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 Boyle 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, Boyle 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, 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. The following year, he competed in the Foster Grant Ironman70.3 World Championship in Clearwater, Florida. In 2009, he published his first book, "Iron Heart," and 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 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 as a "Champion of Change" by the President of the United States at the White House for his Red Cross volunteer work.

Boyle pursued a professional career in public speaking, focusing on healthcare advocacy. He speaks at various venues including corporations, universities, and healthcare conventions. Recently, he addressed the University of the Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, sharing his insights on patient experience and healthcare. He is currently studying for a Master's of Public Health at Johns Hopkins.

His story has been featured on the "Ellen DeGeneres Show," NBC's "Today Show," ESPN, and other programs that have earned Emmy nominations and awards. His journey of courage and determination continues to inspire audiences worldwide, emphasizing the importance of setting and achieving goals under challenging circumstances.