Mark Herzlich has defied tremendous odds. And he did it twice. His story aired on 60 Minutes last week and inspired over 18 million viewers. If you need a little inspiration today, read Mark’s story. You will not be disappointed.
Mark was coming off an all-star year as a linebacker at Boston College. He was at the top of his game and ready to be a first round draft pick. Then he found out he had cancer.
During the season Mark had been experiencing excruciating pains in his leg which turned out to be Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Ewing’s sarcoma affects fewer than 400 Americans per year. Over 130 of those who are diagnosed do not survive.
Yet Mark Herzlich spent the next two years defying the odds. He fought for his life and he beat cancer.
Then, he fought for a career doing what he loves most – playing football. Through some terribly painful and grueling days, he fought. The man who had been told by doctors that he may never be able to run again was signed this fall to the New York Giants.
He continues to make an impact off the field too, raising funds for Uplifting Athletes, a nonprofit organization which aligns college football players with rare diseases to generate awareness, research and advocacy campaigns. In the U.S., a disease is considered rare (also known as an orphan disease) if it affect fewer than 200,000 people. Rare diseases are often ignored by pharmaceutical companies because working towards a cure is not a cost effective business endeavor. Yet nearly 30 million Americans (or almost 1 in 10 people) are affected by the 6,800 known rare diseases.
When I launched this site I wanted to tell the stories of those who have overcome adversity and those who pay it forward; of human interest and social good. Mark Herzlich is a perfect example of that. As a New York Giants fan, an alumni of an Uplifting Athletes chapter university and the parent of a child with a rare disease, I am so glad that Mark Herzlich has found this marbles and so proud to be able to tell his story.
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You can find out more about Uplifting Athletes at www.UpliftingAthletes.org or follow them on Facebook (UpliftingAthletes) and Twitter (@UpliftingAthletes). Found the Marbles supports non-profit organizations in their goal of serving others and did not receive compensation for this post. Photo Credit: © David Watts Jr. Dreamstime.com
what an amazing story. definitely an inspiring one!
What a great idea–thank you for featuring it! These people make excellent role models and will no doubt help others find hope!
Sometimes at moments of weakness it is hard to think we can help someone else. Thanks for the reminder to keep paying it forward!
What an inspiring story! I missed the 60 minutes episode, but thanks for catching me up. These are the nuggets that keep me inspired and motivated!
Amazing story-
Jess- wondering if maybe we can share it on one of my client’s blogs… Will be in touch!
Absolutely, Erica!
What an amazing story. Thanks for continuing the share this with everyone – I truly believe that our attitude can make such a difference in the path that our life takes and he’s proven this.
That is a pretty inspiring story! I don’t follow sports, so thank you so much for sharing this – I wouldn’t have heard about it otherwise!
Jessica, thank you for sharing this inspiring story! Herzlich’s battle and defeat of this disease gives those with family or friends fighting a rare disease hope. My husband and I discussed (at the time) how other teams wouldn’t take a chance on him and how proud we were to be Giants fans because THEY did. It’s appalling to think of what is considered “rare” and what little is done to help those in the “rare” category. Hopefully people like Herzig (and YOU!) will help to increase awareness and at the very least, will help the people fighting these diseases to know that they are not alone.
Very inspiring piece here! It feels good from time to time to catch a piece that touches on sports and the human element, which many guys can relate to, but a bit surprised to see just how women are reacting. Im saying this because this is my first visit to your site.
Moms are amazing in every sense of the word and work very hard just to make life happen for a household. Its incredible to see just how moms react to stories like this. Please keep putting together features like this and I will make sure I keep showing up to read them.
Beautiful jessica! I cannot wait to share with my sons.
We all need a little more ‘defying the odds’ in our lives.
Rachel
This might actually turn me into a Giants fan. Great story!
Inspirational! Thanks for sharing!
Great project. Mark is an inspiration thanks for sharing this.