Advances in medical science have identified umbilical cord blood as a viable and useful source of blood forming stem cells. Stem cells are the fundamental building blocks of our blood and immune systems and are normally confined to the bone marrow. Throughout life, stem cells multiply and mature into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In certain disease conditions or as a side effect of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the bone marrow may stop functioning. At such times, a stem cell transplant becomes necessary to regenerate the bone marrow. more... See more text