Morgan Hufstader Blood Drive
When first-grade teacher and mother of two Morgan Hufstader was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 34, she faced months of chemotherapy, surgeries, and uncertainty. While she never needed a blood transfusion during treatment, she witnessed many fellow cancer patients rely on lifesaving blood products. Inspired by Morgan's journey, her coworkers at Monfort Heights Elementary School organized a Hoxworth blood drive in her honor, turning one woman's fight against cancer into an opportunity for the community to help save lives close to home.
Inspired by Morgan: A Cancer Diagnosis That Sparked a Community to Give
When Morgan Hufstader received her breast cancer diagnosis at just 34 years old, her first thought was one many patients share.
"My first question was, am I going to die?" she recalled.
Today, the Anderson Township mother of two young boys, ages 4 and 2, is back in her first-grade classroom at Monfort Heights Elementary School and looking forward to a summer that feels very different from the one before.
"I'm looking forward to this summer much more than last summer when I first got diagnosed," she said.
A cancer diagnosis and treatment in Cincinnati
Morgan's journey began with a family history of breast cancer. Her grandmother had battled the disease, prompting Morgan to establish care with a high-risk nurse practitioner at the UC Barrett Cancer Center years earlier. She even completed a baseline mammogram in 2023 that showed no concerns.
But in the spring of 2025, Morgan began experiencing breast pain. A mammogram revealed calcifications that had not been present before. A biopsy confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma, Stage 1, triple positive breast cancer.
The diagnosis came as a shock.
"I didn't think cancer was on my bingo card," Morgan said. "I was only 34."
Her treatment plan included 12 weeks of chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, and ultimately a double mastectomy. Because her cancer was HER2-positive, she continues to receive antibody treatments that will last for a full year.
Despite the fear and uncertainty that followed her diagnosis, Morgan says her medical team provided reassurance from the beginning.
"Everyone was very reassuring that I would get back to my normal life," she said.
Throughout her treatment, Morgan spent countless hours in the infusion center. While she never personally required a blood transfusion, she witnessed firsthand how critical blood donations are for many cancer patients.
"Being in the Barrett Cancer Center and the infusion room, there were multiple people that came in and received blood transfusions," she said. "They monitored my levels throughout treatment, but I never got into a range where I needed it. I didn't realize that people needed blood transfusions during treatment. That was very eye-opening to me."
Hoxworth blood drive at Monfort Heights Elementary School
For patients undergoing chemotherapy, blood transfusions can be a lifeline, helping replace red blood cells, platelets, and other blood components depleted during treatment. Morgan says seeing those transfusions happen around her underscored the importance of maintaining a strong blood supply for patients fighting cancer and other serious illnesses.
Even though she never needed blood herself, Morgan found comfort in knowing it would be available if she did.
As Morgan focused on her treatment and recovery, her community rallied around her.
At Monfort Heights Elementary School, where she teaches first grade, colleagues organized a Hoxworth blood drive in honor of Morgan and another coworker who was also battling cancer. Coordinated by fellow educator Kim Smiley, the drive recognized not only the two teachers but all patients undergoing treatment who may depend on lifesaving blood products. The blood drive was a huge success helping save more than 162 lives!
The response was a powerful reminder that one person's journey can inspire others to give back.
For Morgan, the support she received from family, friends, coworkers, and her school community made an overwhelming challenge more manageable.
"It really takes a village to go through something like this," she said.
Morgan returns to work and her normal routine
Today, Morgan is focused on returning to normal life, raising her young sons, and sharing an important message with others.
"I think it's important to advocate," she said. "Do your self-checks. Get your mammograms. You don't know what tomorrow has in store for you."
Her diagnosis changed her perspective, but it also inspired an entire community to act.
While Morgan never needed a blood transfusion, many cancer patients do. Thanks to generous blood donors, those lifesaving transfusions are available when patients need them most. The blood drive held in her honor served as a powerful reminder that every donation has the potential to help someone facing one of the most difficult battles of their life.
Can you help local patients?
At Hoxworth Blood Center, blood donors help ensure that blood is ready for cancer patients, trauma victims, surgical patients, and countless others throughout the Tri-State. Morgan's story is proof that even when blood isn't needed by a particular patient, knowing it's there can provide hope and inspire others to roll up their sleeves. When you donate blood with Hoxworth, you are saving lives close to home.