Birth Tissue Donation
Born a Hero
Following the miracle of life, birth tissue (placenta and umbilical cord) can become a priceless gift with the potential to aid in healing after various types of surgical procedures. While moms cherish the miracle of their new baby, transplant recipients are able to cherish the miracle of healing through the generous decision of the mom to donate her birth tissues.
Any expecting mother is eligible to donate her birth tissue for the following...
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Mercy Hospital: C-section and Vaginal deliveries
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Oishei Children’s, Millard Fillmore, Niagara Falls Memorial, Sisters of Charity Hospital: C-section only
If interested and your physician has not told you about this program, please contact the ConnectLife Donor Referral Center at 716-529-4300 ext 5 to learn more.
One birth tissue donor can help heal up to 100 lives. Donating birth tissue is a safe and painless process that does not affect your delivery or your baby in any way. Without donation, the placenta is typically discarded as medical waste, but through donation, it becomes a powerful resource for healing.
After donation, the tissue is carefully packaged, decellularized, and processed into grafts used in a wide range of surgical procedures to support wound healing recovery. Your choice to donate can create lasting change - giving others a second chance at healing and honoring your baby as a hero from the very beginning.
Birth Tissue Donation Information
Safe
The birth tissue is recovered after the baby is delivered. The process poses no risk to you or your baby.
Painless
The donation process requires no additional surgical procedure for you. A routine blood specimen is collected the day of your delivery.
Simple
When you consent to birth tissue donation, you answer a series of questions regarding your medical and social history to ensure the safety of the tissue.
Free
There is no cost to you or your family. Any expenses related to birth tissue donation are paid for by ConnectLife.
Please consider this donation opportunity so that, together, we can improve the quality of life for patients in need.
Uses For Your Gift
The amniotic membrane within the placenta has been used for decades to promote healing after surgery. It is used in a wide range of ocular and dental surgical procedures, as well as urological and neurological reconstructive procedures. Tissues derived from the umbilical cord have the potential to help patients suffering from various types of soft tissue injuries. The cord contains a special combination of cells that are known for their anti-scarring, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.
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Amnion is also used in combination with skin grafts for burn victims and on difficult-to-heal wounds such as diabetic foot and leg ulcers. Amnion can reduce pain, inflammation, and scar tissue while also speeding up the recovery process.
Contact Our Team
If you are a physician/hospital and would like more information on how to get involved with our Birth Tissue Program please contact Rachele Rybicki, Birth Tissue Program Manager, at rrybicki@ConnectLife.org, call 716-529-4385, or fill out the Birth Tissue Donation Referral Form below.
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Or call ConnectLife's Donor Referral Center at 716-529-4300 to speak with a Family Support Specialist.
For more general questions please contact