This is a wonderful story about Boston College star linebacker, Mark Herzlich, a cancer survivor and Sister Barbara Ann Hallman -- a devout Notre Dame fan from Our Lady of Angels convent in Mishawaka, IN. Sister Barbara Ann (a colon cancer survivor) began praying for Herzlich after reading about his cancer diagnosis on May 14, 2009. That same day she sent a letter to the Boston College star -- letting Herzlich know they would
"fight this cancer together." (The content of this first letter is in the Sports Illustrated story linked below). Thus, the beginning of a unique relationship between a 75 year-old nun and a 22 year-old linebacker. When Herzlich and his Boston College teammates visited Notre Dame this past season, Sister Barbara Ann was there to finally meet Mark in person. (The photo is from halftime of that game when then Notre Dame Head Football Coach Charlie Weis gave Mark a framed ND football jersey). Earlier this season, Boston College flew Sister from South Bend to Boston for Herzlich's first game back in uniform -- after missing last season to the cancer. Here's a WNDU story about their friendship:
LINK:
THE ODD COUPLE
LINK:
SI ARTICLE ON HERZLICH & SISTER BARBARA ANN
