Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Brian Boyle
About one month after graduating high school in 2004, Brian Boyle was involved in a near-fatal car accident. His injuries were catastrophic — he spent two months in a coma on life support, required 14 major operations and received 36 American Red Cross blood transfusions and 13 plasma treatments.
During rehab, he had time to consider all who helped him through the aftermath — from the first responders to the doctors to the many donors who gave the blood products he received.
“I made a promise that I would one day become a Red Cross volunteer and blood donor as my way of showing my gratitude,” he said.
Three years later, Brian completed the healing process when he crossed the finish line of the Hawaii Ironman triathlon. As soon as he came home from the trip, he contacted his local Red Cross in Maryland and became a proud volunteer and spokesperson, often sharing his story as a blood recipient.
Brett Crystal
By this time, Brett Crystal was several years into his journey as a dedicated blood and platelet donor. He’s currently up to 376 donations.
“I feel an immense sense of pride and joy after every donation. I love that I’m able to directly help a stranger in need of blood products, often within a matter of days,” he said.
Brett turned that dedication into a full-time job with the Red Cross in Tennessee in 2013. Around this time, Brian learned of Brett and his passion for blood donation through social media.
“It was very motivational seeing the work that Brett was doing to support the Red Cross mission as an employee and a very dedicated donor,” Brian said.
When Brian created Red Cross virtual SleevesUp blood drives for a marathon or endurance event, Brett would always be one of the first to sign up to give.
Brian and Brett at The American Red Cross
Brian followed in Brett’s footsteps and began working for the Red Cross as an employee in 2017. In 2020, they both started working on social care – Brian moderates the American Red Cross Blood Donors Facebook page, while Brett manages the American Red Cross Platelet Donors Group and American Red Cross Plasma Donors Group on Facebook. Together, they answer questions, cheer on donors as they reach milestones and encourage others to share their own stories of giving and receiving blood products. They’ve had the opportunity to become great friends, too.
“It has been a true privilege getting to work with him and to have the opportunity to learn more about his dedication to the Red Cross mission, his wonderful family and his hobbies like gardening,” Brian said of Brett.
This summer, the two Red Crossers finally got to meet in person. The meeting was made even more special by sharing a lifesaving experience, proving giving is even better together.
“I was overjoyed to not only learn that we would be able to meet this past June, but Brian agreed to donate platelets with me,” Brett said. “It was such an incredible experience to meet a personal hero and to donate together. Brian is so inspiring for many reasons, and I’m honored to call him a friend, a teammate and a fellow donor!”
The admiration was mutual for Brian. At their donation appointment, fellow donors who recognized Brett from social media lined up to meet and take a photo with him.
“It’s amazing to see the impact he has with our dedicated donors,” Brian said. “I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside him each day, and most of all, to be able to call him a friend.”
If you’re looking for a little motivation to come give blood for the first time, look no further than Brian and Brett. Not only can you help patients with your own donation, but you can inspire others to do the same, too!
FRIENDSgiving
FRIENDS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s24)
Join us for FRIENDSgiving! As a thanks for being there for patients, those who come to give blood Nov. 18-Dec. 8 will receive two pairs of custom FRIENDS + Red Cross socks, while supplies last!^ Keep a pair, gift a pair or mix them up to make them uniquely yours.