Topsail stabbing victim '#12' thanking supporters with blood donor clinic

Friends and family of an 11-year-old boystabbed on a soccer field in Topsail Sept. 25 want to thank and honour those who gave him the gift of life.

The boy was seriously injured when the attack happened, and required a number ofblood transfusions.

The child's family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, and decided to organizea blood donor clinicas their way of giving something back.

Because there is a publication ban on the boy's name, event organizers are referring to him as #12 his soccer jersey number.

Heather Peters Jesso, who is a close friend of the family, said they've named the event 'Give Red for Green.' She said green is the boy's favourite colour.

Peters Jesso said so many people wanted to help out the family in some way, and the family responded by stating "Give blood."

"So I went home and talked to my husband Rocky, and he happens to be O Negative, and we got on the conversation. And instead of making it an individual thing, we thought why not make it an event where everyone can come out and honour the family, and just give back. Because there is good in everything really," she told the St. John's Morning Show on Thursday.

Give Red for Green Nov. 25

The blood clinic is planned for Nov. 25 in Paradise, and Peters Jessosaid people interested in donating that day are encouraged to book a bed ahead of time.

"From what I understand, as of last night, there are still 35 beds left. They had to add additional beds and time slots for this event, so it would be best to book it so that you're not just standing in line. There is an event page on Facebook, withmore information on it," she said.

However, donating blood is not the only thing planned that day.

And instead of making it an individual thing, we thought why not make it an event where everyone can come out and honour the family, and just give back.- Heather Peters Jesso

"The children wanted to become involved as well. Back when we were at the hospital, some children had made band bracelets for #12 and for his family ... and so what they've decided to do, is make many of these bracelets, and they're going to be selling them at the blood drive," said Peters Jesso.

"There's a schoolmate of theirs who is doing an initiative called Myah's Missionwhere she's not going to accept Christmas gifts, she's going to be donating up to $10,000 to the Children's Wish Foundation," she said.

"So these kids are going to be selling bracelets, and taking donations and they're going to give their proceeds to Myah's Mission. It's wonderful to see the children working together like that."

When asked how #12 is doing since the attack, Peters Jesso said "amazingly well."

"He's a sweet young man, and we are all very grateful that he's still a part of our lives."

On Thursday, a provincial court judge found Nicholas Layman, 19,fit to stand trial for attempted murder in this incident.