Lexington Woman Inspires Blood Donation to Honor Late Husband

In Lexington, Kentucky, a heartfelt mission is spreading among community members as a local woman encourages others to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. April Huff is leading this charge, driven by the memory of her husband, Steven, who bravely battled leukemia before passing away in 2020. Her story is not just about loss; it’s about hope, connection, and the power of community.

Recently, the Kentucky Blood Center announced a blood drive scheduled for August 23 at the Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is a collaborative effort not only to help replenish blood supplies but also to honor the fight against cancer. Attendees will have a chance to win prizes, including a signed basketball from UK Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mark Pope, further incentivizing community participation.

April herself admits that before her husband’s illness, she had never considered the significance of blood donation. “It wasn’t something I was very passionate about or really knew the impact it brought to Kentuckians,” she expressed. That all changed dramatically when Steven was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a severe form of blood cancer, in 2018. This diagnosis threw their family into a whirlwind of emotional and physical challenges.

“Watching my husband go through it was the first time I saw first hand what we’re up against,” April recalled. She learned that blood cancer comes in many forms and that every three minutes, someone is diagnosed with this unforgiving disease. Unfortunately, Steven lost his battle, leaving behind April and their six-year-old daughter—a heartbreaking reality every parent fears.

After enduring the loss, April found solace and support from her neighbors, particularly from Kristy Maggard, who has lived across the street for nearly a decade. During the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, their friendship blossomed as they connected over shared experiences and encouraged one another. Kristy’s own experiences with blood donation resurfaced during this time.

As a universal blood donor, Kristy feels fulfilled giving her blood, especially knowing that it often goes to babies in critical need. “I actually found out often times my blood is given to babies,” she shared, adding that it gives her chills to think about helping those innocent lives. “Babies who are just coming into this world who need blood or need everything and anything that can keep them alive that just makes me feel really well.”

This sense of purpose is vital, especially for those considering blood donation. According to the Kentucky Blood Center, roughly 1 in 4 people will require a blood transfusion at some point in their lives, with about 25% of donated blood going to support cancer patients. Knowing these facts motivated April to change her career path after Steven’s passing; she now works with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to continue fighting the good fight against blood cancers.

Reflecting on the importance of each donation, April stated, “When someone receives that donation, it’s bringing a light into a dark time and it’s really showing the recipient that they’re not alone.” This sense of connection and acknowledgment can mean the world for those battling severe health issues. “Someone’s remembered them, and someone cares and their life matters and that’s just a really good feeling to have knowing that you could give that to someone else.”

As the August blood drive approaches, April hopes to unite the community, encouraging people to remember their loved ones affected by cancer and the collective power of giving back. With her honest passion for promoting blood donation, she is setting an example of resilience and compassion, helping transform personal grief into a movement that might save lives.

So as August 23 nears, local residents are invited to join April and Kristy at the Central Bank Center. They are urging everyone to consider donating in honor of those who have fought cancer, showing that even in our darkest times, we can come together to share the light of life.

This heartfelt story from Lexington emphasizes that every drop counts, and sometimes, with a little kindness and action, we can indeed heal the world, one blood donation at a time.