From Survivor to Thriver: Mark McIntosh’s Vision for a Healthier Colorado
Many of you know Mark McIntosh as the energetic sports anchor who spent decades covering our favorite teams on CBS Colorado. Others know him simply as a neighbor here in Cherry Creek. But recently, Mark has taken on the most significant role of his life: leading Colorado’s charge to reclaim its title as the healthiest state in the nation.
Mark’s mission is personal, born from a life-changing battle that started three years ago. Mark has channeled his renewed energy into a massive undertaking: serving as the chair of the Denver host committee for the Transplant Games of America.
A Second Chance at Life
“It’s been a bit since some of us have connected,” Mark shares in a recent update. His journey took a sudden turn when he was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer. “The treatment required chemotherapy; the blood cancer Amyloidosis took a toll on me, but the dialysis kept me alive.”
But hope arrived in the form of a living donor. “An angel in my midst, Cathie Hitchcock, shared her spare and saved my life on June 12, 2024,” Mark says.
This “gift of life” didn’t just restore his health; it gave him a new purpose. “This second chance at life has given me a deep desire to help others in need of an organ transplant.”
The 2026 Transplant Games: A Celebration of Resilience
Mark has channeled his renewed energy into a massive undertaking: serving as the chair of the Denver host committee for the Transplant Games of America.
Coming to the Mile High City next summer, this six-day sports and wellness festival is more than just a competition. It is a celebration of life that honors donors, recipients, and the families who make these miracles possible.
“Twelve thousand folks are coming to town next summer,” Mark notes. “We’re gonna celebrate life, honor those making it happen, educate about organ donation, and inspire Coloradans to a healthier future.”
Reclaiming the Crown
For years, Colorado wore the badge of honor as “America’s Healthiest State,” a title fitting for a place defined by majestic mountains and active lifestyles. However, recent data suggests we’ve slipped a bit, with obesity rates rising and our top-ranking status no longer guaranteed.
Mark and the host committee see the Transplant Games as the perfect springboard to reverse this trend. The vision is to offer a “priceless present” to the Centennial State for its upcoming 150th birthday in 2026: restoring our reputation as the nation’s healthiest place to live.
How You Can Join the Movement
You don’t have to be a transplant recipient to get involved. Mark and his team are breaking down barriers to ensure the entire community can participate.
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Open Competitions: Events like the 5K road race are open to the public.
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The CrossFit Challenge: For the first time, the Games will offer “The Murph” challenge to the CrossFit community, allowing the world’s fittest athletes to train alongside transplant recipients.
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Education: The event aims to create a “bump” in organ, eye, and tissue donations, saving lives across the Rocky Mountain West.
A Call to Action
Bringing an event of this magnitude to Denver requires significant support. The committee needs to raise $1 million to cover rights fees and local vendors, including venues like the Colorado Convention Center and DU’s Magness Arena.
Mark is asking his Cherry Creek neighbors to help welcome the world to our city. “My job is to promote the games, more organ donations, and better wellness,” he says. “I’m barnstorming the state… Would you like to help?”
Support the Mission:
You can help bring this vision to life by donating to the host committee’s efforts here: Colorado Gives – Denver TGA
Learn More:
For details on the schedule and events, visit: Transplant Games of America
As we look toward Colorado’s 150th anniversary, let’s rally behind Mark and this incredible cause. It’s a chance to celebrate our state, support our neighbors, and perhaps most importantly, be inspired to “share your spare.”
If you want to contribute, contact Mark as the following email address: mark@seekvictory.com
SWOCE!™
