The Hope of Research Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS), and Klippel-Trenaunay (K-T), are just two of the perplexing medical mysteries whose answers will only be found with continued and dedicated research. For this reason, the Brain and Tissue Banks for Developmental Disorders were funded by the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development with the expressed goal of advancing meaningful research.

The Banks collect, preserve, and distribute human tissues to qualified scientific investigators whose compassion is strong, but whose work can’t more forward without your help. Human tissue donated at the time of surgery or death by people of all ages, especially those who have a genetic or developmental disorder, is the most precious resource on which these researchers depend.

How To Register Return a registration form to the SWF Research Dept. and then notify the Bank of your intention to donate. The form will register your name, address and other vital information and will register you with only one Bank. In return, you will receive a registration packet with further details. Click here to download forms

What Tissues Are Needed? Many different tissues from individuals with a PWS, SWS or K-T are needed for ongoing research projects.

How Much Tissue is Needed? Very small to very large pieces of tissue can be used in PWS, SWS, or K-T research. The important thing to remember is the removal of tissue should never be done for the sole purpose of research and should never raise any risks for the health of the individual.

Why Donate to the Tissue Banks & Not To A Specific Researcher? The primary reason to donate to the Brain and Tissue Banks and not directly to one researcher is that the Brain and Tissue Banks are funded by the National Institutes of Health to help coordinate storage and distribution of tissue samples for research on developmental disorders.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration on becoming a tissue donor. Please do not hesitate to contact SWF if you have questions about any aspect of this program.

Maryland Brain & Tissue Bank
University of Maryland
(800) 847-1539; (410) 706-1755; fax: (410) 706-0020
e-mail: btbumab@umaryland.edu