ABOUT STEM CELLS Stem cells have the power to change and save lives. They are the body's "master" cells that regenerate and turn into the cells that form all of the tissues, organs, and systems in the human body. The first bone marrow stem cell transplant was given to Lara Graves in 1979 at the Fred Hutchinson Institute. Lara's father, Dr. Robert Graves, went on to found the National Marrow Donor Program. Stem cell transplants are regularly being used to treat more than 80 different diseases and medical conditions including cancer, diabetes and sickle cell anemia.