Mark Carles is a 26-year-old avid runner in the Staten Island community. He ran cross-country for St. Peter's Boys' High School and continued his running career at Hunter College. In October 2018, Mark was diagnosed with Stage IV Fibrolamellar (fibro-la-mel-lar) Hepatocellular Carcinoma. This incurable and rare liver cancer (1 in every 5 million) occurs in adolescents and young adults who have no history of liver disease. Currently, there are no known causes of fibrolamellar nor effective treatment options other than liver resection surgery, which can be curative before a metastatic spread. When Mark was first diagnosed he received chemotherapy, but it didn’t work. This is the story for many rare cancer patients -- treatment options are limited or all together non-existent. Mark underwent a risky surgery to remove a 7 lb. tumor on his liver. During his recovery he found inspiration in Gabe’s story, “Everyone has it bad, whether it be something emotional or physical, but that shouldn’t stop you. It didn’t stop Gabe. She kept doing her thing. No excuses.”

A Little about Mark and David’s friendship as brothers…

you are indeed stronger than you think you are.
Stay brave,
gabe

"This is the end of the letter that my brother handed me when I was in the ICU at New York Presbyterian recovering from major liver surgery. The letter was from cancer survivor Gabe Grunewald—one of my celebrity crushes. Not only was she a world class runner, she was battling cancer just like me. Upon arriving home, I framed her note and placed it above my bed. I share a room with my brother and we read it every day. I’m stronger than I think I am—every morning, good days or bad days, this letter gives me strength.

My relationship with my brother is the best thing I have. He grew up a baseball player but became my running partner after I was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer in 2018. It’s hard for me to keep moving some days while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, but David remains patient and supportive. On the tough mornings, David always says our mantra-- “Not Today!”--which we adopted from Gabe. On those days, even if our run turns out to be a shuffle or walk, we keep going.

My brother is my best friend. Without him and Gabe’s kind words from 3 years ago, I wouldn’t be fighting as hard as I am today. There is still much for me to do on this earth. I always remember that I am stronger than I think I am—and that I’m brave like Gabe.”

-Mark Carles

HOW HAS RUNNING OR STAYING PHYSICALLY ACTIVE AFFECTED YOUR CANCER JOURNEY? 

Running keeps me going by giving me a purpose. I choose to meet up with friends and run to make it a social activity and to explain to them, “If I can do it with cancer, you can do it healthy.”

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE ON STAYING FIT THROUGHOUT THEIR CANCER TREATMENT OR RECOVERY?

It really can’t help keep your mind dwelling on the negatives. Just set new goals for yourself and work towards those. Cancer treatments will break down your muscle capacity, but that shouldn’t stop you from moving. Just keep swimming.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE BEING DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER?

Breaking 24 minutes in a 3-mile fun run, getting my brother to set and reach his running goals. Getting my father (who is 69 years old) to get back out of running retirement and back in the saddle.

HOW HAS GABE'S STORY IMPACTED YOU OR CHANGED THE WAY YOU VIEW LIFE AS A CANCER PATIENT/SURVIVOR?

Gabe sent me a very important letter while I was recovering from my first surgery. She told me I was stronger than I thought. By her message, as well as, witnessing her racing against the best and healthiest, I am encouraged to keep going. There is nothing more inspiring than the story of someone with a handicap beating the perfectly healthy.

WHAT DOES BEING #BRAVELIKEMARK MEAN TO YOU?

It means to transcend the mediocre. The usual patient or person dealing with any issue just exists, but the #bravelikegabe individual seeks for adventure within the self.

Take a minute to read more about Mark’s story published in Runner’s World and captured by Emily Shiffer.

Mark passed away on February 24th, 2022. He was battling Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma for over 3 years. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.