An Inspired Chat with Lorenzo Beronilla of SAUGERTIES

We recently had the chance to connect with Lorenzo Beronilla and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lorenzo, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
The thought of public speaking always made me anxious—it’s a common fear that stems from worrying about judgment or making mistakes in front of others. But I realized that my story deserved to be shared, and my purpose became stronger than my fear.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Lorenzo—a chef, actor, and heart transplant recipient who’s passionate about turning second chances into something meaningful for others. After my transplant, every day feels like a gift, and I try to pour that sense of gratitude and resilience into everything I do—from whipping up recipes inspired by my recovery to sharing my story on PBS’s “Stories from the Stage”. My work and my brand aren’t just about cooking or speaking; they’re about connecting people through hope, overcoming tough challenges, and advocating for organ donors who make new beginnings possible.
What makes my journey unique is the heart behind it—literally and figuratively. I’m here to remind people that life after a transplant is about more than just surviving; it’s about celebrating how far you’ve come, embracing the little moments, and giving back. Right now, I’m focused on sharing my story, building community around health and food, and encouraging others to become organ donors so more lives can be changed, just like mine was.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment that truly shaped how I see the world happened the morning I woke up after my heart transplant. I remember lying in that hospital bed and feeling the subtle beat of my new heart—a gift from someone I would never meet. That realization hit me hard: my second chance at life came from another person’s generosity and courage. I felt an overwhelming surge of gratitude and responsibility, knowing my story wasn’t just about me anymore—it was about honoring the life and legacy of my donor, and inspiring hope in others walking similar paths.

Sharing that journey on social media made it even more real to me. Every time I talked about the fear, the uncertainty, and the victories since my transplant, the connection with people—those rooting for me, those waiting for a transplant, and those remembering loved ones—just kept growing deeper. That single moment after surgery is the reason I wake up grateful and try to give back, whether I’m cooking, telling my story, or encouraging someone else to keep fighting. It’s made me see every day as a gift and every person as someone who could change a life just by caring and showing up.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me to truly value every moment and lean on others with humility and gratitude. In my hardest times after my transplant, I discovered compassion, resilience, and the importance of hope—lessons success never could offer. It shaped me into someone who cherishes small joys and cares deeply about lifting others up.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me isn’t the whole story—most people see the cheerful, outgoing side, but deep down, I’m actually an introvert. I spend a lot of time reflecting, thinking creatively, and quietly working toward my goals. While my happy, funny persona surprises even me sometimes (especially since I never remember jokes and don’t think of myself as naturally funny), it’s only a piece of who I am. The real me is more reserved, thoughtful, and driven by reflection than most would ever guess.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people will tell about me when I’m gone is that I was more than just a chef and actor—I stood for whole body wellness and was a passionate advocate for organ donation. My life has been about showing people you truly are what you eat, and that real health comes from listening to your doctors while embracing a holistic approach, especially using the healing benefits of García de la Cruz extra virgin olive oil. I didn’t just cook with EVOO; I made it a central part of my daily routine for its antioxidants and powerful health properties—it’s been my elixir to recovery and vitality..

I want to be remembered for inspiring others to care for themselves and each other, proving you can reclaim your health from the inside out while making choices that uplift your body and spirit. If that legacy encourages people to live better, eat mindfully, and support life-saving causes, then I’ll know I made a lasting difference.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rollinabenzo?igsh=MXF5amFpdWFsZng0ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzo-l-beronilla-1b8a38170?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1WDhusCHNa/?mibextid=wwXIfr