Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich's battle with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, is an inspiring story.
And before Notre Dame's game against Boston College, the university took time to recognize the 2008 ACC defensive player of the year.
Herzlich has become close friends with Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis and is friends with members of the team, including receiver Golden Tate.
Here is the pregame presentation that John Heisler, Notre Dame's senior associate athletics director of media and broadcast relations, sent out before the game:
Pregame Presentation
Ladies and gentlemen, we draw your attention to the middle of the field for a special presentation . . . .
Last May, Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich, who was the 2008 Atlantic Coast Conference defensive player of the year, was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.
While undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments, Herzlich returned to classes in August and has been helping the Eagles football team as a student coach.
In recognition of Mark's courage in the face of personal adversity, the University of Notre Dame today is making three special presentations:
First, Irish head football coach Charlie Weis and his wife Maura are making a personal contribution of $5,000 to Uplifting Athletes, a national nonprofit group formed by college football players to fund research for rare diseases.
Second, Notre Dame's Student-Athlete Advisory Council is presenting a check for $5,094 in Mark Herzlich's name to Irish men's basketball coach Mike Brey and his Coaches vs. Cancer program. On the field representing SAAC is president Erica Williamson from women's basketball.
And, finally, Boston native and Irish wide receiver Barry Gallup Jr. on behalf of the entire Notre Dame football program, is presenting Herzlich with a framed #94 Notre Dame jersey. Gallup is the son of Barry Gallup Sr., Boston College's director of football operations.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join us in recognizing Boston College's Mark Herzlich.
