A Recipient Story: Brent

Brent Berry’s life took a drastic turn after his liver transplant when complications led to a life-threatening situation. On July 15, 2023, Brent began to deteriorate rapidly, and a massive blood transfusion protocol was required to save his life. Over an eight-hour period, Brent’s care team worked tirelessly, providing over 100 units of blood and performing chest compressions through five cardiac arrests.

Brent expressed profound gratitude for the blood donors who indirectly saved his life. “How lucky am I that Mayo Clinic had 15 gallons of blood on hand? If I had been anywhere else, I certainly would be dead,” he reflected. He recognized the extraordinary effort that goes into donating blood, acknowledging the donors' selflessness. "Thank you to anybody who gets up, walks out of their house, comes all the way down to Mayo Clinic, parks, and walks into the building. You don’t realize it, but it takes an incredibly kind person to give blood."

Brent’s experience has given him a deep appreciation for blood donation. He now advocates for it, encouraging others to donate if they can, understanding firsthand the critical need for blood in emergency situations. “I needed blood, and none of my family could donate. I had to rely on the generosity of strangers, and I’ll forever be thankful for that.”

Brent’s story highlights the importance of blood donation and the profound impact donors have on saving lives. His message is simple: if you can give, do it. You never know whose life you might save.