Be the Match is a nationwide bone marrow and cord blood donation organization. The non-profit organization has chapters all over the United States, one of the newest being at the University of Wyoming.
Be the Match reached out to Jessimine Ellie Jewett and Jenna Merritt, who are now the chapter’s president and vice president. Jewett, chapter president and founder, explained that she was ecstatic when the organization reached out and asked her about starting a chapter at UW.
“I love everything you stand for. I love what you’re bringing to people and the lives you are saving. I would love to be a part of it,” was her immediate response to the request.
Jewett was connected with Merritt and the two, with a few other members, turned the dream into a reality. Though the club began with the two girls and a few friends, within just one month the club has gained 36 members.
Xander Lindsey, who was elected the chapter’s new treasurer at the Oct. 10 meeting, explained that he had found out about the organization through a volunteer fair that he had recently attended. He has donated blood multiple times before and is registered to donate for Be the Match.
Vahn Williams, a sophomore at UW studying nursing, was inspired to become a member in Be the Match and contributed to the founding of the UW chapter. Williams originally joined the club, inspired by his grandma, who had dealt with uterine, and later, spleen cancer. Prior to the chapter being established in Laramie, Williams had what he describes as, “the most rewarding experience of my life.”
Williams received a call last summer from the organization telling him that he matched with a patient in need – a 60-year-old, male, cancer patient. Though he may never be able to speak with the patient whose life he saved, Williams stated that he would never give up a chance to help someone in need.
“Who am I to be a perfectly healthy, 19-year-old boy who could absolutely help someone in need and not do it.”
And that is exactly what he did. When speaking about his time in Seattle, Williams remarked, “I’m lucky that I’m young.” He had the opportunity to travel to a new place, be a part of something much bigger than himself, and save a life.
Be the Match facilitates an easy environment for donors to give to patients in dire need. When Williams was contacted, he was in the middle of an anatomy class, and the only issue he had to work around was getting the time off from school.
“I was about to do something bigger than myself; bigger than sports, bigger than a grade on a test, bigger than any late night study session.”
When asked why a student should join Be the Match, Williams stated, “Why shouldn’t you? That’s the better question.”
Anyone ages 18-40 is able to sign up and support the organization, learn more about stem cell transplants, and maybe even save lives.
