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Surprise football coach winning battle for life

West Valley man became inspiration for football team

Mark Rumsey is lucky to be alive after doctors told him he should have died from a kidney disease last May.

Independent Newsmedia/Jason Stone

Mark Rumsey played college football at Towson University in Maryland, where he was a free safety.

Courtesy Mark Rumsey

Mark Rumsey shows off his Towson University jersey during his Hall of Fame enshrinement to the school last fall.

Courtesy Mark Rumsey

Mark Rumsey thought he was a dead man.

At least that’s what doctors told him a year and a half ago when learned he had two incurable diseases attacking his kidneys and liver.

Doctors said Rumsey had until May 2023 to live, meaning the clock was ticking.

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