A blood drive in Superior yesterday was inspired by a young boy who needed blood to survive. Joe Gigliotti has the story.

Two-year old Jackson Beattie of Superior underwent a kidney transplant last summer. Struggling with recovery, he needed blood transfusions. His mother, Sarah Beattie, says the donated blood helped tremendously.

“Had not been for the blood, he would have suffered, and definitely not have pulled through the way he did.

Inspired by Jackson's story, the Red Cross held a blood drive at the Calumet Refinery in Superior. Beattie is looking forward to telling her two-year old about the community support he’s received when he gets older.

“He’ll be pleased, I think, as he grows up to know how much the community has really rallied behind him.”

Christina Kline of Superior is happy to donate. “It’s much more important and much more compelling for people to want to come in and give what they can for such a good cause.”

Jackson’s kidney came from his cousin, Brett Beattie. Chad Martineau of Superior says the family’s story inspired him to donate. “Jackson is a very unique little boy, and he needed the help of his cousin, and he stepped up to the plate and donated something bigger than I could ever donate.”

Jackson's sister, Brooklyn, admires her brother. “He is very crazy. He never gets tired. I love him very much.”

Forty-eight units of blood were collected at the drive. Calumet donated $25 to the Kidney Foundation for each donation.

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