NICK DI BRIZZI JR.: TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Broker NICK DI BRIZZI JR. is a proud first-generation Italian American. The youngest of three boys, his family hails from the small village of Sassano, Italy. “My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and a passion for helping others,” says Di Brizzi, who followed in his father’s footsteps to pursue a real estate career. “My journey began at age 21 when I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my dream of becoming an actor. While navigating that path, I obtained my real estate license and spent over 22 years as an actor and a residential realtor.” Those achievements alone are impressive, but when you learn that Di Brizzi has been living with both Cystic Fibrosis and Type 1 diabetes through it all, his success is a triumph beyond compare. “Nothing came easy for me,” explains Di Brizzi, who founded the Breathe Like A Boss nonprofit to support others who share his struggle. “I am a double lung transplant recipient and also a kidney transplant recipient—thanks to my brother Dominic, who donated his kidney to me. My health challenges have shaped my life in profound ways, and I have turned my adversity into an opportunity to help others.” Today, he serves as President of the Breathe Like A Boss Foundation, which offers exercise and recreational grants to organ transplant recipients of any kind or people with respiratory illnesses such as Cystic Fibrosis.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF WHAT YOU DO?
The opportunity to help people. My journey through my transplant experiences opened my eyes to the profound kindness of humanity. I received immense support during my most challenging times, which humbled me and ignited a passion to give back. I realized that nothing brings me more joy than assisting others in achieving their dreams—whether it’s helping clients find their perfect home or supporting an organ transplant recipient through our recreational grants and mentorship.

WHAT VALUES AND PRINCIPLES GUIDE YOUR SUCCESS?
I saw firsthand through my parents and grandparents that hard work and sacrifice pays off. Through their actions and teachings, I’ve been instilled with values of discipline, perseverance, and a “never give up” attitude.

WHAT’S A PIECE OF WISDOM YOU LIVE BY?
I firmly believe that God places people and challenges in our lives for a reason. Trusting the process and having faith is essential.

For more information about Nick Di Brizzi Jr., visit nickdibrizzijr.bhhschicago.com. You may also follow him on Facebook and Instagram @nickdibrizzijr. To learn more about the Breathe Like A Boss Foundation, visit breathelikeaboss.com or follow @thebreathelikeabossfoundation on Instagram and Facebook. If you’d like to sign up to be an organ donor please visit giftofhope.org.

“We can complain that a rose bush has thorns, or we can rejoice that a thorn bush has roses.” –ABRAHAM LINCOLN