A Heart That Continues to Give: Brandon Kerrigan’s Story
After competing in three World Transplant Games, winning 13 gold medals and completing a cross-country bike trip, heart recipient Brandon Kerrigan is no doubt living his life to the fullest. But this wasn’t always the case.
At just 15 years old, Brandon was in heart failure and spent 135 days in the hospital. He had a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implanted to support his heart function until he could receive a heart transplant. Luckily, a week later on December 17, 2013, Brandon received his lifesaving heart transplant at the University of Maryland Medical Center thanks to an organ donor hero.
Brandon’s Heart Transplant Recovery: Surrounded by the Support of His Family
Brandon spent about 11 days in the hospital post-transplant and remembers feeling stronger and recovering quicker than he expected after receiving his new heart. He was extremely grateful for his second chance at life and credits much of his success to his parents. Throughout his hospital stay, his mom was his biggest supporter, and his dad never left his side, sleeping next to Brandon in a hospital chair every night.
It took Brandon about a year to regain his strength and about two years to return to his normal self. He was an avid athlete before his transplant and was eager to return to an active lifestyle. Even though Brandon’s medical journey lasted for quite some time, he didn’t get down on himself and remained positive about his future and health. His advice to other young transplant candidates is that
“There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and you always have to keep a glass-half-full mindset. Don’t feel sorry for yourself, otherwise you will dig yourself into a hole you can’t get out of. Be grateful you are still here and that you have the opportunity to fight and receive an organ. There’s also going to be a new normal, but the sooner you recognize that this is your new normal, the better you will be.”
–Brandon
Since Brandon was a pediatric recipient, he was transferred to the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC. He remained in their care until age 23 and then transitioned to adult care at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Brandon shared a special bond with his pediatric cardiologist, and years later, his care came full circle when his adult cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital turned out to be his former doctor’s son.
The Beginning of Brandon’s Adventures: Biking Across the Country to Advocate for Organ Donation
At 19 years old, Brandon had the idea of biking across the country to raise money for organ donation programs. He felt this was his chance to do something to challenge himself physically and give back to the cause that saved his life. After Brandon shared his idea, his best friend, Brooke, decided to join. Brandon’s sister and a few of her friends decided they would follow Brandon and Brooke in a car to help set up campsites and assist with ensuring they had meals. Two months later, Brandon and Brooke started their journey at the Santa Monica Pier in California, filming every step of the way.
Brandon biked over 100 miles a day for 25 days straight to complete his trip in Virginia. He loved every second of his trip, especially biking through the Arizona Flagstaff area, the northeastern parts of Tennessee and southwestern Virginia. He enjoyed the scenic views of rolling hills and the Appalachians. Even though Brandon and Brooke experienced a few flat tires, biked through rain and reached an elevation of over 3,200 feet, they remained optimistic and were extremely thankful for the support they received from friends and family.
Did You Know?
Brandon successfully raised $35,000 to support organ, eye and tissue donation on his cross-country bike trip.
Brandon’s Participation in Three World Transplant Games
Brandon continues to maintain an active lifestyle and has attended three World Transplant Games, including:
- Newcastle Gateshead, UK in 2019,
- Perth, Australia in 2023,
- and Dresden, Germany in 2025.
He has competed in six swimming competitions for Team USA, earning 13 gold medals and runs in the 5K kickoff. Brandon remains in touch with a lot of the swimmers he met at the games, including those on Team Great Britain and Team USA. He feels lucky to meet new team members every year as Team USA continues to grow.
“I love going to the games. It’s a good time to connect with people who have been through something similar. Everybody has a different story and circumstances. I get to hear different perspectives from others who also received a transplant and have to take medication daily. I told myself I would never miss the World Transplant Games. The people are what matter most.”
–Brandon
Brandon will be competing in a half-ironman competition this October to help cover the costs for recipients who want to attend the next World Transplant Games.
Meeting His Organ Donor’s Family: Brandon’s Trip to Georgia
After his heart transplant, Brandon learned his organ donor was younger than him and was raised by his grandparents in Georgia. Brandon’s parents reached out to his donor family soon after his transplant to express their condolences and appreciation for their grandson’s gift of life. A few years later, at age 23, Brandon decided it was time to meet his donor family. After getting his strength back and finding ways to give back to the Donate Life community, Brandon wanted to share his accomplishments and express his gratitude.
Brandon drove to Georgia to meet his donor’s family. It was then that he learned his donor’s grandfather was battling cancer. Within a few hours after leaving Georgia and driving home to Maryland, Brandon got a call that his donor’s grandfather had passed away. Brandon believes his donor’s grandfather stayed strong through the years of his sickness and found peace after meeting his grandson’s heart recipient.
Raising Money for Infinite Legacy: Brandon Gives Back to Support Recipients and Donor Families
Brandon has shared his powerful story dozens of times at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Children’s National Hospital. Soon, he is flying to Milwaukee for another speaking engagement and dedicates his free time to raising money and giving back to Infinite Legacy.
Fun Fact:
Brandon organized a 5K Color Run on June 8, 2019, and raised $5,000 for Infinite Legacy to support donor families and transplant recipients.
Brandon Hits New Milestones and Creates New Memories
About five years after receiving his heart transplant, Brandon met his wife, Maddie. Brandon is extremely grateful for her. She remains one of his biggest supporters and keeps him on track. Together, they are proud dog parents to Wrigley and Lacey. Brandon remains healthy and active by swimming, lifting weights, staying hydrated and taking his medication regularly. He currently works in finance and keeps a picture of the team that saved his life on his desk. Brandon will forever be thankful for his second chance at life.
Register to be an Organ, Eye and Tissue Donor: Save Lives Like Brandon’s
You can register to save lives like Brandon’s by registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor. One donor has the power to save up to eight people and heal more than 75 lives. Be a hero and register today.