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Mark Herzlich: What a Difference a Year Makes

Submitted by jaimef on Wed, 06/09/2010 - 07:52.
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Uplifting Athletes will share stories that inspire us.  We are calling the series of stories, "Tackling Rare Diseases."

Herzlich -- Year in Review

What a difference a year can make, just 365 days in one's life.  This time last year, Boston College's Mark Herzlich was struggling through spring practices.  He had a pain in his leg that would not go away.  A MRI confirmed surprising news: Herzlich had Ewing's sarcoma, a rare disease affecting roughly one in 50,000 teenagers.  The day, May 12, 2009, is one Herzlich will never forget.   
                                    
"And now a year later, to be healthy again, it's incredible," Herzlich says.
After months of treatment and surgery in November, the best news was confirmed: Herzlich could return to playing football.
"My life is back to where it was before," Herzlich says. "It's emotional."
It's been quite a ride with the treatments, surgery and rehab.  But through it all, Herzlich has received so much support from his teammates, fans and from complete strangers.

"The emails, the letters, there have been some many inspirational notes," Herzlich says.

Boston College started an Uplifting Athletes chapter in honor of Mark.  Before this year's Lift For Life, the chapter has raised $121,290 for Ewing's sarcoma.  And it wasn't just his teammates that raised the money, opponents, other ACC schools, did as well.  Mark considers it a team effort

"And if some other schools start an Uplifting Athletes chapter, that's even better," Herzlich says.

Mark has been honored for his courage and outreach winning the Disney Spirit Award.  To further illustrate his grit and determination, Herzlich is back practicing this spring.  He's not at full speed just yet, but hopes to be there soon.  Till then, he dreams, even visualizes, his big return to the playing field.

"Just to run out of the tunnel that first game will be so fullfilling," Herzlich says.  "I can't wait."

September 4 is circled on Mark's calendar, when BC hosts Weber State in the homeopener.   Lots of eyes will be on linebacker as he returns to the national spotlight.