This registry drive was done in memory of Ari Chambers. QR Code for the drive displayed Ari Chambers-Baltz image. “Let’s do this [registry event], but also remember him [Ari] and honor him,” Caroline Reding | QR Code for Registering by Serena Hodge

A few minutes can save lives

The Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society, hosts a stem cell and bone marrow registry drive in memory of Ari Chambers-Baltz, son of Bethel University alumna, Stepanie Chambers-Baltz

By Serena Hodge

NMDP visited Bethel last year on behalf of 2-year-old Ari Chambers-Baltz, son of a Bethel alumna, Stephanie Chambers-Baltz. Ari was born May 27, 2021. He had curly blond hair and blue eyes. He also needed a bone marrow transplant due to an immune deficiency. Despite his medical hardships he was a very happy child, according to his grandmother. The drives for matches spanned multiple days and resulted in the registry gaining about 400 new people from the Bethel community. Eventually little Chambers-Baltz found two matches and underwent his bone marrow transplant. Though the transplant was a success, Chambers-Baltz passed away due a complication of infection on August 12, 2023. His grandmother, Sharon Chambers, his aunt Sarah Chambers and his cousins were present at this year’s drive in show of support. Though their grandson and nephew is gone, they understand that other lives can likewise be saved through matching.

041824_A Few Minutes Can Save Lives_hodge.jpg: Ari’s Aunt Sarah Chambers (left) holding his cousin and Ari’s Grandmother Sharon Chambers Right coming to drive to show support. “Other people are alive because of what the [Bethel] students did,” Sharon Chambers said. | Photo by Serena Hodge

“He loved buses,” Sharon said, “so, whenever anybody sees a bus, think of Ari and think about doing something selfless. Like swabbing and potentially saving a life.”

‘Swabbing’ refers to the collection of cells from inside the cheek using Q-tips, which are then sealed in an envelope sent to a lab to test for matches. Including the time it takes for the potential donor’s general information to be recorded, the whole process takes about five minutes. Five minutes for the chance of a blood cancer patient to find a match for necessary stem cells. Even though registering is an important step, it takes on average five to 10 years to find a match for someone.

“We [NMDP] just really love this campus. [Bethel University] really caused a miracle for Ari.” — Keesha Mason, NMDP representative

April 18, Keesha Mason, a representative of NMDP covered a wooden table with a navy blue tablecloth that read: “NMDP Find cures. Save lives.”

Mason set her table with swab kits, travel-size hand sanitizers and mini suckers for those who registered. By 1p.m. Georgie Aus and Caroline Reding, members of the Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society, took applicants for the registry drive, which lasted 7p.m. in the Brushaber Commons at Bethel University.

041824_A Few Minutes Can Save Lives_hodge.jpg: Tri-Beta members Caroline Reding and Georgi Aus at NMDP Table in Brushaber Commons to register people April 18. “If you ever were to match with someone, it could be 5,10, 15 years from now, but having that data available is really important in making sure we can help people cure their blood cancers,” Caroline said. | Photo by Serena Hodge

“I expect that it’s going to be a great feeling of fulfillment and impact on someone else’s life,” freshman Noah Schorooten said after swabbing.

Eric Puumala and Kjersten Larson, leaders of Tri-Beta, also showed up to man the registry drive table. Brushaber Commons’ foot traffic ebbed and flowed, and dramatically increased as the DC opened for dinner. Some people stopped. Some people didn’t. Some people observed and then moved on. Some passed by, but brought a friend or two that was willing to join the registry. By the end of the drive, the registry had gained 60 new members in one afternoon . The Tri-Beta members are proud of their efforts and results.

“You can’t get a bone marrow transplant if you don’t have a match with someone,” Tri-Beta member Caroline Reding said. “All in all, that’s why it’s important to grow the registry.”