We knew it was a no-brainer for us to bank given our family history. We will be banking both children's chord blood. Companies do offer a discount for multiples.

Strokes are prevalent on my side of the family and my father suffered a massive one at age 57. His life, my brother's life and mine radically changed as he can't live on his own or take care of himself. I would pay any amount of money for even the slightest chance of that never happening in my family again. When it comes to money, it has cost SSDI, medical insurance and my family a lot more to care for him that the chord blood fees and potential future fees if used. Nevermind his lack of independence which is priceless.

Three out of 4 of DH's grandparents died of cancer. The chord blood research is studying the effects chord blood cells can have in treating each one of these specific cancers. While we live the healthiest lifestyle we can, genetics is largely out of our control.

Yes, it isn't cheap but I think it makes sense for some families. If money is an issue, there are payment plans and company registries where families can help out.

As far as the long term standing of the companies, some are public (and you can obtain their financial reports), some are private. It's also important to research what other bio-tech partnerships the companies have. Who sits on the board.... mostly doctors?... mostly financial experts? Some companies are involved in further research and some are not. We spent a lot of time reseaching the particular companies.

Defintely a decision that has to take into account the overall family medical history of each particular family.