NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Drew Barrymore recently revealed in her chat show that she saved the blood from both of her daughters' umbilical cords for stem cells after being told by a doctor that it could act as a lifesaver for her children. In a video from ‘The Drew Barrymore Show' on May 18, the 48-year-old actress can be heard saying, “When I was in the hospital giving birth to my first daughter, I learned from the doctors what the benefits could be and I made the choice then and there. And then did it for my second daughter Frankie."
Barrymore said, "When you hear about something you can put in a bank to save you on another day, I immediately signed up both my daughters for it." She went on to say, “It could have an impact on your family and even in some cases it could save your child’s life.” The 'Charlie's Angels' actress also spoke to board-certified OB/GYN and Cord Blood Registry spokesperson Dr Christine Sterling, and asked her to "explain what newborn stem cells are, what are the benefits and why would an expecting family save them?"
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To this, Sterling replied, "The umbilical cord is made up of tissue and contains blood, both of which are rich sources of stem cells with the potential to act like our body's own personal repair kit." Stanford Medicine Children's Health states, "The only stem cells now used to treat disease are hematopoietic stem cells. These are the blood cell-forming adult stem cells found in bone marrow." As per Insider, stem cells can be used to treat genetic and neurological disorders, and some forms of cancer.
What is the cost?
According to a report by New York Post, the initial collection and processing could cost up to $3K, while the annual storage fees could cost $1,300. But the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association say the costs of storing as a form of "biological insurance" are high because the blood may never be used. And if they are used, it's more likely to go to a sibling, The Atlantic reported. However, a report published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy claimed that these forms of treatments are not yet approved because there is a "lack of standardized manufacturing methods," "limited understanding of the mechanisms of action," "regulatory challenges," and "scalability issues."
Details about Drew Barrymore's daughters
Barrymore's first daughter is Olive Barrymore Kopelman, who was born on September 26, 2012. When she turned 10 last year, the mother took to Instagram and wrote, "Happy 10th birthday Olive … my how you have grown. Today you are double digits. Today we get your ears pierced. Today is the start of many things. I didn’t know a love like I have for you and your sister Frankie. The greatest one I will ever know. It takes the top spot in my heart. You are my priorities. And I am so proud to be your mom. Best thing I have ever done with my life or will ever do with my life! Happy tenth birthday. Is it ok if I always see you as my baby?! My teeny tiny little marvel ????"
Her second daughter, Frankie, was born on April 22, 2014, which is on Earth Day. And in 2021, the mother celebrated her special day with an animated segment on 'The Drew Barrymore Show', saying, "Hi everyone, my name is Frankie Barrymore Kopelman, and guess what? Earth Day is my birthday!" Barrymore shares her two daughters with ex-husband Will Kopelman. They got divorced in 2016.
