The Getting Real with Hilary Show with Hilary Burns

S2 EP39 Iron Dad Saves Lives By Telling About His Experience with Paul Weigel

Listen to your body.  If your doctor is not listening to you, find another doctor.  That's what I learned from my inspiring conversation with Paul Weigel.   His doctor's lack of attention to his symptoms almost cost Paul his life.  For 5 years, Paul was telling him about what was not right and his doctor ignored it.

Thankfully Paul found another doctor who diagnosed his cancer and Paul began treatment that saved his life.  Paul's story is inspiring.  As a "Weigel" he was used to pushing himself despite pain and illness.  He used that to complete an IronMan 6 months after his chemo finished because he was afraid he would die and leave his 3 year old daughter fatherless.

Paul's book, Iron Dad is a compelling one.  Our conversation talks about overcoming a difficult childhood, finding love, and overcoming life's hardships.

Thank you, Paul, for being an inspiration.

Bio:
Paul Weigel trained for and completed an Ironman triathlon within 6 months of finishing chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, while raising his then-toddler daughter—giving her love and security despite his fear and uncertainty. Now a young teen, she asked to hear more about that time, and, organically, a memoir was born.

In Iron Dad: A Cancer Survivor’s Story of Discovering Strength, Life, and Love through Fatherhood (June 11, 2024), Weigel celebrates their bond and how to cling to the joy in life, no matter the odds. Still cancer-free 10 years later, he wrote Iron Dad not just for his daughter but to share his story—and hope—with others.

Suzanne Stone, president and CEO of Livestrong, says Iron Dad is “a powerful testament to resilience, courage, and the unbreakable bond between father and child.”

New York Times bestselling author Dean Karnazes says Paul’s story “is sure to energize and inspire you to live every day to the fullest, as he has chosen to do.”

Website: irondadbook.com