In Australia, only 13 children have received experimental therapy with umbilical cord blood stem cells for cerebral palsy. But Zara is the first child to receive an infusion of her own cord blood cells outside a clinical trial. This milestone marks progress in regenerative medicine and underlines the importance of cord blood preservation at birth.
Who is Zara and what did she receive?
Zara, 6 years old, lives in Australia and has cerebral palsy, a neurological condition affecting movement and motor development.
In April 2025, at the Monash Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, she received an infusion of her own cord blood stem cells as a compassionate treatment, thanks to a collaboration between Hudson Cell Therapies, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Cell Care, and the Hudson Institute of Medical Research.
How does the therapy work?
Her cord blood, stored privately at birth, was prepared in the laboratory and reinfused intravenously in a protected, multidisciplinary setting.
Cord blood stem cells can:
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reduce inflammation,
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release regenerative factors,
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stimulate repair of nerve cells.
International studies have already shown improvements in language, movement, and social abilities in children with cerebral palsy.
Why is this news relevant?
Cerebral palsy affects thousands of children in Europe as well, where available treatments are often limited to physical rehabilitation.
Zara’s case demonstrates that cord blood preservation can open concrete therapeutic opportunities. Until now, many Australian families had to travel abroad, at their own expense, to access similar therapies.
A carefully planned procedure
Pediatric neurologist Prof. Michael Fahey said:
“This is the first time in Australia. Everything was planned down to the minute. We hope this paves the way for other children.”
The infusion was performed like a standard transfusion: a 30-minute procedure with Zara awake, accompanied by her family and monitored by a multidisciplinary team. Potential improvements will be evaluated in the following months alongside tailored rehabilitation.
A clear message for families
If Zara’s cord blood had not been preserved at birth, this opportunity would not have been possible.
The key message is simple: we cannot predict a child’s medical future, but we can provide an extra resource.
Sources
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Cerebral Palsy Alliance – 22 May 2025
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Parents Guide to Cord Blood – June 2025
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Hudson Cell Therapies, official releases – May 2025
