Mark Hanson

Up until January 19th, 2009, I was a bit ignorant to the full effect that cancer has. I continued my busy work days, spent time with my family and friends, and enjoyed living life. After Jan 19th the “life is too short” notion set in after I was told I had RCC (Kidney Cancer), and would end up having part of my left kidney removed a few weeks later to rid myself and my family of the disease. A surgical resolution, no chemo, I recovered quickly.

 

Today I am pretty much as back to normal as can be, except for the addition of the 8in scar on my left side. I have been back on my bike since recovery in 2009 and have participated in numerous WORS (Wisconsin Off Road Series) races, WEMS (Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Bike Series) races, and the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival since then, just like I did before cancer.

 

I am one of the lucky ones…cancer discovered and removed due to an unnecessary CT scan during an odd stroke of luck during an ER visit because of a one-time occurrence of stomach acid issues.  At this time I am proud to call myself a SURVIVOR, and until I am told otherwise, consider myself cancer free. There are so many other people that are not this fortunate and I have an obligation to help them and a help the cause. 

 

Thru E2C I hope to keep doing what I have been doing for starters…as a former college athlete, I took to triathlons on an occasional basis, a run here and there and enjoyed them after college competitive swimming. I then changed focus to XC mountain biking primarily thru WORS and WEMS and have enjoyed every minute of it. Many other races such as the Leadville 100, BC Bike Race, and other multi-day stage races may be in my future.  But now I am also dedicating this effort for children who cannot ride, but hopefully soon will.  My fundraising effort will help Endure to Cure fund "small miracles" for children who are currently undergoing harsh cancer treatments.  Each $500 raised will fund a small wish of a kid, an inspiration to keep going. Click here to check out some examples of small miracles we've already funded.

 

I live in Greenfield, WI with my lovely wife Alison and daughters Brooke and Amelia, who have been an inspiration to LIVE LIFE TO ITS FULLEST EVERY DAY. We also have a dog, Greta, who is probably more energetic than all 4 of us combined. Together we like to travel, go camping, running, biking, and of course spending time with family and friends.

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming here and reading E2C’s stories and mission. Alone, I and the other E2C athletes will not achieve the goals; only thru our collective efforts will we accomplish greatness.