May 17, 2023 -- At 23 years old, Morgan Chase, a third-grade teacher at Devonshire Elementary School, was diagnosed with Stage 2 inflammatory breast cancer.

“I was in fight mode,” said Chase, reflecting on her diagnosis in August of 2021. “I realized what battle I was going to need to be fighting.”

After undergoing two years of treatment, Chase is cancer free. Today, she uses her story to impact women of all ages across Columbus – starting in the classroom.

“I’m an advocate for young women,” said Chase. The  “I wanted to raise more awareness, and my students wanted to get involved.”

With the help of her students, Chase set a goal of creating more than 750 encouragement cards for each breast cancer survivor participating in the 2023 Komen Columbus Race for the Cure.

“[We want] survivors to know that these kids and the community sees them and cares about them on a really important day to commemorate the fight that they have gone through or are still fighting,” said Chase. 

The project quickly turned into a school-wide initiative when other teachers and students began contributing to the goal. “I have an amazing [and] supportive school,” said Chase. “They support me 100%.”

Chase and other breast cancer survivors look forward to the 2023 Komen Columbus Race for the Cure kicking off this Saturday, May 20, at North Bank Park. 

She hopes her students realize the impact they can make on anyone, even at a young age. “I want them to realize that if they grow to be good, kind, caring people, the amazing work they can do can help others.”