Here is Mark last night at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show. There was a great feature highlighting his amazing story, followed by an inspirational interview with Mark on stage. Mark wrapped up the interview assuring Tim Tebow, the 2008 Disney Spirit Award winner, that he will be the player with the most determination on the field next season.
Mark will be receiving the Disney Spirit Award during tomorrow's Home Depot Awards show on ESPN. 7pm-9pm EST.
Mark chatted live at 3PM today on ESPN.com
Open Letter From The Herzlich Family-
My son is Mark Herzlich, the Boston College linebacker who has spent the past 7 months battling cancer. I just wanted to send you a note saying how impressed my entire family has been by the comraderie and sportsmanship of the schools in the ACC. From opposing teams, to their fans and even to the officials organization - everyone has been supportive of Mark in his efforts. The number of groups that sacrificed personally to raise funds in Mark's honor to support cancer research has been awesome and humbling.
We are blessed and grateful that it appears that Mark has beaten this awful disease and his level of recuperation over the next 6 months will determine whether he can return to the playing field. His intent is to do so. However, before we start down that next path I wanted to relflect upon and appreciate how much the ACC has made this intial part of the journey bearable.
I truly think that this is something unique to the ACC. It is a conference with class. In reading about the backbiting and vitrolence in amoungst teams of other major conference, it's a pleasure to be associated with one whose members can both compete hammer and tong on the playing field but still appreciate, support and celebrate their opponents. Without quality opponents, there is no game. Too often that's forgotten in the world of sport, but not in the ACC.
Best wishes for a festive and fruitful holiday and bowl season.
Sandon M. Herzlich, Sr.
Mark has been nominated, along with 7 other individuals and the UConn Football Team, for this year's FedEx Orange Bowl Courage Award. Each week the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) voted on and selected one individual, or team in UConn's case, that displayed an act of courage that stood out from the rest. The requirements for the nomination include "displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury and living through hardship." Kind of a no brainer looking back at Mark's battle with Ewing's Sarcoma this season.Nov. 18: Thomas "Rock" Roggeman, East Carolina
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 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!
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."
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.
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.
"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.
It is only the second time an honorary Lott Trophy has been awarded, the first going to the family of Pat Tillman in 2004. Tillman, the former college and NFL standout, volunteered for the military and was killed in Afghanistan.
“Mark Herzlich represents all that is good in today’s student-athlete and epitomizes what we look for in Lott Trophy candidates,” said John Hamilton, Chairman of the Board of the IMPACT Foundation. “His perseverance, attitude and good works are an inspiration to all of us who love college football.”
Be sure to tune into the game tomorrow on NBC. At 3:30pm there will be a very special presentation for Mark Herzlich in South Bend. Set your DVR's.
In that spirit, the 51-person selection committee elected to include Mark Herzlich from Boston College, who was a finalist in 2008. Herzlich was diagnosed in May 2009 with a rare bone cancer and has been unable to play as he completes treatment and has surgery later this year. He intends to return to the Boston College starting lineup in the fall of 2010.
“Mark Herzlich would have been a top contender for the Butkus Award this year had it not been for his illness,” said Hub Arkush of Pro Football Weekly, who supervises selectors. “The committee is so impressed with his inspirational story of recovery that we wanted to add him as a nominee.”
Congratulations to all those nominated.
This article was brought to my attention and I think it's a must read. B.J. Bennett from SouthernPigskin.com does an amazing job, here's an excerpt:
Before the season began Mark Herzlich wrote "Turning Points", an article featured on the front inside cover of the 2009 Boston College Football Media Guide. We've been waiting for an online version of the story and it's finally here. The guys over at "The Good Men Project" invited Mark to be a guest blogger. Please click here to read it.
"Then he plays football again. Boston College football. Atlantic Coast Conference football. And, yes, NFL football."
