Graphic featuring the letters 'DP' inside a superhero emblem, with a clenched fist below and the text '2016-2025' and 'FOREVER OUR SUPERHERO' in red and blue.
  • It is our deepest regret to share this news: our beloved Demetrious Perry, only 8 years old, has left us far too soon. Words feel too small to carry the weight of our grief.

    Early Sunday morning, while still asleep, Demetrious had an aneurysm burst in his brain. He did not suffer from it and felt no pain. He simply went to sleep our happy little buddy and didn’t wake up the next day. He was sent by helicopter to Cardinal Glennon hospital where the doctors determined that he was brain dead. His family have made an amazingly selfless decision to donate his body to other children whose lives will benefit from his gifts. Through this decision Demetrious will be our own personal superhero taking flight to save the lives of other children throughout the country.

    On August 20th at 3 pm at Cardinal Glennon Hospital on Grand Ave. there was a Superhero Honor Walk to see him off, as the transplant team transports him from the hospital to their facility. Demetrious had a very uplifting send off with cheers and applause.

    There will be a lot of unexpected financial expenses for the Perrys coming up. For those of you who would like to contribute to the family in some way there will be a cart available for donations at the walk, please attach your name to your gift so that we may properly thank you at a later time. If you prefer to choose to donate through digital means, you may do so through GoFundMe, Cash App or Venmo (the last 4 digits of the phone number are 1680 if it needs confirmation).

    This unexpected loss of such a beloved child is overwhelming for the family. And as such they would love your support but ask for space and privacy at this time. If you have any questions, reach out to Katie Logger for assistance.

    The Perrys have also requested that anyone who has pictures or videos of our sweet boy to please send them to our sister Asia at Stithadvocacygroup@gmail.com so that we can create an amazing gift for the family. We ask that this is done by August 31st. You can also upload the photos to a shared folder here.

  • 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