From the pitch to personal impact

From the pitch to personal impact

FC Cincinnati and John Mattingly inspire life-saving blood donations

Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is uniting blood donors around one shared mission - saving lives close to home - through two unique blood drives this May. From the FC Cincinnati Blood Drive at TQL Stadium to an event honoring local blood recipient and cancer survivor John Mattingly, these blood drives offer meaningful ways to give back. Whether inspired by hometown pride or a powerful personal story, blood donors are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and help ensure life-saving blood is available for patients across the Tristate. Patients at local hospitals depend on blood donations every day, and community support is critical to maintaining a strong supply.

May 19: TQL Stadium Blood Drive

Soccer fans are invited to join Hoxworth at TQL Stadium (Tunnel Club, Field Level - 1508 John St., Cincinnati, OH 45214) for a special FC Cincinnati Blood Drive. Known for their passion and community spirit, FC Cincinnati supporters are encouraged to bring that same energy off the field by helping save lives across the Tristate. This unique event offers fans an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by donating blood to support patients in local hospitals.

All donors receive:

• FCC 40 oz. tumbler
• FCC shirt
• Chance to win an autographed jersey or a four-pack of tickets to an upcoming game (two winners)!
• Free parking provided by Hamilton County and ACE Parking in West End Garage, 1530 John St., Cincinnati, OH 45214. The gates will be up from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

"At FC Cincinnati, serving our community goes far beyond match day, and this blood drive is a meaningful way for us to support our neighbors when they need it most," said Kate Solomon, FC Cincinnati chief youth and community officer. "Our fans consistently show up with incredible passion and generosity, and this is another opportunity to channel that spirit into something truly impactful for our region."

Let's rally together for something greater. Be a hero. Bleed orange. Bleed blue. Schedule an appointment here: Hoxworth.org/fcc

May 22: Blood drive honors cancer survivor

After a routine day took a life-threatening turn, John Mattingly found himself in urgent need of blood to survive. What began as a sudden and severe medical emergency quickly escalated, requiring extensive treatment and multiple blood transfusions. In those critical moments, the availability of donated blood from Hoxworth donors made all the difference, giving John the time and support his body needed to stabilize and begin healing.

Today, John is alive and well and cancer-free, thanks to the generosity of blood donors he will likely never meet. His experience is a powerful reminder that blood donations are essential for local patients facing unexpected emergencies, surgeries and ongoing medical conditions. Inspired by the care he received, John is now giving back by hosting a community blood drive, encouraging others to step forward and help save lives just as donors once did for him.

• Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
• Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Location: Independence Elementary School, 7480 Princeton Road, Middletown, OH 45044
• Schedule Now: Hoxworth.org/groups/indy.html

Power of community

Together, these two blood drives highlight the power of community. Whether it's the energy of FC Cincinnati fans or the personal impact of John Mattingly's life-saving story, the mission remains the same: helping local patients in need. Every donation stays close to home, supporting neighbors, friends and families across the Tristate during critical moments.

Donors are encouraged to step up and make a difference by scheduling an appointment at either drive. To find a time that works best and help ensure blood is available when it's needed most, visit Hoxworth.org or call (513) 451-0910.

About Hoxworth Blood Center

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