WA's first public Cord Blood Bank will get a push in the right direction when hundreds of West Australians take part in the inaugural Rotary WA Climb for a Smile in October.
The Rotary Climb for a Smile which is supported by BankWest will be held on Sunday October 5, 2008 at the BankWest Tower on St George's Tce and will involve participants climbing the 1042 stairs to the 51st floor in a bid to raise more than $100,000.
The money raised will go to the Rotary WA Cord Blood Bank, the Rotary-funded Interplast program (aimed at fixing congenital deformity and disfigurement, and severe burns contractures in children in developing countries) and the international polio program.
In 2005 Rotary WA committed to fundraising $6 million to establish the Cord Blood Bank which will enable the collection and processing of life saving cord blood for patients suffering from leukaemia and other malignant and genetic blood diseases.
Bone marrow is most commonly used for transplants but cord blood also contains hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells, similar to those found in bone marrow.
Cord Blood Project Senior Scientist Gail Lazzaro said the facility, which is due for construction later this year, will be a major benefit for West Australians.
"Currently those in Western Australia who are in need of a transplant have access to cord blood on the national and international registries but we don't have a facility for women to donate - this new facility will allow that, "Ms Lazzaro said.
"The cord blood program in Western Australia will enhance the range of tissue types available nationally.
"Only one third to one half of patients requiring a bone marrow transplant can find a suitably matched bone marrow donor and cord blood is a proven alternative for many patients."
Trained staff will collect the cord blood from mothers (who have given their permission) which will then be transferred to the new facility in Wellington Street, Perth, where it will be processed, tested, frozen and stored until it is needed.
Through fundraising initiatives and support from local businesses a total of $4.4 million has been raised for the facility, falling $1.6 million short of the target.
Chairman of Rotary's Cord Blood Bank Project John Iriks is urging West Australians to take part in the climb to ensure ample funds are raised.
"The Climb for a smile gives the public of Western Australia the opportunity to participate in turning our dream into reality. Funds raised will go a long way to help fulfil Rotary's Centennial gift to the people of Western Australia in providing this much needed facility," Mr Iriks said.
BankWest's Head of Products and Strategy Selina Duncalf said Rotary WA was an important part of the state's history and BankWest was happy to help raise awareness of such an important cause.
"BankWest strives to make banking a happier experience for customers so we see it fitting to be involved in an event that will bring a smile to many people in the WA community and to support the excellent work which Rotary does, "Mrs Duncalf said.
To register for the climb please go to www.climbforasmile.org.au.
