Memphis Hero: One Man Has Donated Blood, Platelets & Plasma Over 500 Times

When it comes to helping neighbors in need, few folks can compete with Southerners.

“I truly believe that one person can make a difference,” Shaun Brennan of Memphis, Tennessee, wrote in a social media post. Brennan, an Army Veteran who works in healthcare, is one of the greatest examples of this sentiment. He’s been donating blood for nearly forty years—since November 1985. As he recounted to Memphis’ Commercial Appeal, he first began donating in recognition of the many trips he had to take to the pediatrician as a child who suffered from asthma. For him, blood donation was a way to give back.

Sixty-one-year-old Brennan has now donated blood, platelets, and plasma over 500 times. On April 19, he celebrated his 517th donation with a trip to a blood drive at LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis. In addition to his signature numbered sign, Brennan got a picture with Chris Ruffin, Jr. According to Brennan’s Facebook post celebrating the accomplishment, the experience was especially impactful because Chris has sickle cell disease and has “received over 1,000 blood transfusions during his lifetime.”

And, not only does Brennan give like clockwork—he also runs every single day to make sure that he’s in the best possible shape to donate. As of May 13, 2024, he has completed 4,070 consecutive days of running. For those doing the math, he’s kept up his running—two to eight miles daily—for a “two-pronged approach” of “staying healthy and saving lives” since March 23, 2013. As for the other prong: He’s traveled as far as Nashville and St. Louis to keep up his regular Red Cross donations.

"I love life and want to give other people the chance to enjoy life and keep on living," Brennan told the Commercial Appeal (also shared on AOL). "I don't like needles…but I do like saving a life or two."

"He serves as an inspiration to me and so many across our community for his perseverance," said Dr. Sarah Brazeale, Executive Director, American Red Cross of Mid-South Tennessee. "[Shaun is] an example of real change that can occur at the local level."

David St. Onge, Director of Donor Center Operations for the Southwest and Rocky Mountain Region of the American Red Cross, added: "Shaun is a shining example of inspiration and hope. His lifesaving contribution over the years is extraordinary—500 platelet donations! He clearly stands out as going above and beyond in his support of the mission of the American Red Cross. He is truly an inspiration to all who currently donate...and to those that have yet to start down the path of donating, he continues to encourage and offer help and support."

Brennan regularly shares on his Facebook page about the blood donation crisis in America and encourages folks to get involved, sharing the same heartbreaking statistic: “While 38% of the American population is eligible to give blood, only 2% actually donates…and the numbers continue to get worse. 0.4% donate platelets.”

In August 2022, Brennan was recognized at the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. with the Presidential Award for Excellence: Biomedical Services. According to the Red Cross, the award is “presented to an individual or group of American Red Cross employees or volunteers who demonstrate exceptional performance or service in support of the American Red Cross delivering on its multi-faceted mission.”

During the award ceremony, American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern said, “The footprint Shaun has cast is greater than donation. He serves as a key ambassador of the Red Cross mission and brings awareness to others each day.” In 2016, he was inducted into the National Blood Donation Hall Of Fame.

Thank you, Shaun, for your dedication to improving the health of your community and inspiring others to assist neighbors in need. 

If you’re interested in donating blood, you can learn more through The American Red Cross.