BUCYRUS — When Morgan Stevens began to experience some health issues, she did what most people do: made an appointment with her primary physician.
After some blood tests that revealed her platelets were low, the physician sent her to The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus for further testing.
“They sent me home over the weekend,” Stevens said. “It was my son’s third birthday.”
When she called on Monday, Aug. 27, things began to move quickly.
“I had to immediately go to the James. I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia,” said Stevens, who then spent the next 41 days at the cancer-focused hospital.
Stevens spent weeks undergoing chemotherapy and battling renal failure, caused by a build-up of fluid in her body.
“I was on a ventilator for three days and had to undergo temporary dialysis. It was really hard, but it could have been so much worse,” said Stevens, who had also suffered a brain bleed from her low platelet count.
After spending weeks in the hospital, Stevens was able to come home on Oct. 8.
When Stevens had made the original appointment with her primary physician, she had thought she may be pregnant and she was.
“The doctors explained that if I did not start treatment immediately, I would die. My finance and I had to make the hardest decision of our lives and terminate the pregnancy,” Stevens said. “I went from having a D and C to chemotherapy. It was heart-wrenching.”
Stevens, who is off work for at least one year from her job at Verizon in Galion, currently is undergoing more treatments and tests to ensure the cancer is in remission.
The community has rallied around this young mother and a benefit is happening to assist her with medical expenses.
Bucyrus resident Sonya Young is leading the effort with help from Nik and Brittany Fogle, Marla Hobson, Lacey Laipply, Dee Williams and Leeann Quaintance.
“I like to help people. I met Morgan when I worked at Hibbett (Sports). She was so friendly, and I was having a rough time after losing my dad. She’s a nice kid and was right there to listen to me,” Young said. “My dad taught me to be kind and pay it forward.”
Nik Fogle said he has known Morgan since they were teenagers and worked together at Burger King.
“We have been friends ever since,” he said.
The benefit is Nov. 3 from 1-9 p.m. at the American Legion Post 181, 123 E. Rensselaer St., Bucyrus and will include a spaghetti dinner, 50/50 drawing, live entertainment by Lorrie and Chad Brown of The Rough Country Band who will also emcee the event and a silent auction.
“We have Cleveland Cavaliers items, an autographed photo of Tim Tebow, wooden flag created by Andrew Rush of Rush Woodworking and much, much more,” Young said. “Businesses throughout the area have been amazing in donating items for the benefit and auction.”
Stevens plans to attend the event.
“It is weird seeing my face on flyers around town,” Stevens said. “I have always been one to help others and never thought people would be helping me. I am overwhelmed with the support that is being given to me, my son and my family and appreciate it so very much.”
For more information, call Sonya at 419-617-6939 or Nik at 419-617-9771. Updates on the event may be found on the Morgan Stevens Benefit Facebook page.