BAY CITY (WJRT) -
(02/22/12) - A mother is turning the tragedy of her son's death into a mission of saving someone else's life.
It was about a year ago that high school junior and West Michigan basketball star Wes Leonard collapsed on the court after hitting the game winning shot. His family later found out he died from a genetic heart condition.
One local community paid tribute to the teen's legacy by honoring his mother. This wasn't just any other game on any other night in Bay City, this basketball game was all about heart, Wes Leonard's and the communities.
The Bay City All Saints blue and white gym blushed with red Wednesday night as they honored Wes Leonard's legacy. His mother Jocelyn received a heart-warming welcome as she greeted the crowd. "I want us to be ready if something happens to you. I don't want anyone else to go through this."
Her story touched millions of people across our state and country. Especially Tammy Neitzel, and her 13-year-old son Brady, who, like Wes, suffers from a heart condition. "She doesn't want her son to be forgotten, so I want to her help her do that. If it was my kids, I would feel the same way."
Jocelyn started a foundation in her son's name aimed at raising money to make sure every school in Michigan has an automated external defibrillator. AED's re-start the heart. While Wes's high school gym had one, the batteries were dead.
"It can happen anywhere. Sudden cardiac arrest is not older person's disease, it's younger person's disease. It's the number one killer of high school athletes," said Jocelyn Leonard.
Jocelyn's message moved Charity Morse. "It was breath taking, hard for me to grasp everything."
The Leonard's pain and heartbreak won't go away, but perhaps, it will fade gently, knowing places like Bay City have heart.
"What a things she's doing for the state of Michigan," said Dr. Jill Shink.
Donations from the game go directly to the Wes Leonard heart team. They also have legislation working right now to make sure every district has an AED.
