LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- An annual high school basketball event could lead to a life-saving assist.

The annual "Donate Life Basketball Clinic" will be held this weekend. The purpose is to raise awareness about organ donations and this year, some of the participants are close to the cause.

A few years ago, Stuart Jackson was in his basketball prime. He graduated from Central High School in 2013 and was an all-star.

But his season and career were cut short by life-threatening kidney failure.

"The disease I have is caused FSGS," Jackson said. "It's a hereditary kidney disease that attacks your kidneys."

Right now, Jackson is on the waiting list to receive a kidney transplant.

"It literally just floored me," Stanley Jackson, Stuart's father, said.

Stanley Jackson coaches JV and varsity basketball at Southern High School.

"I really think this tournament is going to open things up for him," Stanley Jackson said.

The Jacksons are using the family business to raise awareness about organ donations.

"I played in the Final Four, I played overseas, different places, Amsterdam, Indonesia, this game is literally at the top of all of those," Stanley Jackson said.

Saturday, Southern will participate in the third annual Donate Life Basketball Clinic at St. X High School.

"That's what our organization and the Donate Life mission everyday fights for those that are waiting on a lifesaving transplant," Shelley Snyder, executive director of Donate Life Kentucky, said. "And the only way to do that is to educate people about the need that's out there and encourage them to register as an organ donor."

Meanwhile, at tip-off, the Jacksons said their team will be ready but win or lose, they're claiming victory.

"It's a win-win," Stanley Jackson said.

And it's a chance for Stuart to finish his hoop dreams.

"I feel like I can make it overseas and still play," Stuart Jackson said.

Tip-off for the first game is at 1 p.m. on Saturday at St. Xavier High School.

The schedule for the Donate Life Basketball Classic on Saturday, December 9, is included below:

  • 1 p.m. Saint Xavier High School (junior varsity) vs. Highlands High School (junior varsity)
  • 2:15 p.m. Saint Xavier High School (varsity) vs. Highlands High School (varsity)
  • 3:45 p.m. Eastern High School (varsity) vs. Tates Creek High School (varsity)
  • 5:30 p.m. Western High School (varsity) vs. South Oldham High School (varsity)
  • 7 p.m. Southern High School (varsity) vs. Doss High School (varsity)

Tickets to the tournament can be purchased here.

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