HAPPY THANKSGIVING HERZNATION - A LETTER FROM SANDY HERZLICH

A letter from Mark's father:

Just wanted to send out a quick update as we (hopefully) wind down all this cancer crap.

Mark finished his chemo treatments on November 2nd which marked a great milestone. His test have all come back clean and the doctors are as sure as they can ever be that he's cancer free. We still have to keep our fingers crossed for the next 5 years, but we're entering the "cancer survivor" stage in as good a position as possible.

On Monday of this week Mark underwent surgery to have a titanium rod inserted in the inside of his femur to provide extra strength and stability for the bone that was weakened by both cancer and the treatment. His surgeon, Dr. Dick Lachman, couldn't have been more pleased with the results of the surgery. He said that they got the rod and the accompanying screws exactly where they wanted them. There was no sign of cancer in the bone and the bone itself was very hard and strong.

Mark was up walking, albeit a little unsteadily, on Tuesday and will be coming home from the hospital today. He's in a little bit of pain, but that's not unexpected given the disruption his leg and muscles took during surgery. Everyone keeps telling us it's nothing to worry about, so I'm not worried. We look forward to having the family gathered around the Thanksgiving table on Thursday!

On Saturday, we'll drive down to the University of Maryland for the BC football game and Mark will rejoin his teammates and fly back to Boston with them!

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers as Mark's fought this battle. The support as been felt, is meaningful and helpful. Best to everyone this Thanksgiving holiday. I know that the Herzlich's have a lot to be thankful for.

- Sandy Herzlich

MARK HERZLICH'S SURGERY OVER AND VERY SUCCESSFUL!

I received word this afternoon that Mark is awake and recovering wonderfully after having a rod inserted into his left femur. The Doctor's relayed to the family that "the surgery went great, the bone is extremely strong, and that there is no sign of disease."

Now we recover. Mark will be in the hospital tonight and tomorrow for observation, and then he will return home for Thanksgiving and begin his quick recovery process. After the holiday Mark will return to the sidelines to coach up the Eagles in their final two games of the season. Then he will prepare his travel schedule for the "Awards Season" to follow.

Stay Strong. Stay Up.

MARK HERZLICH TO UNDERGO SURGERY TOMORROW

Mark will undergo surgery tomorrow to insert a metal rod into his left femur that has been compromised by Ewing's Sarcoma and subsequent radiation treatments. The procedure will include an incision on the upper leg (hip) gaining access to the top of the femur. The surgeon will then drill the length of the femur and insert a metal rod. Then they will lock it into place with screws, and sew him up. The doctors are anticipating a 2 week recovery period from the surgery only because of the incision... the femur will be load bearing immediately after surgery. Unreal!

Take your time do it right. Let's get this man back to 110%!

Mark we're here for you. STAY UP!

HERZNATION DONATION PUTS BC'S UPLIFTING ATHLETES OVER $100,000 MARK!

We achieved a milestone together. Today marks a momentous occasion as the net proceeds from HerzWear Online put the Boston College Chapter of Uplifting Athletes over the $100,000 mark.

Absolutely amazing! Thank you to all who have shown their support!

The funds collected by the BC Chapter of Uplifting Athletes go directly to Ewing's Sarcoma Research.

MARK TO RECEIVE DISNEY SPIRIT AWARD

Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich, who recently overcame a rare form of bone cancer and helped inspire more than $120,000 in donations for cancer-related causes, has been selected for the Disney Spirit Award given annually by Disney Sports to college football's most inspirational figure.

Herzlich will be presented with the award during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards at Walt Disney World Resort on Thursday, Dec. 10. The 19th annual awards show is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. ET and will be televised live on ESPN.

"The Disney Spirit Award is an award that means more to me than any award based on statistics and on-the-field achievements," Herzlich said. "I have had to battle a deadly rare disease this past year and, along with beating the disease, I was fortunate to be able to help others along the way. To be recognized with this award is an honor and I hope that it shows people around the world that there is hope and that it will encourage them to continue to battle."

"Mark's indomitable spirit in the face of such a devastating illness and his extraordinary support of cancer research embodies the true essence of the Disney Spirit Award," said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises. "Disney Sports is proud to honor Mark for his courage, optimism, support of other cancer patients, and his determination to return to the football field next season. He is truly an inspiration to all of us."

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HOO'S FOR HERZLICH A HUGE SUCCESS

UVA continued the fundraising efforts for Mark this weekend with their "Hoo's for Herzlich 94" campaign. Sponsored by the UVA Student Council and the "Hoo Crew", students and fans were able to donate to Mark's cause and raise money to be donated to Uplifting Athletes. The UVA players also took part by sacrificing their per diem for the week. A pretty amazing gesture from the program.

"As captains, we got together and were like, 'What's the easiest way to come up with a donation that's not going to require everybody to bring money?' " Clark said. "These are college kids that we're talking about."

This latest installment by UVA brings the donations to Uplifting Athletes to $92,031.49, very close to their goal of $100,000 in 2009.

Here's to getting to that $100,000 mark. Thank you to all of you who have donated and aided in Mark's treatment and recovery.

CELEBRATE. REMEMBER. FIGHT BACK. BUT MOSTLY CELEBRATE!

Beginning February 12th, 2010 at 6pm and finishing at 6am on the 13th. Boston College will host the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Event at "The Plex" on the BC Campus. Mark Herzlich has created the HerzNation Team and would like you to be part of it.

"As many of you know I have been battling for my life over the past six months. I have as of November 2, 2009 finished my last treatment and now am on the road to recovery."

"I have met and heard from thousands of men, women and children who are suffering from cancers far worse than I had. This relay is an easy and fun way for everyone to show their support for lost loved ones, survivors as well as the millions of Americans across the country who are struggling as we speak to stay alive."

"I have had doctors at numerous medical facilities ask if there is any way that I could raise money in order for them to get newer machines and better scientific minds to their hospitals. I have discussed with them how small donations from lots of people who care really add up and really can save lives."

"Please donate even if you cannot make the event, as a few dollars out of your pocket will go towards saving the lives of millions."

"As I have finished my treatments and plan on returning to the football field next September, I have taken the initiative to raise awareness for not only my disease but all cancers in general. So far I have been able to raise close to $200,000 with the help from fans, supporters, teammates and many more people across the country. "

"Let's take the next step! Donate Now and remember to always...STAY UP!"

To help Mark meet his fundraising goal. Please visit Mark's Page.

To join the HerzNation Team and help them meet their fundraising goal. Please visit the HerzNation Teampage.

GREAT NEWS FOR MARK HERZLICH

MARK HERZLICH'S LAST CHEMO TREATMENT TODAY

Mark Herzlich had his last chemo treatment today. He will now go through a series of scans and talks with doctors to set a date for surgery to insert a rod into his left femur, which has been compromised by the cancer and radiation treatments.

This is an amazing milestone in Mark's treatment and recovery. Amazing!

Mark, Here we go. Stay Up! Now begins The Return.