World Class Triathlete Brian Boyle is Out for Blood
311 lends music for Red Cross Public Service Announcements
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Red Cross will feature Brian Boyle, a blood recipient and Ironman tri-athlete, in a new series of public service announcements with the soundtrack provided courtesy of music group, 311. A video public service announcement can be viewed at www.redcrossblood.org/ironheart
Brian J. Boyle of Welcome, MD, was in a near-fatal car accident in the summer of 2004, requiring 36 blood transfusions and 13 plasma treatments during many operations. Boyle lost 60 percent of his blood and died eight times during his miraculous recovery. When he emerged from a medically-induced coma, doctors predicted that he may never walk or talk again. Today, Boyle is a competitive marathoner and Ironman tri-athlete and also published a memoir of his journey back to life entitled, Iron Heart.
“When I needed it, the American Red Cross was there with 36 blood transfusions and 13 plasma treatments that saved my life in a situation where time was of the essence,” said Boyle. “Amazing medical care and volunteer blood donors helped make my recovery possible. By giving just a little bit of their time, blood donors helped give me the chance at a lifetime. This is a great opportunity for me to give back and remind our communities of the real need for blood donations,” said Boyle.
Iron Heart public service announcements (PSAs) featuring the songs Time is Precious and Down, by 311, are now available for media outlets, including radio and television stations. The Iron Heart PSAs were created to raise awareness about blood donations and encourage people to schedule a Red Cross blood donation this Summer.
“Brian once told us that our music inspired him to do great things. We’re proud to lend our music for this special cause and to help share Brian’s message in a unique way,” said Nick Hexum of 311.
In addition to the public service announcements, Boyle continues to find success competing in marathon and triathlon events. During races and triathlons around the country, Boyle wears the Red Cross logo while competing to honor those anonymous blood donors who helped in his recovery. On June 12, 2011, Boyle competed in his first race of the 2011 season, the Eagleman Ironman 70.3 in Cambridge, Maryland. Finishing in a time of 4:38, Boyle qualified for the 2011 Ironman 70.3 World Championship to be held in Las Vegas on September 11, 2011.
“This is a dream come true for me and a very emotional experience. Just a few years ago the goals that I set for myself included blinking, talking, and standing on my own without assistance. After going through the whole recovery process, to even finish a race like this is so meaningful, but to actually qualify for the world championship is practically beyond belief,” said Boyle.
Media contact: Mike Baisey, Communications Manager, American Red Cross
GC&P Blood Services Region:
baiseym@usa.redcross.org, 443-986-5275, 410-764-6386
Iron Heart 
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