A brave struggle has ended

Posted: Tuesday, December 09, 2008 by Travis Cody in
24

Since May, I've been following the brave journey of a wonderful person recently struck by cancer. He died this morning.

My heart is heavy at this news. Mark knew his cancer was terminal. I don't know if I could have his strength to fight as hard as he did.

It's ironic that this is Jimmy V week on ESPN. The V Foundation has raised over $80m in the last 15 years for cancer research. The motto of the V Foundation is Don't Give Up, Don't Ever Give Up.

The name of Mark and Rebecca's blog is Cancer is Killing Me - I Will Never Give Up!

As Mark's wife Rebecca wrote today, Mark's pain is at an end and he is at peace.

Please stop by Mark's blog and offer a word or two for Rebecca.

Please also consider donating tonight in Mark's name to the V Foundation.

24 comments:

  1. Mimi Lenox says:
    09 December, 2008 19:36

    That is so sad to hear. I knew of Mark and his blog through Jennifer. May he rest in peace and know that he inspired many others with his outlook and courage.

  1. Mike Golch says:
    09 December, 2008 19:37

    Tarv,I celebrate God's newest Angel! He is home and his suffering is over.I also posted a tribute and a link.

  1. Anonymous says:
    09 December, 2008 19:48

    I'm sorry for your loss... Big hugs, Travis.

  1. Julie says:
    09 December, 2008 19:50

    Thanks for letting us know about Mark. Rebecca seems like a very sweet lady and you're very thoughtful for letting your readers know about this.

  1. Desert Songbird says:
    09 December, 2008 20:01

    I don't know if I could have his strength to fight as hard as he did.

    You've already done your fight, Trav, and you were victorious. Now Mark is victorious over his pain, too, just in a different way.

  1. ClancyPants says:
    09 December, 2008 20:05

    Sorry to hear. It's a hard thing. I just sang a song today at my husband's grandma's funeral. :(

  1. Unknown says:
    09 December, 2008 20:12

    I feel Mark's death as a personal loss. Through the months that I read his blog, I found his courage and joy-filled life to be contageous.

  1. j says:
    09 December, 2008 20:41

    Going to his blog was always a blessing to me. His spirit and attitude often made me rethink my OWN attitude. If he could be so upbeat and positive in the face of such a huge trial, I should try to be the same way in my perfect health.

    I am going to miss him Travis.

  1. Unknown says:
    10 December, 2008 04:22

    I hate to hear that - thanks for letting us know.

  1. Jeff B says:
    10 December, 2008 06:48

    Just went by to pay my respects. Peace be with you Travis.

  1. Maggie Moo says:
    10 December, 2008 07:44

    I'm sorry to hear this Trav...

  1. Sarge Charlie says:
    10 December, 2008 08:01

    I saw this in the dust bunny's place, Rest in peace Mark.

  1. Akelamalu says:
    10 December, 2008 09:03

    Cancer is such a terrible disease it knows no bounds.

    Though I didn't know Mark I'm sorry to hear of his passing. I will remember him and his family when I'm sending Reiki. x

  1. Kanani says:
    10 December, 2008 09:31

    Oh, that's sad. Sorry for your loss.

  1. Ivanhoe says:
    10 December, 2008 11:14

    I've heard about Mark thru Mike Golch's blog. He fought hard. May he now rest in peace with no more pain.

  1. Vinny "Bond" Marini says:
    10 December, 2008 12:20

    Songbird read my mind...You fought...you won...Marks has also won in his own way.

    Though his words, he has made it easier for so many others.

    Your heart is so huge my friend.

  1. Durward Discussion says:
    10 December, 2008 13:31

    My deepest sympathy on the loss of your friend and condolences to his family. Take wisdom from his heroic fight and joy from your memories of his life.

  1. Travis Cody says:
    10 December, 2008 17:54

    Thank you all for your thoughts and well wishes.

  1. Jeni says:
    11 December, 2008 01:03

    Friend or family member, it matters not there when we lose one of them. So it's quite understandable that you feel the way you do now. Cancer is a very undiscriminating disease -comes after all of us and frequently sticks around a while too. The only way I've found to cope with losses that seem so terrible, illogical, unfair, is to try to tell myself that the person is no longer suffering. My condolences to you and to your friends family as well. Wish there were more that could be done, said -whatever -to ease things but each of us has our own timetable with which grief holds us at times like this. Peace, Trav.

  1. Angell says:
    11 December, 2008 09:41

    I've been there - lost too many people to this horrible disease. My heart and thoughts are with Jennifer and their family.

    Thank you for posting this.

  1. Angell says:
    11 December, 2008 09:42

    Whoops - I meant Rebecca. That'll teach me to type and talk to someone at the same time.

    My apologies.

  1. TopChamp says:
    12 December, 2008 13:52

    I saw your post but didn't know what to say.... sorry to hear this news!

  1. Janna says:
    17 December, 2008 18:17

    Oh, no... this really is sad.
    I went to the blog and read enough to know that it was indeed a brave struggle.
    And I left a comment of condolence, as per your suggestion.

  1. katherine. says:
    02 January, 2009 19:22

    damn. I am sorry Travis.

    I hate cancer.

    I'll visit their site.

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