More than a blood donor: Why Brendan joined the stem cell registry
Brendan never imagined that a blood donation would lead him to the man whose life he saved.
What he didn’t know back then was that joining the stem cell registry would one day connect him to a stranger in the most extraordinary way. Years later, that stranger would become someone Brendan now calls a friend for life.
Brendan is no stranger to a donation chair. With 283 donations under his belt ranging from whole blood to plasma and platelets, he’s a regular face at our Bundaberg Donor Centre. But back in 2009, Brendan was someone who, like many of our donors, wasn’t a fan of needles. It wasn’t until his wife Kate gave him the nudge that he walked into our Chermside Donor Centre.
That one brave step started a journey that would change two lives forever.
During one of his early appointments, Brendan was asked if he’d like to join the stem cell registry. He didn't hesitate.
"You don't know when or if you will be called upon, but knowing that it could be a phone call away made it an easy yes," Brendan says.
That call came years later while Brendan was on a work break. He was a perfect match for a recipient in need. In December 2019, just a week before Christmas, Brendan spent a few hours in the chair donating his stem cells.
"I sat there thinking, this must be the best gift I could ever give," he recalls.
For years, Brendan wondered about the person he had helped. In June 2025, he finally got the chance to find out. He received a call from Stem Cell Donors Australia letting him know his recipient, Rob, wanted to connect.
What started as a phone call turned into a lifelong bond. In February 2026, Rob and his wife Vanessa travelled to Bundaberg to meet Brendan in person. Walking in to meet the man whose life he had saved was a moment Brendan describes as truly special. They spent the evening sharing stories and photos, two strangers forever linked by a single act of kindness.
Brendan’s passion for helping people doesn’t stop at the donor centre. Inspired by our team, he decided to trade his chef’s hat for scrubs. He recently graduated with a Diploma of Nursing and has just started his Bachelor of Nursing.
"My love for learning and nursing has given me more reason to keep donating and sharing the need to donate," Brendan says.
Brendan and Rob are now planning a visit to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) where it all began, hoping to inspire others to do more.
Next time you’re donating blood, plasma or platelets, ask our team about joining the stem cell registry.
It only takes a few simple steps:
- Start by enrolling with Stem Cell Donors Australia
- Then, book a blood donation with Lifeblood
- When you arrive at the donor centre, speak to our friendly staff about finishing your enrolment
- Give a small blood sample at the same time of your donation, and enjoy a snack on us!
As Rob and Brendan proved, it can give someone a second chance at life. Book a donation today.