Family with 4 children injured in Waukesha Christmas parade to host blood drive
'I know that it's important for the people that need blood,' 9-year-old parade survivor Grayson Yourell said
'I know that it's important for the people that need blood,' 9-year-old parade survivor Grayson Yourell said
'I know that it's important for the people that need blood,' 9-year-old parade survivor Grayson Yourell said
Four children from the same family were injured in the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy, and now the Yourell family has a plan to give back.
In the wake of the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy that left six people dead and dozens injured, one affected family is hosting a blood drive next week as a way of giving thanks.
"I know that it's important for the people that need blood," 9-year-old parade survivor Grayson Yourell said.
"Was one of those people you?" WISN 12 News reporter Nick Bohr asked.
"Yeah," parade survivor Grayson said.
Grayson was the most seriously injured of the four Yourell children. He had a broken arm and compound femur break that led to grave blood loss.
It was here on Main Street, all four kids were with the Xtreme Dance Team, two of them dancing, the other two giving out candy when they were hit. Two of them, don't even remember it.
"All I remember was it was my first time being in a parade. We handed out about three buckets full of candy," Grayson said.
Vivian Yourell, 7, doesn't remember dancing in the parade, just waking up at Children's Wisconsin with head injuries and later going to a different room there to see her brother.]
"I went into Grayson's room at the hospital and said hi," Vivian said.
Alice Yourell, 11, had a head injury and seven broken bones.
"I remember my dad coming over saying are you OK, and I was like go to the younger kids because I was more worried about them than me," Alice said.
Charlotte Yourell, 15, who is still healing from spine and knee injuries, thought of organizing a blood drive. She is grateful to see her brother back on his feet after a long recovery.
"I think that my whole family has taken this very well, I think we've all healed in a way that's very positive," Charlotte said.
"This is an avenue that we can thank the community and ensure that there's blood out there for the unfortunate circumstances like when Grayson needed it," mom Kathy Yourell said.
The Red Cross Blood Drive in Grayson's honor will be Tuesday, Aug. 16 from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church on Davidson Road in Brookfield.
The day will include performances by the Catholic Memorial and Premier dance teams and coupons for free Culver's.
Anyone who can donate is encouraged to register online at https://www.redcrossblood.org/.