From Firefighter to Ironman: One Man's Mission to Save the Lives of Those Who Save Us
“If my journey can inspire even one person to reach out for help, then it’s worth every mile, every hour of training, every ache and blister. This is about giving our heroes the tools to fight for their futures—and win.”
Every day, first responders and veterans put their lives on the line to protect us. But too often, the battles they fight within—the weight of trauma, PTSD, and depression—go unseen.
Many carry these struggles in silence, and tragically, some never make it through. ​
Project IronMind was born to change that.
When Zach Maddox laces up his running shoes, it’s not just for training—it’s for every first responder and veteran who’s ever felt alone in their darkest moment.
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Maddox, a former firefighter and paramedic, has seen more tragedy than most people could imagine. He’s been the one rushing into burning buildings, stabilizing crash victims, and delivering life-saving care in the chaos of sirens and flashing lights. But some of the hardest losses he’s faced didn’t happen on the job—they came in the quiet aftermath.
“I’ve lost many friends to suicide, They were strong, capable people who served their communities and country. But they carried silent battles inside, and too often, they didn’t feel like they could ask for help.”
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Together, we can give our heroes hope, healing, and a future worth fighting for.
​​Determined to make change, Maddox is on a mission to raise funding for mental health, at no cost to first responders and veterans.
100% of all donations will go directly to two nonprofit organizations:
Hook-A-Hero
Combat Veterans to Careers
As a board member for Hook-A-Hero, Maddox knows firsthand how life-changing these programs can be. Therapy costs average $150 per hour, and each hero trip—a restorative experience for those in crisis—costs $500. His $500,000 goal would cover therapy for more than 3,000 people or provide 1000 hero trips.
“We offer these services completely free and confidentially,” Maddox says. “But helping people costs money, and the need is greater than ever.”
The Mission:
Join Zach, where every mile matters. He is transforming the Ironman experience into a lifeline for first responders and veterans facing PTSD and trauma. His mission is to raise $500,000 to provide free and healing experiences through Hook-A-Hero and Combat Veterans to Careers. Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time.
The Race:
Zach is not just racing against the clock; he's racing for a cause that goes beyond personal achievement. As he tackles the grueling Ironman—2.4 miles in the water, 112 miles on the bike, and a full—he's committed to supporting our heroes. His mission is to provide them with the tools, resources, and hope they need to persevere in their challenges. Together, we can help ensure they have the tools they need.
Donations:
With every donation, you ensure that 100% of contributions go directly to those who serve us. ​For just $150, you can fund an hour of therapy, and a $500 donation can sponsor a healing hero trip. ​Your support directly impacts the lives of our heroes. By joining the Project IronMind mission, you are making a difference, helps us provide the care they deserve and saving lives.​​​​
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