About Us

Mission Statement

The mission of the Binns Program for Cord Blood Research (BPCBR) is simple: to advance research into a wide array of blood and immune disorders, from leukemia to sickle cell disease, by providing Stanford researchers with umbilical cord blood, an invaluable yet often over-looked resource.

Founding Principle

Umbilical cord blood is typically disposed of after a baby has been delivered. Advocates of stem cell research have sought an alternative to this approach out of the wish for their child's cord blood to be helpful in treating and curing disease. BPCBR was born from this altruistic desire to advance discovery by bringing patients, clinicians, and researchers together in pursuit of a novel and ambitious endeavor: a non-profit, sustainable initiative that would provide Stanford researchers with umbilical cord blood for years to come.

Meet the Team

Rajni Agarwal-Hashmi, M.D.

Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine)
Clinical Director, Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation
Section Chief, Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation


Deirdre Lyell, M.D.

Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Maternal Fetal Medicine)
Director, Program in Placental Disorders, Obstetrics and Gynecology (Maternal-Fetal Medicine)
Fellowship Program Director, Maternal-Fetal Medicine


Matthew Porteus, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor of Pediatrics (Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine)
Director, Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine


The Binns Family

As the visionaries behind Stanford's novel cord blood donation program, the Binns family shares our objective for advancing clinical science and current treatment approaches to various blood and immune disorders through cord blood research. We will always be grateful for their ongoing support and involvement.