How did Devin Brenner recover from his severe knee injury?

Devin Brenner underwent a complex seven-hour reconstructive surgery and a 10-month rehabilitation period, during which he used building Lego sets for mental escape and to maintain his spirits.

What is Pass the Bricks?

Pass the Bricks is a nonprofit organization that repurposes used Lego toys, and Devin Brenner serves as an ambassador for this cause.

What is Devin Brenner doing to inspire young patients?

Devin Brenner collects and designs custom Lego kits from donated bricks, which he then personally donates to young patients at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Home / Sports / From Injury to Inspiration: Teen Uses Legos to Heal

From Injury to Inspiration: Teen Uses Legos to Heal

4 Feb

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Summary

High school athlete Devin Brenner endured a 10-month recovery after a severe knee injury.
He used Lego building as a mental escape during his rehabilitation.
Brenner now repurposes donated Legos to inspire young hospital patients.

High school athlete Devin Brenner faced a challenging 10-month recovery after sustaining a severe knee injury during a long jump event. The injury was so significant that local surgeons referred him to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City for a complex reconstructive surgery.

During his extensive rehabilitation, Brenner found solace and mental stimulation in building elaborate Lego sets. This hobby provided a crucial escape and helped keep his spirits high. Inspired by his own experience, he became an ambassador for the nonprofit Pass the Bricks.

Now, Brenner collects, sanitizes, and sorts donated Lego pieces, using an app to design custom kits. He recently returned to the Hospital for Special Surgery to personally donate these sets to young patients. His gesture deeply resonated with 15-year-old Antonia Marotta, whose mother highlighted the value of receiving support from someone who truly understands their situation.