Cord Blood Program

The J.P. McCarthy Cord Stem Cell Bank at the Karmanos Cancer Institute is a public, non-profit stem cell bank with over 1,200 umbilical cord blood units in its inventory. The bank was founded in 2001 with funding from The J.P. McCarthy Fund and the Carls Foundation and is one of only a few internationally recognized cord stem cell banks affiliated with the National Marrow Donor Program.

The bank was created in anticipation of providing life-saving hope to people who have been diagnosed with cancer and serious blood disorders.

Karmanos collects, processes and stores donated umbilical cord blood that becomes a readily available source of hematopoietic stem cells for transplant in children and adults with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease or other life-threatening conditions.

The J.P. McCarthy Cord Blood Bank and Carls Processing Laboratory is also accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). The accreditation signifies the highest standards of practice in collection, processing and transplantation.  

This accreditation demonstrates the commitment to quality in cord blood banking through adherence to rigorous standards that are verified by periodic inspection and peer review.

J.P. McCarthy was Detroit’s beloved News/Talk 760 WJR morning radio show host for 30 years. He died of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) in August 1995 at the age of 62, just six weeks after diagnosis. His wife, Judy, established the J.P. McCarthy Fund to search for a cure for MDS. The J.P. McCarthy Fund was instrumental in developing the cord stem cell bank at the Karmanos Cancer Institute with a donation to name the bank in honor and in memory of Mr. McCarthy.

Cord Blood Donation Information

Expectant families interested in donating can call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266). Potential donors will be provided with general information regarding the donation process. Staff will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have along the way.Expectant families interested in donating can call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266). Potential donors will be provided with general information regarding the donation process. Staff will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have along the way.