November 13, 1993 – October 13, 2016
Diagnosed: May 16, 2015
Written by Morgan’s family
– Determined – Loving – Kind – Number 1 Detroit Sports Fan –
Morgan’s sister, Meghan, remembers: “Sadly, some of the best memories come from when Morgan was fighting cancer. Whether it was when she was first diagnosed at the age of 8 or when she was diagnosed with DIPG at the age of 20, Morgan never let cancer define her. Morgan understood that surviving was not an option, but living certainly was. And that’s what she did, she lived. She watched her favorite teams religiously, went to her favorite concerts, went to prom with a Red Wing, and most importantly every day Morgan started with the goal of becoming a teacher – through treatments and days where she struggled to walk and talk Morgan went to class, student taught, and one month before earning her wings she graduated with her degree in early childhood education. Morgan was determined to live, and that determination for life carries on in every one of Morgan’s family members, friends, and students.”
Mom (Donetta), Dad (Ted), sisters Meghan and Amanda, aunts Cheri and Gail and uncles Rodney and Chris want others to know Morgan’s story because: “People often hear cancer and think right away ‘okay, what’s the treatment plan’ but when you are told there isn’t one, that there is nothing that can be done to help your loved one, it is almost impossible to find hope. But that is what Morgan did, and hope is what she gave every person she came in contact with on her two journeys through cancer. Her contagious smile, subtle laughs, blunt honesty, and determination to teach others kept us all moving through the past few years. Because of Morgan, researches and doctors will be able to continue to learn in hopes that they will find a treatment, even better a cure for DIPG. We were blessed with 18 months with my miracle of a sister, with continued studies, I am certain that Morgan will help give families more hope and even more time with their courageous fighter.”
