But his world changed in 2019 when, aged 10, he was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia – his body is unable to produce new blood cells and platelets, causing an empty bone marrow. Jack’s condition requires him to have blood transfusions at least twice a week. To date, he has received about 130 units of blood and platelets, but that is becoming increasingly difficult with Canada’s blood shortage. “A lot of people don’t give blood or platelets because maybe they’re afraid, but they really should because it saves lives,” he said. “It saved my life and many other children’s lives.” This inspired Jack to combine his love of cosplay with his need for blood and start a cosplay-themed social media campaign called Suit up for Jack – it involves people donating blood while dressed in costume. The campaign is now in four more countries. More than a dozen cosplayers turned up at Canadian Blood Services on Wharncliffe Road South in London on Monday to roll up their sleeves. Eric Terry, dressed as Spiderman, was one of them. “I’ve given blood since I was 18 and I’m 32 now, so long,” he said. “It’s touched a lot of friends and family in my life and it’s a great cause, so I’ve kept it going.” Eric Terry has been donating blood for several years and believes it is a quick and easy way to save lives. (Isha Bhargava/CBC) Terry started donating after hearing the story of his friend, who had three liver transplants before she was seven. “Every pint of blood saves the lives of three people. We are in such a shortage of blood, especially in the hot summer. It is very important for people to donate and we need it,” he said. “The fact that this has passed through London just blows my mind! It’s absolutely incredible to see people from all over the world coming out to support those in need.”

“The easiest thing in the world to do”

Zachary Peebles appeared as Captain Jack Sparrow to donate blood. After learning that he is a Catholic donor, he will roll up his sleeve as often as he can. (Isha Bhargava/CBC) Jack’s anemia weakens his immune system, causing frequent nosebleeds and petechiae – spots that appear on the skin due to bleeding – and makes him really tired.
“I missed two years of school because of my aplastic anemia, I haven’t seen my friends as much and I have to wear masks everywhere I go because if I get sick it will be really bad,” she said. After donating for the first time last year, Zachary Peebles learned he’s a universal donor. Now he has made it an annual tradition to donate blood. “It’s a good way to give back to the community and it really helps someone. It’s the easiest thing in the world to just lay there and let them draw blood, and you save so many lives — it’s a great thing.” Timothy Drake, social media director for the Suit up for Jack blood donation campaign, calls the need for donations in Canada “urgent.” (Isha Bhargava/CBC) Cosplayers can literally be superheroes and save lives, said Timothy Drake, the campaign’s director of social media. “We thought it was a unique idea to get cosplayers involved. There is an urgent need for blood in Canada. They are really in trouble. You wouldn’t believe how many children have blood-related diseases.” Jack, dressed as his favorite Captain America, shows up with his mom, Lauryn. (Isha Bhargava/CBC) With the campaign celebrating its first anniversary, Jack is grateful for the support he has received and hopes the campaign will reach as many countries as possible. “If people like me don’t get blood then we can’t live, if it goes worldwide then children all over the world will save their lives.”