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The importance of stem cell donation became a key part of Jocelyn McGlynns fight against leukemia.

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An aspiring doctor, the Chatham woman may have lost the battle, but she has inspired friends and family to continue her mission to increase the number of potential stem cell donors across Canada.

A total of 135 units of blood were collected during a blood donation clinic held in Jocelyns memory at the Chatham YMCA on Aug. 10, just days before those who loved the Western University medical science student will mark the first year of her death at age 23.

People at the clinic were also encouraged to join Canadas national stem cell registry.

Family friend Megan Canniff, who helped organize the event, said the clinic was a rewarding experience.

Jocelyn was just such an inspiration. I feel very blessed to be able to continue doing what she started, Canniff said. Its a good feeling and it makes you feel a little closer to her as well, being part of something she was so passionate about.

Canniff said a good number of people donated blood for the first time because they were inspired by Jocelyns passion.

Its really great to see. Hopefully, the impact is going to be continued in the future, she said.

Not long after Jocelyn was diagnosed with leukemia in the fall of 2018, she and her family dedicated themselves to promoting stem cell donor registration.

I think its so important because it was so important to our Jocey, said her mother, Jacquelyn McGlynn.

Jocelyns father, Peter McGlynn, said its heartening to know this kind of effort is helping someone else because so many people helped us.

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He said Jocelyn received numerous blood products because of people that were thinking, perhaps, of somebody else that had issues.

Having seen what his daughter started, he said it was critical to continue advocating for the things that she thought were important.

It brings sad memories, but this is what she would have wanted us to do, he said.

However, McGlynn said the clinic also brought happiness to the family knowing Jocelyns friends have embraced her cause.

Its lovely to see them and to know that they still think about her and love her, he said. Were very proud of these young folks.

A single donation of blood is equal to one unit of blood, and a leukemia patient can require up to eight units of blood per week.

As McGlynn wrote: Everybody join the team, theres a cure in your bloodstream.

Maureen Macfarlane, event co-ordinator with Canadian Blood Services, said there is an increased need for blood donations as hospital procedures, which were previously on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, are being scheduled.

Another blood donor clinic is being held in Chatham on Aug. 31 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Retro Suites Hotel.

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Friends, family continue Jocelyn's drive to increase stem cell donors - Chatham This Week