WE'VE MOVED TO HERZNATION.COM/BLOG

Today marks the first day of the future of HerzNation. We have moved to Herznation.com/blog. We want to thank all of our loyal Herznation fans and we urge you to change your bookmarks over to our new home. We will have more features available that will keep you better informed on Mark's return to football and beyond. The sleek design and the ability to update from anywhere are just some of the new features we are psyched about. All of the old content will be available on the new site.

You are automatically being redirected to our new home : www.herznation.com/blog

Stay Up! - HerzNation

MARK HERZLICH RECEIVES HONORARY LOTT TROPHY

On Sunday Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich received an honorary Lott Trophy, becoming the second player in history to earn the honorary award and the first to earn it since Pat Tillman in 2004. The Lott Trophy committee also donated $5,000 to Uplifting Athletes to help fund cancer research.

I watched the broadcast of the award ceremony tonight on FSN, and Mark looked great. Congratulations Mark. Well deserved. Here's to you winning the Lott Trophy outright next year.

MARK HERZLICH WITH THE DISNEY SPIRIT AWARD

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.

No doubt.

MARK TO RECEIVE DISNEY SPIRIT AWARD - TOMORROW ON ESPN

Mark will be receiving the Disney Spirit Award during tomorrow's Home Depot Awards show on ESPN. 7pm-9pm EST.

I'll be watching. Will you?

ACC = A Conference with Class

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 HERZLICH AWARDED THE 2009 ACC COMMISSIONER'S CUP

In recognition of his tremendous courage, perseverance and inspiration, ACC Commissioner John Swofford will honor Mark Herzlich with the Commissioner's Cup. The cup is given at the Commissioner's discretion and this marks the first to be awarded to a student-athlete.

MARK HERZLICH IS A NOMINEE FOR THE FEDEX ORANGE BOWL'S COURAGE AWARD

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.

A blue-ribbon panel will determine the winner from all of the nominees. The winner of the FedEx Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award will be announced in December and be presented with the trophy. The Courage Award was created by ESPN The Magazine's senior writer Gene Wojciechowski, also a FWAA member. A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year.

This year’s nominees include:

Sept. 23: D.J. Williams, Arkansas

Sept. 30: Mark Herzlich, Boston College

Oct. 8: Darius Nall, Central Florida

Oct. 14: Ricky Rosas, USC

Oct. 21: Derrick Coleman, UCLA
Oct. 28: University of Connecticut Football Team
Nov. 4: Antoine "Shaky" Smithson, Utah

Nov. 11: Dan Potokar, Ohio State

Nov. 18: Thomas "Rock" Roggeman, East Carolina

We want to congratulate all of the nominees this year, but especially Mark. We believe it takes a hell of a lot more than courage to do what Mark has done. Not only did he battle and beat the cancer within his own body, but he inspired a nation to raise money to help others beat cancer. To date the donations are reaching $200,000. That is a pretty huge helping of courage if you ask us.

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."

Full Post

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.

MARK HERZLICH TO RECEIVE HONORARY LOTT TROPHY

Newport Beach, Ca. – Boston College Linebacker Mark Herzlich, who has missed the entire 2009 football season while undergoing treatment for cancer, will receive an honorary Lott Trophy, it was announced today by the Board of Directors of The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, sponsors of the award.

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.”

Herzlich, a senior from Wayne, Pa., was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year last season and also an Academic all-conference selection majoring in finance. He led Boston College in tackles with 113 and had six interceptions. He was a quarter-finalist for The Lott Trophy in 2008 and on the Watch List for 2009.

MARK HERZLICH'S MEETING WITH SISTER BARBARA ANNE

ND TO CONTINUE FUNDRAISING FOR MARK HERZLICH

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.

MARK HERZLICH AND BC HOST SOME SPECIAL GUESTS