while ago, I took Michele to the opthamologist because I thought her right eye looked like it was "lazy". They now want to see her again in March, to see if it corrects itself, so far it is not, so I am praying she does not have to go through ANOTHER surgery.

Hope everyone has a happy new year

Becka, Chris, Nick and Michele Lynn

Saturday, December 25, 2004 7:38 PM CST

Hope everyone is having a very Merry Christmas!!!

Friday, December 24, 2004 12:23 AM CST

Merry Christmas Eve!! I can not believe it is the end of the year already!!! I hope everyone has a very happy holiday and a wonderful New Year!!!

Becka, Chris, Nick and Michele

Thursday, December 23, 2004 10:09 AM CST

Michele is now 22 months old, and is doing fine. Her trachea is not yet hardened the way it should be, and sometimes she still gags when she eats. We have to cut her food small. This should go away by her 1 year surgery anniversay, in April.

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