A young woman from Chatham will soon return home to a community that has been rooting for her health.
Up until recent months, 21-year-old Jocelyn McGlynn had been studying at Western University, in her fourth year of Medical Sciences. On November 30, 2018, she was diagnosed with acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AMML). After a few months of blood transfusions and chemotherapy, Jocelyn left for Buffalo, New York in February 2019 to receive a stem cell transplant.
Jocelyn and her mother are still in Buffalo but they're celebrating along with family and friends in Chatham over some recent news. Jocelyn posted results of her most recent biopsy on Facebook Monday night.
"This Easter weekend, my doctor called and told me that I am 98-100% donor and there is NO trace of residual disease," read the Facebook post. "Where my disease was, myeloid, I am 100% donor cells."
Jocelyn's father, Peter McGlynn, was in Buffalo with his family when they received the news.
"The doctor called and we were all in the car at the time the news was delivered so we were obviously very happy," Peter said. "[There were] lots of tears and lots of yelling so it was very nice."
Since news of Jocelyn's diagnosis emerged, blood donor clinics and swab events have been held at various sites between Windsor and London, as well as areas like St. Catharines. The events were hosted by family members, friends, and students who wanted to show support. Throughout this process, Jocelyn has remained positive and grateful for that support.
Jocelyn McGlynn. (Photo courtesy of Jacquelyn McGlynn via Facebook.)
"Thank you to everyone for their positivity, love, prayers and well wishes during this time. I am BEYOND grateful. Forever thankful for your support," she said on Facebook.
However, the support people have shown for Jocelyn has also helped the McGlynn family as they too are going through a hard time.
"Everyday is consumed with concern but we had faith and we're so grateful for the donor, the community that supported us and prayed for our daughter," Peter said. "It's hard but it was nice to see all the prayers and positive thoughts come to be and get that news, it was welcomed and we're so appreciative."
In the meantime, Peter said Jocelyn and her mother will stay in Buffalo until late May or early June as per their previous plans.
"It was always part of the plan to be in Buffalo for 100 days after the transplant," he said.
Once the two return home to Chatham, Jocelyn will have regular check-ups in London.
"We'll likely carry on with those two visits a week to our London clinic just to ensure everything is on track," he said.
For the past few months and for the near future, Peter said Jocelyn's focus will be geared towards her health. That being said, it is possible that her desire to continue with her medical studies will pick back up at the appropriate time.
"A lot of things have changed in her life since November 30 and her focus has been on surviving and getting better now," he said. "I wouldn't be surprised to see an engaged scientific mind emerging even more prevalent than it was prior to this."
Peter also mentioned that it is expected that Jocelyn and the McGlynn family will continue to host donor events and raise awareness on the need for donors.