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As managing editor of the Drive for Five Network, Mark McIntosh feels it’s his responsibility to lead the charge in awakening America to its growing kidney crisis. A prolific writer, author of four books, motivational speaker, former award-winning TV/Radio sports personality and community advocate, at the end of the day,, the 66-year-old is a storyteller at heart. The father of two is also passionate about never growing weary of good works for others.
McIntosh’s writings have been described as inspirational, raw and relevant in his attempt to encourage Americans to rally against this growing societal challenge of needing more organ donations, better policies promoting participation and less kidney disease.
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One event of the Transplant Games of America is Texas Hold ‘em Poker. It’s a medal-competing opportunity during the six-day sports and wellness festival Denver’s hosting, June 18-23, 2026. It’s an example to the variety of 21 competitions available. They range from strenuous to sitting in a chair and outfoxing others in a game of wits and luck. Here's more on competitions: lnkd.in/gnuFh283.![]()
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I’ve always sucked at poker.![]()
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A blood cancer survivor, kidney transplant recipient, host committee chair and driver of the Colorado Caravan vividly recalls a childhood moment. Raytown South High School basketball players, scribe included, often would have low-stakes poker battles after our games.![]()
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One night after losing badly and lacking cash to pay debts? “Fellas, everyone follow me to the gas station. I’ll fill up everyone’s tank.” Seemed like a good idea at the time. Until my old man received the monthly credit card bill. I was disciplined fairly.![]()
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Those who know poker are well-versed the best hand possible is a “Royal Flush.” It consists of an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten, all of the same suit. This hand is the rarest and most powerful. No other hand can beat it. ![]()
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Which is exactly the sentiment shared from the growing list of passengers aboard the Colorado Caravan barnstorming America’s eighth-largest state in area. We’re taking the “Good, Better, Best” message statewide inspiring Coloradans to embrace presenting the Transplant Life Foundation's “World’s Largest Celebration of Life” as the springboard to restoring the Centennial State as America’s healthiest state.![]()
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It’s our birthday gift to Colorado and our nation on, respectively, birthdays #150 and #250. From a dude who’s lived in this state almost 40 years as a TV personality and community advocate? Our beloved state has changed and there’s room for improvement.![]()
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Let’s see what others can’t envision. Colorado’s first time hosting the event around since 1990, 12,000 visitors to Denver, the region and state. A feel good moment.![]()
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Educating others about organ, eye, tissue and bone marrow donation while inspiring everyone to better wellness? It saves lives short and long-term and makes Colorado healthier: physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually and financially. A Fab Five.![]()
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To put in poker terms? A royal flush. Rare, powerful and unbeatable. Let’s make "Hearts" the suit of choice. As friends at Rotary International like to say, “Uniting for Good.” There’s room available on the caravan, join us. SWOCE!™
Debra Fine has been a friend for decades. We met years ago through the Colorado chapter of the National Speakers Association. The best-selling author and communications expert is a long-time Rotarian and delivered an entertaining and educational kickoff keynote this past Saturday to an enthusiastic crowd attending Rotary District 5450 annual conference.![]()
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The Buffalo, New York native’s incredible gifts and talents inspire others to really think about how we communicate with one another. The Denver host committee for next summer’s 2026 Transplant Games of America being held in the Mile High City? We love working with Rotary District 5450. ![]()
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What a great day. 250 service-minded folks from 50 of the district’s 56 chapters gathered under the rallying cry of “United for Good.” The Colorado Caravan’s “Good, Better, Best” message blends well with these devoted Rotarians passionate about building stronger connections and fueling impact.![]()
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The Transplant Life Foundation produces the six-day sports and wellness festival. The Denver host committee values Rotary's invitation to speak throughout the district. We’re presenting the games, known as the “Largest Celebration of Life in the World,” as the springboard to offering Colorado a wonderful gift on its 150th birthday. Healthier citizens.![]()
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Fine had fine words. “Every conversation is an opportunity.” Yep. Every conversation at Rotary, and elsewhere, means more awareness in welcoming 12,000 visitors to the Centennial State to celebrate life, honor those making it happen, educate about organ, eye, tissue and bone marrow donation while inspiring Coloradans to get healthier - physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually and fiscally. ![]()
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Opportunity is knocking. Rotary’s on the rebound. Who says this “Feel Good” moment can’t spark Colorado’s comeback? Rotary and the Denver host committee's Colorado Caravan? United for good, stronger connections, meaningful impact and a healthier future for the Centennial State. SWOCE!™
The Colorado Caravan’s diligent in obeying speed limits but understands the urgency in roaming the state with encouragement considering the current realities locally, regionally and nationally. Colorado and America need to get healthier in all phases. Quickly.![]()
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Why not offer the Transplant Life Foundation's six-day sports and wellness festival next June to springboard the effort? Your scribe’s a blood cancer survivor, kidney transplant recipient and passionate chair of the Denver host committee.![]()
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Committee members are eager to reach every section of the nation’s eighth-largest state with a simple Caravan message: “The Denver Transplant Games will be wonderful gifts on, respectively, the state and nation’s 150th and 250th birthdays. ![]()
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Healthier citizens!![]()
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Over the weekend TLF founder Bill Ryan allowed this 67-year-old with a new lease on life an opportunity to share with about 100 leaders of “Transplant Teams” from around the country. All were in Denver to meet, experience the city and get updated TLF information. Many on their first visit. The timing was ideal. They were present when the long-awaited and renovated 16th Street was unveiled! Hallelujah!![]()
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Team Rocky Mountain - I’m a member - is the host team. Darling wife has always joked, “Someday you should give guided tours of Denver.” It was fun sharing the history of a city and state this Missouri native has grown to love tremendously.![]()
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Before speaking this weathered journalist heard stories. The “Why and Where’s” of those gathered. Powerful tales of lives forever touched through the transplant world. Inspiring.![]()
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Unscripted and unexpected these words burst from my lips. “You know, the games are known as ‘The World’s Largest Celebration of Life.’ I realized something. The celebrations are YOUR incredible stories of second chances.”![]()
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We’re gathering again June 18-23, 2026. 12,000 visitors coming to town. We’re gonna celebrate life, honor those making it happen, educate about donations and inspire about wellness. Compete for gold, sliver and bronze. Celebrate. Honor. Educate. Inspire. ![]()
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Full disclosure, your scribe came to Denver and Colorado almost 40 years ago. A retired TV guy, community advocate and life-long athlete loved moving to a state considered the “Nation’s Healthiest.” One man’s opinion, Colorado has slipped - physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually and fiscally.![]()
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We invite you to embrace the “Good, Better, Best” caravan message, get involved and see what others can’t envision. No speeding tickets on this statewide journey restoring Colorado as the nation’s healthiest state. SWOCE!™![]()
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