How to Help Leshawn Williams

St. Petersburg’s Leshawn Williams is spending his 18th birthday in the hospital.

The Northeast High School senior defensive lineman suffered an on-field injury during Friday’s game against Clearwater. By Sunday, it became clear to doctors that blood clotting in the leg was causing serious complications.

His right leg was amputated at the thigh that day. He turned 18 Thursday.

Now, as Williams strikes out on the long road to recovery, a fundraiser has been established to help his family offset costs related to his care.

Hosted on Give Forward, the fundraiser has a $50,000 goal. As of Thursday morning, about $9,000 had been raised.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Brooke Bennett is helping out with the venture.

The Olympic swimmer, and Plant City native, is married to Northeast’s head football coach Jeremy Frioud.

“Today is Leshawn Williams’ 18th birthday,” Bennett wrote on her Twitter account. “In support, let’s raise the roof on those donations.”

The 50 Legs foundation has also stepped forward, offering a $35,000 prosthetic leg for the teen when he’s ready, according to The Tampa Tribune. That nonprofit organization provides assistance to amputees. It gained notoriety for helping Palm Harbor toddler Ireland Nugent following a 2013 lawn mower accident.

Williams’ injury caps off a month where high school football player injuries and deaths have made national news. Three high school football players died in a single week due to game-related activities, Time reported.

To donate to the Williams family, visit Give Forward.

Photo Credit: Give Forward

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