“In this book Tom takes your through his powerful journey from Ironman to cancer survivor. He demonstrates how the Ironman mindset that helped him train and execute possibly the world’s most difficult, non-stop event is the same super human mindset that he would bring to the battle of his life. It is a story of incredible achievement, perseverance and testimony to the depths of the human spirt. Mindset is everything and this story will inspire you to apply the principles to your everyday life.”
– Alexander Tunley (Ret.), Chief U.S. Navy SEAL
On his birthday in February 2015, Tom heard these dreaded words from his doctor, “YOU HAVE CANCER.” The diagnosis sent him into a tailspin. Having lost a friend to cancer the year before, he was ready to quit, to not even try to fight the disease. Why is that important? At that time, Tom had completed nine IRONMAN competitions. He is not a quitter, yet this bad news overwhelmed him.
What changed? Loved ones and friends gave Tom ways and reasons to live. One of those reasons was to be around to walk his daughter down the aisle.
The first step in his battle was to hold on to his winning mindset, to decide to live and inspire others no matter what their life challenges. After his cancer surgery, he completed two more IRONMAN competitions, including the World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. He tells the story of seemingly race-stopping challenges and self-doubt during the competitions and how he persevered.