Happy for the chance to help others
Samantha Salwasser and her husband, Kyle, made the decision to donate their baby’s cord blood while in the birthing unit of Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Medical Center. She didn’t know at the time that she and her daughter, Sydney, would be making news with Sydney’s delivery.
“I was surprised when a nurse coordinator entered the delivery room and asked if I would be interested in donating cord blood. I responded ‘Definitely,’” Salwasser said. “Then they told me that I would be the very first to donate in the medical center’s newly established cord blood collection program. I was quite excited.”
According to Salwasser, the donation was very easy. “Two nurses explained the process. We completed some paperwork while we were waiting for our daughter’s arrival, and they collected the cord blood unit after I delivered. I understood exactly what was happening and was so grateful to have the opportunity to participate. Frankly, I’m shocked that more people aren’t donating their baby’s cord blood currently.”
Immediately after the baby’s arrival, Salwasser and Sydney had their picture taken. The collection team brought them flowers. And in the weeks after, she participated in a Zoom meeting with the media covering the launch of Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Medical Center’s cord blood collection program. “The story and a flower are now a part of Sydney’s baby book,” noted Salwasser. “It’s a point of pride for our family and we can’t wait to tell her when she gets older what a special baby she is.
“Donating your baby’s cord blood is so easy – expecting moms and dads should feel comfortable making this decision when giving birth. I think about how we may be contributing to research through our cord blood donation. I hope we are saving someone’s life,” Salwasser concluded.