Superhero Demetrious Perry

Contact Information

Family Representative: Katie Logger, superherodemetriousperry@gmail.com

Mid-America Transplant: Maggie Donnely, (314) 807-9455

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Louis, MO – August 26, 2025

The Perry family is honoring the remarkable life and generosity of their son, Demetrious Perry, who passed away unexpectedly from a ruptured brain aneurysm just days before his ninth birthday. On August 16, 2025, Demetrious was found unresponsive and rushed to SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, Missouri. He was then flown by life flight to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, where the Perry family faced the most difficult decision of their lives.

Despite their unimaginable loss, they chose to give the gift of life. Through organ donation, Demetrious has already touched five separate recipients, locally and across the country.

How Rare Was His Gift?

According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, about 30,000 people in the United States experience a ruptured brain aneurysm each year, which equates to approximately 8–10 per 100,000 people (Brain Aneurysm Foundation, n.d.). Organ donation is uncommon, with only about 3 in 1,000 deaths occurring in circumstances that allow for deceased donation (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2024). Pediatric organ donation is particularly rare; in 2023, nearly 900 pediatric donors provided organs that resulted in more than 1,900 pediatric transplants nationwide (Donate Life America, 2023).

“Demetrious was healthy, full of life, and loved superheroes. In the hardest moment of our lives, we knew he would want to be a hero for others. His gift will live on in five families,” said the Perry family.

Gratitude for Compassionate Care

The Perry family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and the team at Mid-America Transplant. Their professionalism, compassion, and respect helped make an unbearable situation a little less painful. Their support and care will always be remembered as a vital part of Demetrious’ journey and legacy.

How You Can Help

In this time of grief and transition, the Perry family is facing significant emotional and financial challenges. For those who wish to support the family, a GoFundMe has been created. Any contribution, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated. You can also visit our website to learn more about our efforts to remember Demetrious’ life and celebrate the gifts he has given others.

Why His Story Matters

Every donor is a hero, but pediatric donors are especially rare. Each organ saved represents hope for another child or adult waiting on the transplant list. Demetrious’s generosity reminds us that one life can light the way for many. The Perry family is working with Mid-America Transplant and community partners to honor Demetrious’s legacy and raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.

With love and gratitude,

Chad Perry, Father and Krystal Perry, Mother

References

Brain Aneurysm Foundation. (n.d.). Statistics and facts. Retrieved August 26, 2025, from 
https://www.bafound.org/statistics-and-facts/ 

Donate Life America. (2023). Pediatric donation. Retrieved August 26, 2025, from 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024). Organ donation statistics. OrganDonor.gov. 

Retrieved August 26, 2025, from https://www.organdonor.gov/learn/organ-donation-statistics