A mother’s gift…

Ja’Leisa White-Newhouse gave birth to her second child—a healthy baby girl—Aug. 29, 2018, by cesarean section. Her gynecologist suggested she consider birth tissue donation since the C-section was scheduled ahead of time. It was a no brainer for White-Newhouse after she learned she could heal others.

“My great-grandmother passed away at 96 years old after she fell and had a wound that was not able to heal,” White-Newhouse says, adding that she donated so other people could have more time with their grandparents. “Prior to her falling, she got around better than any of us. The option of donation was something very touching to me and I wanted to help people.”

The gift of healing

Expectant mother Valerie Sperduti planned on bringing one new life into the world, but was amazed to discover she could give the gift of healing to many more. After learning she would need a scheduled cesarian section, she discovered placenta donation.

“While working full time and mother of a toddler, I had no time to think about squeezing anything additional into my schedule,” says Sperduti. “With just a phone conversation, I learned that I could give the ultimate gift of healing at no cost to myself!”

Birth tissue can provide healing through many procedures, including skin grafting and neurological reconstructive procedures. Excited by the opportunity to give this selfless gift, she signed up.

“The collection of my placenta did not interfere with delivery or put me or my baby at risk,” says Sperduti. “Unless you have other plans for your placenta after your delivery, it will just be thrown away! I’ve learned that life is so unpredictable. You never know when someone you love could use the gift of healing.”