Mark Hanson

Up until January 19th, 2009, I was a bit ignorant to the full effect cancer has on society. 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 for most of the summer and have participated in numerous WORS (Wisconsin Off Road Series) events like I did the last 2 summers. I see myself as a survivor, and until I am told otherwise, consider myself cancer free.

 

I am one of the lucky ones…cancer discovered due to an unnecessary CT scan from stomach acid issues, which ever since then has not come back either. There are so many other people that are not this fortunate.

 

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. I then changed focus to XC mountain biking thru WORS and WEMS (Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Bike Series) the last 3 years and have enjoyed every minute of it.

 

I live in Greenfield, WI with my lovely wife Alison and daughter Brooke. We also have a dog, who is probably more energetic than all 3 of us combined, named Greta. 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 our stories and mission. Alone, I and the other E2C athletes will not achieve the goals, only thru our collective efforts will we accomplish greatness.