World Class tri-athlete Brian Boyle is Out for Blood
311 lends music for Red Cross Public Service Announcements
WASHINGTON, D.C. - 06/15/2011: *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.
How to Donate Blood:
To schedule an appointment to donate, please call 1-800-RED CROSS
(1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information.
Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some
states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more,
depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be
eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card
or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
Media contact: Mike Baisey, Communications Manager, American Red Cross
GC&P Blood Services Region:
baiseym@usa.redcross.org, 443-986-5275, 410-764-6386
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www.redcrossblood.org/ironheart
www.311.com
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