R.I.P. Dr. Jerri Nielsen FitzGerald, South Pole Physician

Travel Blog  •  Jim Benning  •  06.24.09 | 3:16 PM ET

Dr. Jerry Nielsen FitzGerald on the ice in 1999. REUTERS/Ho New

Dr. Jerry Nielsen FitzGerald captured the world’s attention in 1999.

She was at the National Science Foundation’s Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station when she discovered a lump in her breast. Isolated by bad weather, she followed instructions over the internet to perform a biopsy on herself and then began cancer treatment with drugs delivered in an air-drop. In so doing, she came to personify courage in the face of adversity.

Her sister-in-law told CNN: “She would want to be remembered for the adventure and, you know, living every day, and not just the sickness.”

Her cancer went into remission but reappeared in 2005, her husband told the Associated Press. She died at the age of 57.



6 Comments for R.I.P. Dr. Jerri Nielsen FitzGerald, South Pole Physician

elyse katz 06.24.09 | 5:59 PM ET

I had the pleasure of recently meeting and hearing Jerry speak last February on a Princess Cruise in Antarctica.  She was a brave and remarkable woman.  I wanted to include her in my current documentary series about women we should know about.  She will be honored and remembered for her bravery and insight.  Cheers to her strength and humor!!

gail panton 06.24.09 | 7:09 PM ET

I think I was on the same cruise, and Jerry was certainly one of the most inspiring speakers I have ever experienced. Her positive outlook and enthusiasm was truly inspirational, one of the highlights of the trip. I hunted up “Icebound” when I came back - the movie made of her experience with breast cancer in the Antarctic. A brave and funny lady!

Annie Hall 06.24.09 | 8:57 PM ET

I read Jerri’s book, she was a brave woman treating her own cancer. May she rest in peace and is in Heaven. My prayers to her family.

Luann Kindem 06.26.09 | 4:12 PM ET

I had the pleasure of working with Jerri while recording her audio book at Brilliance Audio in 2000.  She was a remarkable, interesting and courageous woman.  Her audio book was an inspiration to work on. 

Jerri will be missed by all of the people she touched in her life.  My prayers are with her family during their time of grief.

Pam Jenkins 06.29.09 | 12:01 AM ET

I had the pleasure of meeting Jerri after she spoke to our large group of medical personel just after our annual walk for breast cancer.  Jerri delivered a wonderful account of her experiences, which was so full of her wonderful humor, that some of the doctors I worked with had tears from laughing so hard.

As Jerri was signing her book for me, I explained that I had just lost my Dad to cancer and that Mom was dying of breast cancer.  She stopped her book signing to come around and give me a huge hug.  Her words of encouragement were with me as I faced the hardship of loosing my Mom.  I will be ever thankful to her. 

My heart goes out to all of her family and those many friends of hers who will miss here very much indeed.  Good-bye, Jerri.

Pam James 07.05.09 | 5:34 PM ET

Unlike the people who have written their comments before me, I have never met Dr. Fitzgerald in person. When I was diaganosed with breast cancer in January 2006, I wanted to surround myself with positive people effected by the terrible disease. While reading Dr. Fitgerald’s book, I was able to experience a strong sense of positive inspiration. I am sorry to hear of her death. I hope that her family realizes what a strong influence Dr. Fitzgerald was to many. My prayers are with her family during their time of loss.

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