Finding inner strength, smiling through the pain and therapy dogs: Five of Mark Pilgrim’s final messages

From keeping fans regularly updated about his health to spending time with his family, veteran radio and TV personality Mark Pilgrim inspired many in his battle with cancer. 

Mark died on Sunday at home with his family. He was 53. 

The HOT 102.7FM radio DJ was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, which he later revealed had spread to his femur, the base of his spine and lymph nodes.

He was close to his fans and shared moments of his journey. Here are five of Mark's final messages:

Feeling like a 'shrivelled pea'

Last month, Mark shared that his body was depleted after chemotherapy.

“A lot of sleeping the last few days. Body is depleted. After chemo and immuno last Thursday it’s just been pouring out both ends. I’m like a shrivelled pea,” he wrote.

It’s a journey. It’s not easy.

While the journey was not easy, Mark always kept a positive energy. 

“Really skinny at the moment. Having more fluid drained from abdomen so my tummy has a bit of space for food. 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,” he said.

Smiling and exhaustion

He shared that there were moments after heavy coughing or vomiting when he was exhausted.

“Just to keep it real. I smile a lot in pictures, but there’s also moments after heavy coughing or vomiting that I’m exhausted and need a moment to catch my breath. It’s about acknowledging those moments ... and then standing up again,” said Mark. 

Why he shares his medical journey

Mark explained to fans why he was sharing his medical journey, saying his posts are to encourage people to find the inner strength to face another day. 

“Well, here’s one of the reasons I journal my cancer journey online, and it’s summed up in this message I received a while back from a follower: 'I didn’t want to get out of bed today. I read your post and stood up.'

“If my posts encourage just one person to find the inner strength to face another day, it’s all worthwhile,” he wrote.

Surprise visit for his daughter

In his last days, Mark got a surprise visit for his daughters from therapy dogs Paws4U.

“Surprise visit for the girls from Paws4U! Thanks for bringing three of your highly trained retriever therapy dogs for a bit of fun and interaction.”

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