Mark Black is a Heart and Double-Lung Transplant Recipient - turned - 3-Time Marathon Runner, Best-Selling Author Life-Coach and Motivational Speaker.
Born with a life-threatening heart defect, Mark underwent two open-heart surgeries before the age of one. He battled his condition and it's limitations for twenty-two years quite successfully, but at 23 yrs old, Mark was suddenly faced with the biggest challenge of his life. His doctor informed him that his heart was failing badly and that without a rare and dangerous heart and double-lung transplant, he would not likely see his 25th birthday.
In October 2001, Mark moved thousands of kilometres from home and was put on the transplant waiting list. After just four months on the list, Mark's condition grew worse and he was placed in the hospital. His condition was worsening quickly and he had to placed on 24hr monitoring to ensure his safety. Mark stayed in that little hospital room, living like a caged animal, for SIX MONTHS.
Finally, by the grace of God, on September 7th, 2002, after almost a year on the list, Mark received a second chance at life: a life-saving Heart & Double-Lung Transplant.
Since receiving his second chance at life Mark hasn't wasted a moment. He has now inspired more than 45,000 people across North America with his truly unique story and powerful life lessons that help his audience members live life with passion and purpose. Mark's ability to inspire an audience has made him a regular guest speaker and motivator for the Running Room, sales meetings, corporate retreats, high schools and universities across North America.
Mark lives in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada where he spends as much time as possible with the two most important people in his life; his wife Marise and their little girl Emma.