Multipotent and almighty, these are the stem cells. They can be a gift of life, as they are used to treat hematological diseases, already have applications in orthopedics, and build and restore tissues and organs.

The purpose of stem cells is to build and repair all tissues and organs of the body.

What is the mission and what is the application of stem cells? How can they be a gift for life? What moral and legal dilemmas does their use raise?

We sought the answers to these questions from Vili Peeva, Administrative Director of Future Health - tissue bank guru in the field of stem cell storage in Europe and the largest in Bulgaria.

Ms. Peeva, what are cord blood stem cells?
Your baby's cord blood contains stem cells. Today, many parents store umbilical cord blood for their child's future health. They can treat blood disorders such as anemia and certain immune system disorders that impair your body's ability to defend itself. Cord blood is easily collected and has 10 times more stem cells than those collected from bone marrow. Cord blood stem cells rarely carry any infectious diseases and are half as likely to be rejected as adult stem cells.

What distinguishes Future Health making it the definite choice of families in Europe and Bulgaria for a consecutive year?
With us, unlike the others, the focus of our activity is on the medical part of the entire process. Each family that decides to store stem cells receives a complete diagnosis of blood tests and virology, made using the latest generation of medical technology. The next stage is – the successful storage of stem cells. With us, the monitoring we undergo is a passport for every transplant center in the world and thus acceptance of our samples. In the final stage, families who have chosen us to receive a diagnosis of the newborn for lactose or gluten intolerance, bitter taste, and deafness caused by medication. This is a screening that will help parents take quick and effective measures for the health of the already-born baby. Throughout the process, our clients receive professional consultations from doctors, biologists, and specialists from the Afrodita Medical Center - our partners.

How should an expectant mother choose the right stem cell bank and trust it?

There are three categories that a bank should work on to offer quality service to its customers. Certificates, accreditations, and licenses are the first important step in building trust - the more a tissue bank has, the easier it will be to accept a sample worldwide. Financial stability is the second important criterion when choosing a company. Stem cell banking is a long-term investment for a family, so the company should not undertake risky financial operations, resales, and loans. Third, and especially important, are successful transplants and freed samples. Years of experience as well as the number of stored samples of a bank are of great importance. Here I want to point out that Future Health has a remarkable advantage in all three parameters, compared to all other stem cell banks operating in Bulgaria, and this is another answer to your previous question. That is exactly why we have been awarded by numerous international institutions and organizations, one of them being the Queen of Great Britain. Future Health is the first private accredited stem cell storage bank in Europe.