Episode #221
Life is finite—stop postponing what matters and act on your priorities today.
Purpose and gratitude fueled Derek’s recovery; honoring his donor drove consistent, incremental progress from rehab to Ironman.
Small, steady steps (walk-jog intervals to 5K to triathlon) can rebuild capacity and transform health, mindset, and identity.
Life is a gift that's not promised. And no one is promised tomorrow.
But the fact of the matter is, is that every heartbeat that I have now is someone else's.
I used to have this motto that I was really proud of, which was I'm going to work hard enough, long enough to make enough money to do all the things in life that money can't buy.
Derek Fitzgerald is a survivor of cancer, heart failure and ultimately a heart transplant. After receiving his life-saving transplant in 2011, Derek entered the world of endurance sports and became dedicated to helping others going through their own healthcare journeys.
Since 2011, Derek has upheld his life’s mission to honor his donor’s gift. He has completed over 90 endurance events, including a coast-to-coast bike ride and multiple IRONMAN races, including the prestigious World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
He is the only cancer survivor and heart transplant recipient to ever complete a full IRONMAN distance race.
