Editor’s Note: The original article was published on the Hampden-Sydney College website. https://www.hsc.edu/news-index/student-donor
An exemplary Hampden-Sydney man, Peyton Lambert ’27 courageously and selflessly donated his stem cells after discovering he was a match for a leukemia patient.
During this season of gratitude, we often gather with loved ones, savoring every moment together. Giving back and creating new opportunities for others is a big part of what it means to be a Hampden-Sydney man, and
sometimes, these acts of kindness can even save lives. This year, Peyton Lambert ’27 exemplified this spirit in one of the most courageous and selfless ways possible. After discovering he was a match for a leukemia patient, Peyton donated his stem cells, dedicating many hours to make a life-changing difference.
The journey began in spring 2024 when Hampden-Sydney Football teamed up with the National Marrow Donor Program for an event on campus. Peyton, a dedicated Hampden-Sydney man and member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) with a strong commitment to service, participated to see if he could be a match for patients in need. Soon after the event, he was informed he was a match for a 63-year-old leukemia patient and was asked to provide a blood sample for further confirmation. When the fall semester began at Hampden-Sydney, he was called upon for one final blood test, involving collecting 15 tubes of his blood, before proceeding with the stem cell donation process.
“A few of my close family members battled cancer, so I was putting myself in their shoes,” Peyton says. “If someone else I loved had cancer and there was an opportunity to help, I’d want the person who was a match to donate.”
Stem cells are unique cells in the body that have the ability to develop into many different cell types, making them crucial for treating various diseases. Unlike other cells, which have specific roles, stem cells are unspecialized but have the ability to become specialized cells—like blood cells, brain cells, or muscle cells—when needed. This flexibility allows stem cells to replace damaged or diseased cells in the body, proving valuable in medical treatments. Stem cell donations can be life-saving for patients with leukemia, as they help regenerate healthy blood cells and boost the immune system to fight the disease.
“In giving his time and body to help someone in need, for no personal reward, Peyton has put into action what it means to be a good man and good citizen.” Ray Kleinlein, Elliott Assistant Professor of Fine Arts
In October, Peyton requested to be excused from a class taught by Elliott Assistant Professor of Fine Arts Ray Kleinlein to travel to Washington, D.C., for the four-hour procedure. Reflecting on this, Kleinlein saw Hampden-Sydney’s spirit in Peyton’s actions, saying, “In giving his time and body to help someone in need, for no personal reward, Peyton has put into action what it means to be a good man and good citizen.”
In the days leading up, Peyton administered filgrastim injections to boost his white blood cell count. Despite feeling tired, he persevered through the process, enduring needles in both arms connected to a machine that cycled through the blood in his body three times.
“I could see all my blood being cycled in and out while I was hooked up to the machine,” Peyton says. “It was a bit nerve-wracking at first, but I eventually relaxed, and the time passed quickly.”
Peyton truly exemplifies what it means to be a good man and a good citizen. During this season of gratitude, he shows us that we always have the ability to contribute to the well-being and health of others.
“I felt great after donating, knowing I was able to help someone in need and offer support,” Peyton says. “The experience left me feeling truly grateful, and I’m really glad I could contribute in such a meaningful and positive way.”
Peyton’s selflessness and commitment to helping others will continue to leave a lasting impact for years to come. If the donation is successful, the patient will have the opportunity to connect with Peyton in six months to meet and share their stories. Proud and grateful, Peyton embodies the spirit of giving, reminding us all that there is always a way to make a difference and bring gratitude into someone else’s life.
