The woman who organized a blood drive to support a two-year-old battling leukemia is thanking the community after an amazing turnout.
The Blood Drive and Swab event in Support of "Mighty" Megan was held Monday night in Tilbury.
Megan Patrick was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the end of 2018. Since then, she's been in and out hospitals receiving treatment.
Family friend Chantelle Meadows helped to organize the event as a way to bring awareness to the importance of donating blood. Tilbury Auto Mall got on board and sponsored the drive. For every person that gave blood on Monday, the auto mall donated $10 to Patrick's family.
In total, Meadows said they were able to collect 154 units of blood, surpassing their original goal of 150.
"We actually had to turn people away after 5 o'clock," she said. "If you came in for a walk-in appointment, we weren't accepting any after 5 p.m."
As a result, Patrick's family will be receiving a $1,540 check from Tilbury Auto Mall and the money will be used for various expenses.
"Any of the funds raised will help support the Patrick family as they go through their leukemia journey. Whether that be assisting with transportation services, any medications that aren't covered or anything that they need to do to keep Megan healthy," said Meadows.
Photo courtesy Mighty Megan Fights Leukemia
Although some people in attendance knew Patrick's family personally, Meadows said many were strangers who came out after hearing her story. She also said there was a large number of people who had never given blood before but felt compelled to show their support.
"It was a lot of first-time donors," she said. "A lot of people when I was talking to them were like 'oh we're here to donate for Megan.' That was pretty powerful."
Meadows said around 30 people also came out to get swabbed by the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association to get placed on the bone marrow registry list.
Besides filling up spots for blood donations, they were also able to fill up a "Mighty" Megan book to give to the toddler.
"Megan's brother, Brennan, went around and encouraged everyone at the blood donor clinic to write an inspiring message or a gratitude message for Megan and her family," Meadows said.
Patrick was at the Children's Hospital in London during the blood drive and was unable to attend but, Meadows said the family is overwhelmed by the support.
"Thank you to the community and to everyone who promoted it and came out an supported the family last night," she said. "The family really appreciated it."
Meadows said with all the success of Monday's drive, they are eager to organize another one in the near future.