{"id":8571,"date":"2025-12-02T18:36:24","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T18:36:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cherrycreek.life\/?p=8571"},"modified":"2025-12-03T17:17:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T17:17:39","slug":"mark-mcintoshs-vision-for-a-healthier-colorado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cherrycreek.life\/index.php\/2025\/12\/02\/mark-mcintoshs-vision-for-a-healthier-colorado\/","title":{"rendered":"Mark McIntosh\u2019s Vision for a Healthier Colorado"},"content":{"rendered":"

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From Survivor to Thriver: Mark McIntosh\u2019s Vision for a Healthier Colorado<\/h2>\n

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\u2019s charge to reclaim its title as the healthiest state in the nation.<\/p>\n

Mark\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

A Second Chance at Life<\/span><\/p>\n

“It\u2019s 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.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.”<\/p>\n

The 2026 Transplant Games: A Celebration of Resilience<\/h3>\n

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<\/b><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

Reclaiming the Crown<\/h3>\n

For years, Colorado wore the badge of honor as “America\u2019s Healthiest State,” a title fitting for a place defined by majestic mountains and active lifestyles. However, recent data suggests we\u2019ve slipped a bit, with obesity rates rising and our top-ranking status no longer guaranteed.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s healthiest place to live.<\/p>\n

How You Can Join the Movement<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n