Cord blood may save Yale hockey player

New Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - Cord blood could be the miracle that might save the life of a Yale hockey player who has been battling cancer.

Mandi Schwartz is currently in a hospital in Canada undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia. She was given one month to live if she does not get a donation of cord blood. Right now there is a global call for cord blood donations from pregnant women because a partial bone marrow match will not save her life. She is 22-year old female of Ukrainian decent and she needs cord blood from someone of a similar background."She knows that if she doesn't get a transplant, she will no longer be with us and if she is forced to get a bone marrow transplant, a partial bone marrow transplant, that she could die," said Dr. Tedd Collins, an organizer for 'Become Mandi's Hero.' "She knows the cord blood is her best hope."

Collins is coordinating an international effort and people are responding. So far, there have been 6,000 hits on the website. 100 women have downloaded forms and 50 have been sent. Collins also said actual donations have come in. "We've taken seven in already," explained Collins. "There are probably seven to eight women in the hospital right now so its looking good. It's looking good that we are going to be able to make at least 100."

While Schwartz remains in a hospital in Canada, the push continues to reach out to pregnant women who are about to give birth to donate cord blood.

Cord blood is taken from the umbilical cord after the baby is born. "With everything that is happening she's feeling good, but at the same time she will be the first to say she understands," said Collins.

The supply of donated cord blood will eventually be sent to a Seattle hospital where Schwartz will undergo the transplantation. Doctors hope to do the procedure before the end of July.

If you want to help, you can find out how to donate by clicking here.