Brian Boyle

It was a horrific car crash. On the way home from swim practice in 2004, 18-year old Brian Boyle's future changed in an instant when a dump truck plowed into his vehicle. He was airlifted to a shock-trauma hospital. He had lost 60 percent of his blood, his heart had moved across his chest, and his organs and pelvis were pulverized. He was placed in a medically-induced coma. When Brian finally emerged from the coma two months later, he had no memory of the accident. He could see and hear, but not move or talk. Unable to communicate to his doctors, nurses, or frantic parents, he heard words like "vegetable" and "nursing home." If he lived, doctors predicted he might not be able to walk again, and certainly not swim. Then, miraculously, Brian clawed his way back to the living. First blinking his eyelids, then squeezing a hand, then smiling, he gradually emerged from his locked-in state. The former swimmer and bodybuilder had lost one hundred pounds.

In 2007 Brian Boyle staged what many consider to be one of the greatest comebacks in sports history when he crossed the finish line at the Hawaii Ironman just three years after leaving the Intensive Care Unit.

In 2008, he competed in the 2008 Foster Grant Ironman70.3 World Championship in Clearwater, Florida, and Men's Health magazine named Boyle one of its 20 heroes. In 2009, he published his first book, "Iron Heart," and he was presented the spokesperson of the year award from the American Red Cross for his contributions. In 2010, he graduated Cum Laude from St. Mary's College of Maryland, ran his first 50 mile ultramarathon, completed his third Ironman in 10:14, and also made his very first blood donation at the hospital that brought him back to life. In 2011, he was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence from the President of the American Red Cross, Gail McGovern. He launched the Red Cross Iron Heart Campaign to help raise blood donation awareness on a national level, and was recognized by the President of the United States of America as a "Champion of Change" at the White House for his Red Cross volunteer work.

After graduating from college, Brian pursued a professional career in public speaking with various healthcare organizations and medical associations that involves his efforts as a patient and healthcare advocate. He is currently studying at Johns Hopkins for a Master's of Public Health.

His story has been featured on the "Ellen DeGeneres Show," NBC's "Today Show," ESPN, and several other programs throughout the country that have earned Emmy nominations and awards.

His journey of courage and determination has touched the hearts of many and his story and the message it carries has been celebrated around the world.

"From the earliest days of our founding, our Nation has been shaped by ordinary people who have dared to dream and used their unique skills to do extraordinary things. Americans like Brian Boyle help carry this tradition forward by reaching for new ideas that will help our country win the future." -- Barack Obama, President of the United States of America