A survivor of non-hodgkin’s lymphoma, heart failure and ultimately a heart transplant, Derek Fitzgerald has faced his share of challenges. Eight months after transplant, Derek began channeling the perseverance and determination that helped him overcome his health obstacles by entering the field of endurance sports. Less than a year and a half after surgery, he completed his first half Ironman. At two and a half years out, Derek became the only person in the world to survive both cancer and a heart transplant to finish a full iron-distance race.
Over the past four years, Derek completed over 70 endurance events, including a coast-to-coast bike ride and four IRONMAN races, with the most recent being the World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Derek serves on the board of several charities and is the founder of the Recycledman Foundation, a non-profit organization created to educate and inspire supporters of advancements in cancer research, heart health, and organ donation.
