Branden Brownrigg

“It’s a huge blessing not only to know that your child helped somebody else, but it’s also something you can share with family and friends. It’s very uplifting.”

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Branden Brownrigg

Branden delved into many interests, from ATVs to music to hockey, especially hockey. He played defense for the Avalanche hockey team at Holmen High School.

One game in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, still stands out to Kelly. It was one of those games you see in sports movies: tight score, high stakes, every point mattered.

“Branden shot from the back, because defense is never forward,” she recalled. “He shot all the way from the back. Nobody even realized it went in at first.”

The crowd caught on and erupted with cheers. “I think we won the game because of it,” she said.

A Decision Rooted in Compassion

Of course, there was more to Branden than hockey. He was sensitive to others’ feelings and cared deeply when people were hurting.

“He hated to see anybody get hurt, including animals,” Kelly said. “He would stand up to bullies, too. I don’t think anybody realized how sympathetic and empathetic he was.”

Perhaps that’s why Branden chose to be a donor. A year before he died, Branden learned about the impact of organ and tissue donation during driver’s education. The class moved him so much that he brought it up to his parents.

“We talked about it briefly,” she said. “I’m sure my husband and I put a positive spin on it, but then neither one of us thought about it again. He clearly made his own decision.”

A Gift in the Midst of Grief

Branden’s unexpected death by suicide left a cloud over the Brownrigg family. Yet even in the sadness, his true spirit shone through. As a donor, Branden transformed the lives of so many people, from babies to grandparents.

“It’s a huge blessing not only to know that your child helped somebody else, but it’s also something you can share with family and friends,” Kelly said. “It’s very uplifting.”

While the organ and tissue donation process can move quickly, Kelly and her family had the opportunity to say goodbye.

“He was kept on life support for almost a week,” Kelly said. “We were able to hold his hand and touch him. It was priceless.”

During that painful time, Kelly said faith also became central to how she and Jason endured their grief.

“Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ has anchored us during this painful time,” Kelly said. “Our pastors and church have and continue to be there for us. And the love, prayers and support of our family and friends have carried us.”

Branden's Gift Changed Lives

Branden’s decision to become a donor created a life-giving ripple effect, one that started fairly quickly after he passed. A man who likely would not have made it through the week received Branden’s heart and kidney. A baby in desperate need of a liver transplant got to celebrate her first birthday. A father, also a liver recipient, lived to see the birth of his child.

All because Branden chose donation.

Incredibly, Branden impacted many others because his donation went beyond vital organs.

“Months later, we got a letter from Versiti saying that the bone, skin, ligaments and tendons they took made 63 grafts,” Kelly said. “That was so exciting to us to know that 63 more people were helped.”

Branden's Legacy Continues

Branden’s story is far from over. In some ways, it has only just begun. Kelly and Jason have turned their grief into purpose. Whether raising awareness about suicide prevention, supporting high school graduates through the Branden Brownrigg Memorial Scholarship or encouraging others to consider organ and tissue donation, they know their son’s memory will live on.

When asked what she wants people to remember about Branden, Kelly came back to his heart for others.

“How much he cared about people, protecting people, helping people, being sensitive to people, and then being able to really do that, even in his death,” Kelly said.

For parents facing such a loss, she views donation as a life-affirming way to navigate grief and pay it forward.

“What if you could help five other parents not lose a child?” Kelly said. “That’s pretty spectacular.”

Every 10 minutes, someone is added to the organ transplant waiting list.

Approximately 113,000 men, women, and children are waiting for life-saving organ transplants. One organ donor has the power to save up to eight lives and change the outcomes of someone’s world forever by giving them a second chance. Additionally, tissue donation can save and improve the lives of up to 75 people with their gifts. You can make a huge impact by registering as an organ and tissue donor.

Learn more about organ and tissue donation, or register as a donor at https://donatelifewisconsin.org.

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Branden Brownrigg