#BraveLikeMark
Name: Mark Posey
Age: 70
Diagnosis: Oral Cancer
Years of Survivorship: 9 years
Location: San Antonio
Follow Mark on Instagram.
What gets Mark out the door each day to run? His motivation stems from a deep love for running and gratitude for the ability to run.
Mark has been cancer free for 9 years after two diagnoses of oral cancer. Initially diagnosed in August 2007, Mark was placed on an intense and aggressive chemotherapy treatment. This treatment made his throat so sore that a feeding tube was inserted into his stomach. For ten months his diet consisted of only liquids. The rigorous process continued after chemo with 37 radiation treatments. “They custom fit a piece of mesh around my face and neck so it could be fastened to the table so I wouldn’t move during the radiation. I had radiation every weekday, except for holidays.”
Exactly one year after his first cancer diagnosis, Mark ran the San Antonio Roadrunners Sunrise 10K. He recalls his time being 30 minutes slower than he’d ever completed a 10K. This didn’t discourage his spirits though. Just the accomplishment of showing up and completing the race was enough. A few months later he added on some racing mileage by completing the Rock ’n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon.
Unfortunately, Mark was diagnosed again in 2014 with cancer on the bottom of his tongue. Following surgery, he was given another intense chemotherapy regimen on a six-week cycle. This rigorous treatment plan reminded him that cancer doesn’t wait and life doesn’t slow down. In the midst of his treatment schedule, Mark lost his father, attended his father’s funeral, traveled to his youngest son’s college graduation, and celebrated Christmas with his family. Finally, after many chemotherapy sessions he decided his body had underwent enough.
Today, Mark is 70 years old, cancer-free and logging his daily runs on his social media profile titled, “Old Runner Guy.” Mile after mile, the overwhelming theme in Mark’s life is dedication despite adversity. He never gives up and shares that message with everyone he meets. Thank you Mark for sharing your story and showing us what it means to be #RunningOnHope!
“No matter what life throws at you, do not give up.”
How has running or staying physically active affected your journey?
“Running has helped me mentally cope through two cancer diagnoses.”
What advice do you have for people on staying fit throughout their recovery?
“Do what you can. Physical activity helps especially the mental aspect. Just listen to your body and don’t overdo it.”
“I haven’t completely recovered from where I was before cancer, but I haven’t quit. My goal is still to get in marathon shape and to BQ. That might not happen but never say never!”
What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
“Being a cancer survivor and being able to offer what little advice I have to others undergoing treatment, newly diagnosed, or just completed treatment.”
How has Gabe's story impacted you or changed the way you view life as a cancer patient/survivor?
“Gabe’s story is an inspiration every day. No matter what life throws at you, do not give up. Give it your all everyday because you never know what tomorrow brings.”
What does being #BraveLikeMARK mean to you?
“I don’t think I’m special. Many people have been through much tougher situations. I just try to do the best I can with what I have and be an inspiration to some.”
Tell us about something you are looking forward to?
“Keep living life to the fullest every day for you never know what tomorrow will bring. I have never completely recovered from where I was before cancer, but I haven’t quit. My goal is still to get in marathon shape and to BQ. That might not happen but never say never!”
