Story written by Laura Warfel
Using American Red Cross math, 500 x 115 = 2,760. Translation from blood/platelets/plasma donor Shaun Brennan: “I recently completed my 500th donation. That equals 115 gallons of blood/platelets/plasma donated. And the potential of saving 2,760 lives.”
Another plus in Brennan’s story: His blood type is A+ — the second most common blood type in the United States. In fact, one in three people have this blood type. So his donations have the potential to help even more people.
On September 17, 2021, Brennan sat in a blood donor chair for his number 500 donation of lifesaving blood/platelets/plasma. His commitment to blood donation began in the 1990s when a co-worker inspired him to donate blood during their lunch break.
In 2016, Brennan became one of only 282 inductees into the United States Blood Donation Hall of Fame. He is now one of only 738 people — in the Red Cross blood donor database of 29 million people — who has given 500 or more donations of blood/platelets/plasma. Each day, he posts on social media about his experiences.
“I don’t like needles,” he admits. “Fear of needles is the number one reason why people are reluctant to donate blood. I look past the needle and think about the lives I’m potentially saving. Just a short period of time and a small sacrifice in my life can help extend others’ lives. ”
Brennan still remembers the first time he donated blood. “I didn’t know what to expect,” he says. “I was apprehensive, excited and nervous that day. I still have many of the same feelings now. I always look away from the needle.” He gives the highest compliments to the Red Cross nurses, phlebotomists and staff for putting him at ease during each of his donations. Whether the donation takes eight minutes or two hours, they are there to help him relax during the process.
For Brennan, one of the best parts of donating blood through the Red Cross is the email notification he receives to tell him where his donation is going. A veteran of the Army National Guard, he is thrilled when a Veteran’s Administration hospital receives his donation. “Even though I’m out of active service, I’m still serving,” he says. “I’m especially proud to be able to help soldiers and veterans.”
Describing himself as a sickly kid, Brennan understands what it’s like to fight against a physical condition. Between ages 5 and 8, he was at the doctor’s office more than 100 times, getting shots and receiving treatments for asthma. Today, he is healthy and runs two to eight miles outdoors every day. In fact, he hasn’t missed a day since he began running in March 2013.
Thankful that no one gave up on him during his difficult times, Brennan pledges to do all he can to give people a fighting chance in their health struggles.
“Blood donation is the gift that keeps on giving,” he says. “My body replenishes everything I donate. If you’re thinking about donating, move past your fears and reservations. Making your first donation is the first step. You can keep scheduling appointments and donating on a regular basis like I do. Every time you donate, remember that you’re helping to save lives.”
While he doesn’t wear a cape, Shaun Brennan is one of the American Red Cross heroes.
“Donating is now part of my lifestyle,” he says. “Just a short period of time in my life helps to extend the lives of those in need of blood, platelets and plasma. I don’t find time to saves lives. I make time to save lives.”
