A leukemia diagnosis for Jenny Stock when she was 9 years old didn't slow her down a bit. Now, family, friends and the American Red Cross are honoring the bravery of this local teenager with a blood drive in her name.

The American Red Cross will host the third annual Jenny Stock blood drive from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Cathedral Grade School, at the corner of Third and Garfield in Belleville.

Stock, 17, received treatment for nearly three years beginning in 2004. During treatment she received at least five blood transfusions. Her mother, Greta Stock, said the illness did little to sideline her daughter.

"She's a very driven girl," Greta Stock said. "She missed all of fourth grade because of treatment, but came back with straight A's in fifth grade."

With the cancer now in remission, the Stock family feels it's their turn to repay the gift Jenny received.

"We want to make sure there's enough blood to keep helping other people," Greta Stock said. "Jenny doesn't need blood transfusions any more, but other children do."

Blood is used by a variety of patients, including cancer patients. Some cancer patients may receive daily blood transfusions as part of their treatment. Blood collected at the Jenny Stock Blood Drive comes at an important time for the Red Cross as blood supplies are still low following the summer months. All blood types are needed.