A Life-Changing Reunion: The Story of Danny Berger and Ryan Gomes
In Portland, Oregon, a heartwarming reunion took place after a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Utah Jazz on February 24. Danny Berger, a 34-year-old former basketball player, met up with Ryan Gomes, a former NBA player and current Blazers assistant coach. This meeting was not just a casual encounter; it was a moment filled with deep gratitude and reflection. Berger, accompanied by his wife, Taylor, and their two young children, Logan and Avery, had a lot to thank Gomes for. Without Gomes’ selfless act years ago, Berger might not be alive today to enjoy his family and life.
A Second Chance at Life
The story of Danny Berger’s near-death experience dates back to December 4, 2012. Berger, then a 6-foot-7 basketball player at Utah State, was nearing the end of practice as the team prepared for a game against BYU. Suddenly, he went into sudden cardiac arrest, a condition that can be fatal without immediate intervention. His life was saved thanks to an automated external defibrillator (AED) that had been donated to the university just three months prior. Berger’s teammates quickly retrieved the AED, and the athletic trainers used it to restore his heartbeat until emergency medical technicians arrived. Berger was rushed to the hospital, where he made a miraculous recovery.
The Hero Behind the AED
The AED that saved Danny Berger’s life was donated by none other than Ryan Gomes. Gomes, a former NBA player, became an advocate for AEDs after a tragic event in 2006. That year, Stanley Myers, an 18-year-old who played for the same AAU team as Gomes, died from sudden cardiac arrest while jogging. This loss had a profound impact on Gomes, who was in his second NBA season with the Boston Celtics at the time. Determined to prevent similar tragedies, Gomes began a mission to donate AEDs to schools and communities across the country.
A Mission to Save Lives
Ryan Gomes’ initiative to donate AEDs started with a single goal: to honor Stanley Myers’ memory. Over the years, this mission expanded, and Gomes has donated over 110 AEDs to various organizations, including schools, community centers, and even some NBA cities. Each AED is a lifeline, and Gomes often covers the cost himself, which can be around $2,000 per device. His dedication doesn’t stop there; he also spends time educating people about the importance of having AEDs accessible in public places.
