Chad Crittenden is an adventurer and entrepreneur whose journey is defined by overcoming adversity. From surviving cancer to thriving in the competitive realm of reality television, Crittenden’s story serves as a testament to the power of determination and resilience.

Chad Crittenden grew up in Half Moon Bay, California, graduated from U.C. Davis, and went on to become a bilingual teacher, enjoying many years as an educator.

In the prime of his life, Chad was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma, a rare and deadly form of cancer, resulting in a major surgery, which saved his life. Within a year after his recovery, Chad sent in a tape to CBS’ hit reality show Survivor, and was chosen to compete on season 9: Vanuatu, Islands of Fire. Chad excelled on the show, using his exposure on TV as a way of illustrating how one can overcome obstacles, and he’s never looked back.

During his post-Survivor years, he has been sponsored and has competed in dozens of triathlons, including XTERRA. Chad has also competed and won medals in Snowboarding and Mountain Biking, went on to complete the NYC Marathon, and even reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro as part of an expedition raising funds for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Chad has since returned to teaching, and he’s been back at it for 9 years since his professional speaking hiatus. He resides in Livermore, California with his wife, Dyann. His daughter Clara is 23 and is attending graduate school at University College, London, and his son Trevor is 20 and will transfer to Cal State in the Fall. Chad feels very fortunate for all his experiences and for all that he has.