Allogenic Stem Cell Transplant was the only option to save her life
In 2009, Lauren Mostardi was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL), a blood cancer that increases a type of immature white blood cell called promyelocytes. APL is a rare form of leukemia that develops in 600-800 people in the United States each year. Lauren was just 22 years old at the time of her diagnosis.
After multiple rounds of traditional treatments that weren’t effective, her medical team initially looked into a bone marrow transplant however there was no match compatible to Lauren. The doctors then searched for a possible match in the cord blood registry and quickly found a match.
“I was so grateful” Lauren said. “They called the transplant an Allogenic Stem Cell Transplant and the actual procedure was just like a blood transfusion. No pain.” She emphasized that the procedure was “completely safe” and that she felt “very comfortable” as the transplantation progressed.
Lauren emphasized that the Allogenic Stem Cell Transplant was the only option to save her life and is extremely thankful to donors. She also sees the importance of raising awareness and helping people understand the benefits of umbilical cord donation. “My family is incredibly grateful and I am so appreciative to those who make the decision to donate their umbilical cord blood to save lives every day.”