MARK'S INTERVIEW WITH NESN TONIGHT 10PM EST

Tonight at 10pm NESN will premiere Part 1 of 2 of their interview with Mark Herzlich. Mark will talk about his treatment, chemotherapy, and his future in football. Be sure to tune in. Once I get it online I will post it here and on HerzNation.com.

For those of you not on the east coast. Check back here for the interview.

MARK HERZLICH TO CONTINUE CHEMO TREATMENTS

Hope you had a good Memorial Day weekend. 

Mark completed his first week of chemotherapy and laid low with his family and friends over the long weekend. He is to continue with intense chemo treatments Monday June 1st.

I was at a Memorial Day Parade on Sunday and several people came up to me expressing their prayers and words of encouragement for Mark and assured me that they would be emailing in their thoughts throughout the treatment process. I urge you to do the same. We're thinking of you Mark. Stay Up.

KEEP THE GOOD VIBES COMING

Yesterday was day 1 of chemotherapy for Mark. We at HerzNation.com want to thank those of you that have emailed in your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement. We urge you to continue to do so. 

The website, including this blog, has become an important daily activity for us at HerzNation.com. Not only are we able to bring you fun videos, Herzlich paper cutouts,  and up to date information regarding Mark's treatment and recovery. It also allows us to step back, and take a minute to think of Mark. Have you taken a minute today? 

We have started compiling the letters and stories and are coming up with a layout for the coffee table prayer book. If you'd like to be included, we urge you to take a minute today and write something to Mark. Be it a prayer, wishes for the future, or to share your story about having your life altered by cancer. Send your words to herznation@gmail.com

Go Eagles! Hey Mark...Stay Up.

DAY 1 OF CHEMO FOR MARK HERZLICH

Stay Up Mark! We're all with you.

DO YOUR PART - EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS

Last Friday, in Mark's hometown, the Conestoga boys lacrosse team wore gold shoe laces in Mark's honor during their playoff game. Which didn't clash too bad with it's maroon, white, and black team colors. Since the game more teams have purchased the gold shoe laces and are pledging to wear them throughout their summer tournaments. The teams will also be selling the laces and all proceeds will be donated to cancer research in Mark's honor.

I hope that this team's small gesture inspires you to do something today. 

If you are having a hard time coming up with something The Eagle in Atlanta has offered up a few options.

MARK TO BEGIN 7 MONTH CHEMO TREATMENT ON TUESDAY

What a week it has been. The Boston Globe announced yesterday that Mark will begin his chemotherapy treatments on Tuesday in PA. They will begin with a series of chemo treatments to shrink the malignant tumor in his left thigh, known as Ewing's Sarcoma, and anticipate surgery to remove the remaining tumor sometime in the fall. After the surgery comes the recovery time, which will bring the treatment through the end of the year. The article states that Herzlich plans on returning to football sometime next spring.

Many of you have asked about making donations on Mark's behalf and which foundation you should get in touch with. We at HerzNation would ask you to be patient. We have heard that BC has something in the works, but we will refrain from speculation. As soon as we know, you will know.

On a personal note:

I want to thank everyone who has written in with their thoughts and prayers for this young man and his family during this difficult time. Your words have been a huge inspiration and I urge you to continue to email as Mark continues his treatment. Please email your thoughts to: HerzNation@gmail.com

And Mark. We at HerzNation wish you the quickest of recoveries and want to let you know that we will be with you the entire way. Stay Up!

One last thing. We have received emails from college football fans from every team in the ACC and beyond, encouraging Mark's quick return to the field. This banding together as one reminded me of this clip. Look what the city of New York could do to help destroy The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Think what we could do to help Mark eliminate this cancer from his body. Let's see what kinda juice you got HerzNation!

MARK HERZLICH TALKS ABOUT HIS CANCER ON ESPN

Mark talks to ESPN about being diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, here. Check it out.

MARK HERZLICH CANCER UPDATE

Yesterday Mark Herzlich announced that he was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Today we find out some more information. 

According to Herzlich's father, Sandy, the cancer has not metastasized and "it has not spread beyond its initial source." Which is some good news because "the recovery and success rate when the cancer hasn't spread is much higher."

The Boston Globe Online talks with a doctor who explains that "Ewing's sarcoma is a form of bone cancer that strikes an estimated 250 people annually in the United States. "It shows up with an ache or a pain, occasionally with a lump or swelling that someone notices," said Dr. David Harmon, a bone cancer specialist at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center."

"Patients with the disease typically undergo chemotherapy, " Harmon said, and may also have surgery or radiation treatment. Chemotherapy, the doctor said, would significantly slow down an athlete for a matter of months or even a year. "Everybody does get chemotherapy," Harmon said. "That's the hard part for a young man trying to do anything athletic."

Well Herzlich is no ordinary athelete. ACC Defensive Player of the year, monster linebacker, and one hell of a human being. And as one blogger put it "I hate to say it but... I feel bad for the cancer. It's about to have it's ass whooped by Herzy!"

Thanks to those who have emailed your words of encouragement. And if you too want to send Mark and his family something email me at:

  herznation@gmail.com  

and I will make sure it gets to them. What do you think about the Herzlich ribbon?

PLEASE KEEP MARK IN YOUR THOUGHTS

I received this email this morning but I wanted to wait until the official release came out until I posted it.

"Dear Friends of the Herzlich Family~"

 

"I am very sad to inform you that Mark has been diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, which is a form of bone cancer. Barb and Sandy brought Mark home this week to have him seen by doctors here and they were told of his diagnosis this morning. Mark has a tumor on his leg that is attached to the bone and surrounding tissue. He will undergo further tests this week, which will give the Herzlichs more details regarding his prognosis and treatment plan. He is in the best of care, and Mark and family continue to be the remarkable people that they are: strong, intelligent, steady and dignified. They are the picture of GRACE, even in the most difficult circumstances."

 

"Due to their focus on getting Mark well, the family would appreciate it if in the near future, there would be limited contact. We all love and respect the Herzlich family and want to extend our best wishes, but what Barb asks of us right now is to keep Mark in our prayers. I will just add to keep all of them in our prayers at this time."

 

"Mark is going to lead this fight just as he does on and off the field~ with leadership, strength, grace and dignity. I know you will all agree that if there is anyone who will stare down this opponent and annihilate it, it is our very own Mark Herzlich!"

 

"Godspeed to Mark, Sandy, Barb and Brad."

I want to thank all of those who have sent their prayers and well wishes. ESPN.com has a great many people responding, as does the BC Football Homepage and I urge you to write something and send it to:

 

herznation@gmail.com

Please include your name and your location in your email. I will be compiling your thoughts and prayers and delivering them to the Herzlich family.

Check back here for constant updates and visit HerzNation.com to show your support.

Email herznation@gmail.com with your thoughts and prayers.

HERZWEAR ONLINE HAS ARRIVED

Mother's day is right around the corner and for those of you who just can't get enough. HerzNation.com has just launched their online store!

Introducing HerzWear Online. An quick and easy way to become a part of the HerzNation. Rock a shirt with the signature Herzlich eye black, or hit the links with the Polo shirt branded with the HerzNation Logo. Become an advocate for HerzNation.com in style.

My favorite is the long sleeve "Herz Don't It?" in grey. A large is on the way to my place right now.

You can go directly to the online store, or you can hit up the Wear page on Herznation.com and launch the store from here. Happy shopping.

ITS HERE! IT'S HERE!

This is Herz Nation!

HERZLICH WRAPS UP THE SPRING SEASON

Check out Heather Dinich's |espn.com| interview with Mark Herzlich wrapping up the Boston College Eagle's spring season. She asks the tough questions covering everything from Spaziani's selection process to Herzlich's decision to return for his senior season. Herzlich is articulate, humble, and astute. Great interview practice for the next level.

Let me know what you think.