As many of you know, one of our own incredible teachers at Severna Park High School, Leah Marks, is courageously battling breast cancer. Leah isn’t just a beloved teacher; she’s also the strength coach for the SPHS football team, inspiring students and athletes every day with her positivity and resilience.

Her husband, Nick Marks, is also a teacher and the Varsity Football Coach at Severna Park, and together they’ve poured their hearts into this community for years.

Now, it’s our turn to rally around them. ❤️

As the saying goes, “It takes a village,” and right now, Leah and her family need their village more than ever. We’ve created a GoFundMe to help support the Marks family as they navigate this challenging time. Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference and helps lift some of the weight from their shoulders.

Let’s show Leah and Nick the same strength and support they’ve given to so many of us.

Leah's Story:

I never thought I would be a healthy 39-year-old mother of two small boys [8 and 5 at the time] facing a diagnosis of stage two breast cancer.

In early February 2025, I felt a lump on my own. I wasn’t overly concerned, what 39-year-old gets breast cancer? Especially me? I was young, in great shape, eating well, lifting weights, running miles. I thought, I don’t have cancer… right?

Thankfully, my mother and sister-in-law convinced me to make an appointment. I had to wait to see my OBGYN first, apparently, you need an OB to confirm a lump. I was fortunate to get on their cancellation list [the next available was in April!] and was seen on February 10th. My OBGYN wasn’t concerned, but she offered to write a referral “just in case” if I wanted to get a mammogram. I’m blessed that I listened to my instincts and scheduled one at Bay Radiology for February 13th.

That day, Dr. Laura Amodei, a brilliant and compassionate physician, saved my life. Early detection saved my life. She recognized how aggressive the tumor appeared and immediately moved me through the process. She biopsied everything on February 18th, and by the 20th, I had a diagnosis: Stage 2 HER2+ breast cancer that had spread to my lymph nodes.

Ten years ago, my survival rate would have been around 30%. But because of groundbreaking medical advancements, my chances were much higher, and I had access to the best care in Maryland.

I was referred to Dr. Carol Tweed of Maryland Oncology and Hematology, another incredible, no-nonsense woman, who developed a comprehensive treatment plan for me, from genetics to chemotherapy. Testing revealed I had no genetic markers for breast cancer, and so began six rounds of chemo.

Throughout treatment, I continued teaching my students at Severna Park High School. I am forever grateful to those students and the SPHS faculty for helping me through these challenging months. Bethany Fish started a meal train, the football team parents, staff, and my Cape Arthur community all came together. Sean Kilduff, commissioner of Green Hornets Football, launched the #LeahStrong campaign with help from Steve Botcher at Rebel Sports. So many individuals supported me through this journey.

In the end, I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude and community. So many people “lightened my load” as I fought through the weight of illness. Following my double mastectomy and lymph node removal, I achieved a 100% pathological response. Radiation may still be ahead, but I am deeply thankful for how far I’ve come.

It sounds cliché, but it truly takes a village and I am blessed with one that is endlessly supportive.

#NoOneFightsAlone

With love,

Leah

Mrs. Leah Marks

Severna Park High School

Certified Reading Specialist, M.Ed. Loyola University of Maryland