South African radio presenter Mark Pilgrim took to his social media pages to share the news of his stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis and has promised fellow fighters that they will fight together.
Johannesburg, South Africa (07 March 2022) – South African radio presenter Mark Pilgrim shared his scary cancer news over the weekend and promises to smile, even when he is afraid. This diagnosis comes after 33 years of being in remission.
In Mark’s youth, he was diagnosed with stage 4 testicular cancer, which spread to his lungs and kidneys. He fought cancer off and has been in remission ever since. His recent diagnosis is stage 4 lung cancer.
While sharing the news with supporters and fans, he explained that his treatment will start within the next week and that he has three goals for his time through the treatment. His first goal is to smile and be grateful.
“I will take time (even when scared) to smile and be grateful everyday”
When facing a life-threatening cancer diagnosis, it can be tough and smiling through the bad parts can be inspiring not only for yourself but for others battling this disease too.
Mark is a radio presenter with a career that has touched many lives. Over the years, he has worked as a DJ on 5FM, 94.7 Highveld Stereo, 94.5 Kfm, Hot919 and is currently a presenter with Hot102.7fm. He hopes that treatment will allow him to continue his love of radio.
“I will endeavor to be on radio and do what I love (almost) everyday.”
And his final goal, is to walk alongside others battling cancer too. This is not a new part of Mark’s life, though; over the years, he has been passionate about fighting cancer, raising awareness and inspiring others. As part of the Cancer, Shavethon Mark wrote a heartfelt letter to a young man named Billy, who was battling cancer a few years ago. In the letter, he explained that there will be bad days, but they will all be worth it when the fight is over.
“Looking back, I’ve come to realise that it’s okay to have a bad day when you don’t feel like fighting, because the next day you WILL have the energy to fight. It’s like being on a diet and allowing yourself a cheat day. Once you’ve had it you are mentally back on track with the diet. Allow yourself a bad day, but then remember you are fighting not just for yourself, but for those that love you as well. And the next day, you fight as hard as you can.”
The fight is hard but worth it!
“I look back on my life and think about all the things I could have missed out on if I didn’t mentally challenge the disease… Including the birth of my daughter Tayla-Jean who I love more than life itself. It’s about family. Nothing beats that love.
I wish you the strength to fight!”
You will be able to stay up to date with Mark through his various social media pages as well as on his show at Hot102.7fm.
If you have a few words of encouragement for Mark, you can leave them in the comment section below. Support has already started flooding in.
One of the nicest guys on the SA media scene, a warrior and a gentleman.
— Gillian Faichnie (@GillianF) March 5, 2022
You’re not alone. You have an army of “Pilgrims” right by your side. Sending you all the love and strength good sir. ❤️
— Brent Lindeque (@BrentLindeque) March 5, 2022
Three years ago I went through a battle with cancer. And I won. It was 10 months of hell. What got me through was turning the old cliché around into “it’s not about the journey, it’s about the destination”
Strength to you and never stop fighting. ❤️— Gert Blij (@gertblij) March 5, 2022
Mark, I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2018 we took this pic a short while after that, you are my inspiration ❤️ pic.twitter.com/HdT4PgaKG3
— Aldren Govender (@GovenderAldren) March 5, 2022
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