Check Out Mark McIntosh’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark McIntosh.

Hi Mark, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was diagnosed with rare blood plasma disorder called Amyloidosis. It destroyed my kidneys requiring chemo and dialysis for 15 months. I received a kidney transplant June 12, 2024. I’m a journalist by trade and created a wellness campaign called Drive for Five: https://dffnetwork.org. I post lots of content on social media about encouraging more live organ, eye, tissue and bone marrow donations and less kidney disease suffering. That led to discussions with the Transplant Life Foundation to be host of the 2026 Denver Transplant Games. I have a long history in the media in Denver and as a recognized community advocate. Ent Credit Union recently honored me as a “Community Advocate of the Year.” https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AQAx4RgUJ/. I came to Denver in 1988 as a sportscaster for CBS Colorado and spent almost 20 years there before switching over to 9News as co-host of Colorado and Company for another four years. I still frequently. appear on that show to talk about the efforts of my non profit, Victory Productions. Our mission is to encourage others to achieve goals and overcome challenges in addressing three major societal problems of today: homelessness, education equity and America’s declining wellness. DFF is one of those three programs, it addresses the wellness issue: https://seekvictory.com. I’m a prolific writer, social media content producer and author of four books. I speak often to groups about overcoming adversity, teamwork and keeping a positive attitude.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Hell no. I was a promising athlete and had signed a scholarship offer to play football and baseball at the University of Missouri, long ago in 1976. But a freak head and upper body injury ended my career prematurely. I’ve been through two painful divorces, have a child from each marriage and now married for the third time to a fantastic women. I was an award-winning sportscaster but the industry – as you know – has shifted dramatically at CBS4 and 9News each eliminated my position and, the latest, a rare and incurable disease that killed my kidneys. Four major detours of life. Didn’t ask for any of them but it led to my purpose of using my gifts and talents to help others and improve our communities. I wouldn’t change a thing. Everyone has their story of ups and downs. The big question always becomes, “What are we going to do with our story?” Are we going to learn from, or suffer, from it? It’s one reason I admire Bill so much. He took a horrible tragedy, losing a teenage daughter and turned it into triumph through creating TLF and hosting the Transplant Games.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an inspirational content producer. Writings, videos and podcasts all designed to help others achieve goals and overcome challenges. Most proud of? Dang, that’s tough. Being host of the Transplant Games in my adopted hometown is certainly the latest. Denver’s changed a lot since I arrived in 1988. We have big city problems around homelessness, affordable housing and education, wellness and employment equity. Victory Productions is dedicated to lessening the impact of each.
What sets me apart. My enthusiasm and energy. My spiritual gift is encouragement and I’m trying to stay in my lane and encourage others to, collectively and individually, be the best version of themselves. I know talk is cheap. I’m from Missouri and was taught from an early age, “Show Me.” I try my best to walk the talk and have my actions speak far louder than my words.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Life is a roller coaster. That was the title of my fourth book. With many unexpected and unwanted twists and turns. The question always becomes, “Are we going to learn and grow or be a victim and suffer.” A favorite line is this: “We have a choice. Endure the pain of discipline or suffer the pain of disappointment.” All of Victory Productions’ program and services focus on trying like heck to encourage others to choose the former.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://seekvictory.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/macanddoog/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmcintosh/
• Twitter: https://x.com/ComebackCoach
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@astrongercord6683

Image Credits
John Leyba