After being away from skateboarding for the past couple of months, professional skateboarder John Fitzgerald has opened up about the serious health issues he has been dealing with behind the scenes.
Fitzgerald revealed that on April 5, he was admitted to the hospital for four days after a viral infection attacked his heart.
Not long after that, things got even worse when the infection spread into his joints, leading to surgery and more hospital visits.
Since then, he says he has been going in and out of the hospital while trying to recover physically and deal with growing medical expenses.
During recovery, Fitzgerald took up painting as a way to stay occupied while spending time away from skating.
The 35 year old shared that the process gave him something positive to focus on during a difficult period filled with fear and uncertainty.
One of the paintings he created shortly after his first hospital stay is now being released as a limited edition print.
The Hockey Skateboards pro said the artwork captured how vulnerable and scared he felt at the time, while also helping him find some peace through creating art.
To help pay for medical bills, Fitzgerald is selling 100 limited edition prints for 50 dollars each. The prints are 11 by 14 inches and printed on cold pressed fine art matte paper.
Despite everything he has been dealing with, Fitzgerald says he is doing better and hopes to get back on his skateboard soon.
He also thanked everyone who has reached out and supported him throughout recovery.
Fitzgerald Posted:
"(Sold Out). The past couple months I’ve been dealing with a series of health issues. On April 5th, I was admitted to the hospital for 4 days after a viral infection attacked my heart. Weeks later, the infection spread into my joints and I had to undergo surgery. Since then I’ve been in and out of the hospital, and the medical bills have been adding up. While I was down I took up painting to keep busy. I really enjoy the process and outlet it gave me during a time of uncertainty. This is a painting I did a couple days after my first hospital stay. I think it captured a moment of fear and vulnerability, but oddly enough I found joy in the process. I’ve made a limited edition of 100 prints to help cover these medical expenses while I recover. The print is $50, 11x14 inches on cold pressed fine art matte paper. After a lot of ups and downs I’m doing better and I’m determined to get back to skateboarding soon. Thank you for all the support. I really appreciate it. For purchase, link in bio."a