Stage 4 Cancer Survivor Completes Half Ironman

Most people probably wouldn’t tackle a Half Ironman just three months after finishing chemotherapy and radiation for stage 4 cancer. But, well, most people aren’t Keith Giffney.

At 56, Giffney sensed something odd in his mouth last November. It didn’t hurt, but he felt it was worth checking. By January 2024, tests showed cancer had spread to his lymph nodes, marking it as stage 4.

For many, such a diagnosis comes with fear and despair. But Giffney had a different mindset. “I had this strange peace about me,” he recalled. “I felt like I knew I could handle this, and that God was with me. I decided to fight.”

Giffney leaned on his family, faith, and the support of his doctors at Northwest Medicine, emphasizing the “next level” of care he received. He had also made a decision to train for a Half Ironman—a triathlon featuring a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.

Interestingly, he had quit smoking well before his diagnosis. Doctors pointed out that his cancer was linked to the HPV virus, not tobacco. “Funny thing is, my New Year’s resolution in January 2023 was to quit,” he mentioned with a hint of irony. “I guess I was waiting for the moment to actually do it.”

Though he isn’t one for destructive habits, Giffney admits alcohol has been a rocky subject in his relationship with his son.

“I swam over 131 miles. I biked over 700 miles and ran over 55.”

Keith Giffney

While Giffney completed the Half Ironman, his 22-year-old son finished the full event, which includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. “It’s all part of us. We built this together, training and trusting each other,” he said, reflecting on their bond.

Training for last summer’s marathon was no small feat. “I swam over 131 miles,” he reiterated. “I rode over 700 miles and ran over 55.” He put in five to six days of training each week, all while undergoing 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 35 rounds of radiation.

“I was trying to mimic a mini triathlon,” Giffney explained, which meant regular swims in Lake Geneva, where he lives, along with cycling and running.

Fortunately, chemotherapy wasn’t as tough on him as it could have been. “At first, I struggled with maintaining speed after treatment; my legs felt weak,” he shared. But radiation took a toll on him in different ways. “I lost all my taste, couldn’t swallow properly.” Swallowing became a challenge during runs, too.

Despite the hardships, he managed to maintain a sense of humor. “Guess I had to lose a few pounds to make running easier,” he quipped.

In the weeks leading up to the big race, Giffney received encouraging news: he was cancer-free and had the chemotherapy port removed.

On Half Ironman Day, September 7, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin, Giffney felt a strange mix of anxiety and tranquility, primarily driven by his determination. “I didn’t feel like I was competing against anyone but myself,” he expressed.

However, the race wasn’t without its challenges. After the swim, he felt disoriented, and his legs felt heavy on the bike. “It wasn’t just my legs. I couldn’t even catch my breath,” he admitted, though the moment eventually passed.

Crossing the finish line alongside friends and family, especially his kids, filled him with joy.

“My whole goal was to demonstrate how to confront adversity. I wanted to set a positive example for them,” he said, proudly reflecting on his journey.

These days, Giffney is focused on more events this summer, including the Door County Triathlon in July 2025 and the Chicago Triathlon in August 2025, all while maintaining his optimistic outlook. “For me, it’s all about a positive mental attitude,” he stated. “Approach it with the belief that everything will turn out well.”