Blood-Drive Held to Honor Teen Shot Playing Basketball in Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Family and friends and the University of Maryland Medical Center are holding a blood-drive to honor a teenager who was shot while playing basketball in Baltimore.

Shots ring out on a basketball court on August 7, near the 800 block of West Saratoga Street.

Lamont Roberson, 16, was caught in the crossfire of a shooting playing with his friends.

"My eldest son called me and I just, I just froze," said Lamont's mother, April Groves.

Lamont, who's known for volunteering in his community, is a student at Green Street Academy.

Under the city's Youth Works program, Lamont works with the University of Maryland, Baltimore to help bring cooling centers to his neighborhood.

"He was really able to give back. All summer working on amazing projects for his own neighborhood," said Ashley Valis, with the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

The bullet that struck him put his vital organs at risk, but doctors say blood transfusions helped save his life.

Now, his family and the University of Maryland Medical Center are honoring Lamont with a blood-drive.

"It's my first time so I just wanted to try it out and give blood back to people who need blood and do it for my cousin," said Monae Williams, Lamont's cousin.

Last Wednesday, Lamont spent his 16th birthday at Shock Trauma.

It's his giving spirit, that's inspiring former teachers, friends and strangers to donate.

"This is the least we can do to support him," said Joe Francaviglia, former 8th grade teacher.

"So the next person that needs it will have it, like it was available to him," said Groves.

Lamont's mother says she's not sure if he'll strong enough to start 11th grade in September, but he has made some progress.

The Red Cross tells WJZ they usually get less blood donations during summer months.

To learn how you can donate to the Red Cross CLICK HERE.