Date of Birth: April 3, 1933
Number of Years at HTNB: 13 Years (since inception)
HTNB Highlights:
My Story:
Not believing for a moment that a man could develop breast cancer, Mark was diagnosed in May 1988 at age 55. His treatment included a modified radical mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. As a byproduct of extensive lymph node removal, he subsequently developed Lymphedema of the left arm. Mark soon realized that he could use the uniqueness of breast cancer in men as a platform for heightening awareness and advocacy for all people.
Before September 1992, the most running Mark did was for a commuter train or plane. Goldstein's first experience with Komen Race for the Cure® series was a 1992 Race in New York City, which at the time was for women only. Completing his and his family's Race entry forms using only first initials and last name, Goldstein wore his pink hat proudly as they all ran amongst the other breast cancer survivors – all women. In 1995, Goldstein became a member of National Honorary Team New Balance, visiting Komen Race for the Cure® events across the country to share his story and give a voice to the other men fighting this disease.
Goldstein has run in every Komen Race for the Cure® event both nationally and internationally, for a current total of 175. In addition to participating in Komen Race events, Goldstein brings his spirit of advocacy to others through presentations to and participation in support groups. In 2003 he was named as one of the "Yoplait 25 Champions" for his contribution to breast cancer awareness and advocacy. On July 9, 2005 he was inducted into the "National Distance Running Hall of Fame". In the 2006 "Heroes" issue of Runner's World, he was named as a "Hero of Running".
"Who would have thought that developing breast cancer would have turned out to be such a positive opportunity for good? Breast cancer gave me the opportunity, running gives me the means for recognition, God, family, the Komen organization, New Balance and those inspirational survivors at the races give me the motivation and strength to continue."
At 75, he continues to realize that an increasingly positive dimension has been added to his life as a result of his experience with breast cancer. His overall objectives are to:
And now, as an extension of his experience with breast cancer, he is committed to heightening the awareness of Lymphedema in the general public and increased advocacy in the medial and legislative sectors.
Complementing the races is his involvement in a number of support groups where he can share his experiences and provide a rare male point of view on breast cancer. His experience with breast cancer can be summed up in one phrase: "Men shouldn't die from breast cancer out of ignorance!"
What NB and being on HTNB means to you:
Being a part of a philanthropic effort to heighten awareness has been one of the most uplifting experiences I could imagine. When my motives might have been open to question, New Balance gave me the legitimacy and credibility to be a more effective spokesperson for awareness of breast cancer in men - from the "stage" at Komen Race for the Cure® events, where I present New Balance shoes and jackets to local winners, to the "media" where my story gets an even broader exposure. And lastly, the sheer exhilaration of participating with the other survivors as we recognize that in our running, we have not only survived the disease but have also conquered our emotions.
