Cancer survivor Herzlich's story inspires the inspirational
SARASOTA, Fla. -- It was a kind of coach's convention, but this one for cancer research.
The fifth annual Dick Vitale Gala raised more than $1 million for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, with people like Magic Johnson honoring Tom Izzo and Jim Caldwell sitting with Tony Dungy. Almost every big-named Williams was there (Gary, Roy and Doug), joining the Italian Army of John Calipari, Mike Fratello, Steve Mariucci, Fran Fraschilla and Tommy Lasorda. But UCLA coach Ben Howland and Manhattan coach Barry Rohrssen wanted to talk about someone far less famous.
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| Mark Herzlich is determined to be an impact player again. (Getty Images) |
"His story, his battle, should be taught on college campuses," said Rohrssen.
Herzlich is the 6-4, 240-pound linebacker from Boston College -- an All-America in 2008 -- who spent last year undergoing months of radiation and chemotherapy for Ewing's Sarcoma, the rare bone cancer that invades the body and often doesn't let go.
"I was shocked when I found out I had a malignant tumor in my leg," said Herzlich, who plans to take the field in BC's opening game at home on Sept. 4 in what should be a wonderfully emotional moment for those who have followed his story. "I thought it was just a severely pulled muscle."
Last May, Herzlich was told that the pain in his left leg was not a football injury, but cancer, and that he was likely to lose his strength, his hair and, possibly even more. Weakened by months of treatments, Herzlich needed a 12-inch titanium rod inserted into his left leg.
"It is an ordeal for anyone to have cancer," said Herzlich, who now speaks at fundraisers about the disease that usually affects children between ages 10-20. Herzlich was 21. "Food tastes terrible, you get weak and skinny. You're tired and nauseous all the time. But you learn to push on."
Throughout his battle, Herzlich received thousands of letters of encouragement and support. They came from the famous -- Lance Armstrong and Larry Lucchino -- to a 75-year-old nun from Indiana named Sister Barbara Anne, a colon cancer survivor. There were also notes and good wishes and financial support. Herzlich recently gave a $25,000 check to the Sarcoma Foundation.
"I'm fighting now to help get rid of the disease," he said. In 2008, Herzlich was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, known for his punishing hits and unexpected speed. He led Boston College in tackles and had the nation's second-highest interception total. Of his six picks, two were returned for touchdowns. He was projected as a Top 10 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Growing up in Wayne, Pa., just north of Philadelphia, Herzlich had always imagined hearing the NFL commissioner say, "The Philadelphia Eagles select linebacker Mark Herzlich ..." But Instead of hearing his name called in this year's rookie class, Herzlich watched from afar.
"It wasn't as hard to watch as I imagined," he said. "I was excited for all my friends who got drafted and I'm appreciative of what I have."
On Sept. 29, Herzlich was given a clean bill of health by his doctors at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. He went back to school, majoring in marketing. He also began concentrating on getting his fitness -- his football fitness -- back, with the idea of playing in his senior year. "I worked on strengthening my legs, I ran and I lifted weights," he said. "My flexibility has been poor, so I have to get treated to rip the scar tissue and the muscles away from the bone. I'm almost to the point where I can do serious squats."
Herzlich's father put into perspective the extent of his son's astonishing will.
"Mark will not be taking the field again to be mediocre," said Sandy Herzlich. "He wants to be an All-American."
Herzlich holds on to the dream of running out of the Alumni Stadium locker room wearing his number 94. He said he is on track. His greatest vision, though, is of remaining cancer free.
"There are 12 million cancer survivors," said Herzlich. "I am profoundly thankful to be one of them."
