A couple of blood donor clinics have been scheduled to take place in Chatham to honour and support a 21-year-old and her family.
Jocelyn McGlynn was recently diagnosed with acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AMML) and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in London.
The family had previously told BlackburnNews.com that Jocelyn will eventually need a stem cell transplant. Jocelyn's two brothers were willing to donate, however, the family recently found out that they are not a match.
In honour of Jocelyn, the Canadian Blood Services is hosting a blood donor clinic on December 22 at the St. Clair College HealthPlex on Grande Avenue West, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Another will be held January 9 at the Spirit and Life Centre on Wellington Street West, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Although the McGlynn family is hopeful that they will be able to encourage someone to step up as a donor for Jocelyn, they would also like people to register as a donor for others who are going through similar situations.
Jocelyn's father, Peter McGlynn, had previously said the family very much appreciates the support they have been getting.
“She’s a beautiful young lady, inside and out," said McGlynn. "She so appreciates the support she’s been getting. The family doesn’t want this momentum to stop, the support, and the love that we have received is so welcomed.”
Organizers are trying to arrange for a swab clinic to take place at the same time as the blood donor clinics listed above. If that cannot be arranged, information about it will be available at those sites. Those between the ages of 17 and 35 years old can register as a donor through blood.ca. At which time, a swab kit will be sent. Those who are ineligible or unwilling to donate stem cells are still encouraged to donate blood.
Those planning on attending one of the two donor clinics in Chatham are also encouraged to make an appointment to avoid long wait periods. Appointments can be booked by calling 1-888-236-6283 or through the GiveBlood app.