He has been brave enough to share hisVjourney with lung cancer. Radio veteran Mark

Pilgrim (53) was diagnosed with lung cancer in February 2022, for the second time and has been fighting tooth and nail for his life. The first time, he was diagnosed with Stage three testicular cancer in 1988, which he beat. In 2008, he suffered a severe heart attack which caused permanent heart damage. In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he won the battle against corona and pneumonia.

OPENING UP ABOUT HIS BATTLE WITH LUNG VCANCER

In a YouTube video which he published in June titled My Cancer Journey: Part 1

? Intro, Mark open up about being diagnosed with lung cancer. "This time, stage four lung cancer, which also metastasized and went to my femur, the base of my spine, and my lymph nodes," he says. This section of my You Tube channel is for anyone who is going through cancer or is supporting someone who is. It documents my journey and desires to find positivity." Mark has shared several videos to date, each discussing a different parts of his journey and sharing updates on his health along the way. He discusses his family, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and various treatments. Last year, he spent months in the hospital in ICU before being moved into the General Ward, following progress in his recovery. He was discharged from the hospital in December 2022 and spent New Year's with his family; fianc? Adrienne Watkins and two kids after undergoing multiple procedures following his collapsed lung. 

FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE

Mark has shared his most recent picture on social media, updating his supporters on his progress while having fluid drained from his abdomen. "Really skinny at the moment. Having more fluid drained from my abdomen so my tummy has a bit of space for food," he says. "It's a journey. It's not easy. Baby steps. Still have the end goal in sight where myself, Adrienne, and the girls are walking on the beach with our future golden retriever." Earlier in January, he shared how it felt getting a four-hour drip. "Getting a four-hour drip at home is a lot easier when a little fur ball is keeping me company. Still out of breath doing the smallest things, especially with the drainage tube still in my chest, but walking a little further each day without my cane for support."

WISHING HIM WELL

Social media was flooded with messages wishing Mark well on his journey with cancer. Nolo Seabi: "Ke kopa modimo a fodise Mark Pilgrim hle" Spitch Nzawumbi: " Mark Pilgrim's story is so heart breaking" Chwayita Futshane: "Mark Pilgrim's story is one of immense courage. Zanele Ka Madiba: "Mark Pilgrim is such a fighter. Been following his journey on Instagram and I've never seen so much resilience. To share this journey with us is such an act of bravery. Praying that he beats this!!!" Keletso Mosaka: I'm really taking Mark Pilgrim's battle with cancer personally. I'm both angry and sad for him. His battle is similar to the one my grandfather fought, and he came out victorious - his win may not have been the outcome we wanted but cancer no longer has power over him."