LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — ABC13’s Mark Spain faces a battle against Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, but he has an entire community behind him.
For many, the days around Thanksgiving are filled with family coming together. For Mark, those days were filled with the heavy news of a cancer diagnosis. Now his family, his work family here at ABC13, and the entire community are surrounding Mark with support.
On December 2, Mark’s wife Lynita posted a message to the community through his Facebook page announcing the news. At the time, she said they found out he had cancer the day after Thanksgiving but did not yet know what type it was.
She asked for prayers from the community for strength, courage and healing.
“The power of prayer is amazing and I know we can count on you!” Lynita said. “Thank you Lynchburg.”
Several days later on December 6, Mark posted an update and said that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
He is set to begin chemotherapy on December 16. He said right now he is not very comfortable and it is difficult for him to get the rest he needs. Despite the difficult news on top of the physical challenges he already faces, he is facing the future with positivity.
“My plan is to get through this and become a Cancer Survivor,” he said. “So, please keep the prayers and positive vibes coming.”
His latest public update came Monday, when he shared photos of his family who all gathered around him as a surprise.
“So, last Thursday my daughter surprised me by showing up at the house from Ohio. Then last night, my daughter from California showed up unexpectedly,” he said in a Facebook post. “If there’s one thing I’m sure about, friends, God is so good. Blessings to you and your loved ones!”
Each of Mark’s updates surrounding the news has been met with an outpouring of support from thousands in the community and beyond. At ABC13 we have received messages and calls from people wanting to send him notes of encouragement or get-well-soon cards in the mail.
If you would like to send a letter to Mark yourself, you can mail it to the station and we will ensure he gets it.
Here’s the WSET address:
Mark Spain/ABC 13 News
2320 Langhorne Road
Lynchburg, Va. 24501
Thank you to everyone in the community who has been keeping Mark in your thoughts and prayers.