Margaret Plowdrey
For Margaret Plowdrey, supporting Hoxworth Blood Center has always been about one thing: helping save lives. Whether she was rolling up her sleeve to donate blood or giving her time as a volunteer, Margaret has remained committed to helping local patients in need. Now, after completing cancer treatment, she’s back to donating blood and continuing the volunteer work she started more than a decade ago.
From giving blood to giving time
Margaret, an A-positive blood donor, was a regular Hoxworth donor until she was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2014. Her cancer treatment included two surgeries and radiation. Going through her regular routine, she tried to donate blood and learned she would be deferred during her cancer treatment. Margaret was so upset that she couldn’t give blood that she started crying and explained her situation to a volunteer working in the café area of the Ft. Mitchell donor center.
Her message was clear: Margaret wasn’t ready to stop giving back.
That’s when the gentleman suggested Margaret find another way to make a difference by becoming a Hoxworth volunteer.
“When I showed up at Hoxworth Ft. Mitchell to give blood and was told in the interview that Hoxworth would no longer take my blood due to my cancer, but would take my time to volunteer,” Margaret said. “So I started to volunteer in January 2015.”
Since then, Margaret has continued volunteering regularly, proving that there are many ways to support the lifesaving mission of Hoxworth Blood Center. Margaret says working events where she gets to speak to the public about the importance of blood donation is one of her favorite volunteer duties.
Returning to blood donation at a special drive
In September 2026, Margaret returned to donating blood at the Montgomery Inn blood drive, marking another milestone in her journey. Margaret also enjoys the welcoming atmosphere of the Montgomery Inn blood drive, where owner Dean Gregory is a strong supporter of blood donation.
“Dean Gregory [Montgomery Inn President and CEO] is so supportive, plus you get lots of goodies,” she said.
A true Hoxworth Hero
Now cancer-free and finished with treatment, Margaret is once again able to give blood and help local patients who depend on lifesaving transfusions. Her story also serves as an important reminder for other cancer survivors: A history of cancer does not automatically mean you can never donate blood again. Many cancer survivors may be eligible to donate once their treatment is complete, depending on their diagnosis, treatment history and other eligibility requirements. Anyone who has completed cancer treatment and is interested in donating is encouraged to contact Hoxworth to discuss their eligibility.
For Margaret, encouraging others to donate is just as important as giving herself. Even though she admits she isn't a fan of needles, she knows the impact of a single donation can far outweigh any momentary discomfort.
“Encourage friends and family to donate. It does not hurt. I can’t look at a needle, I hate needles! And it’s less than a bee-sting,” Margaret said.
Her message is simple, but the impact is extraordinary. Every blood donation can help provide a second chance to a patient facing a medical emergency, undergoing surgery or battling a serious illness.
“What better gift can you possibly give than the gift of life?” Margaret said.
Join the community of Hoxworth Heroes
After years of giving to Hoxworth through both her time and her blood, Margaret continues to embody what it means to be a Hoxworth Hero. Her story is a powerful reminder that the desire to help others can endure through life's most difficult challenges and that, for many cancer survivors, the opportunity to donate blood may be possible again.