Mark Richardson: Tour DaVita Rider

Ohio resident Mark Richardson is not returning to ride this year’s Tour DaVita® as a dialysis patient… he is riding this year as a transplant recipient! Mark received a kidney transplant on New Year’s Day this year.

While waiting on the transplant list for a kidney he said, “I feel like I need to stay in shape for that kidney because that person is making a sacrifice for me.”

South Carolina will be the 46-year-old’s third ride and he could not be more excited to join the Village again for this event.

Mark has said that his experience on dialysis gave him a new positive outlook on life and Tour DaVita has inspired him so much that he is considering a career as a patient care technician.

Mark now spends his days sailing with friends and walking his dog Rogan as well as taking care of some friends’ pets. He continues to ride his bike just about anywhere he goes.

Mark also volunteers at Kappa Kidney Camp in Ohio, something he has done for the past four years. The camp is for children age 8-18 with kidney failure. Mark spends a week with the kids each summer playing video games and swimming among other outdoor activities.

“This year was amazing because it was after my operation and I had more energy,” said Mark. “I felt like super-counselor.”

Training for Tour DaVita comes naturally for Mark, who has enjoyed riding his bike since he was a young kid. Even when he was on dialysis, Mark stayed dedicated to being active because he knew he would benefit physically and mentally from the time spent outdoors with friends.

“The universe gives you a path and you can’t change it, you have to walk it,” said Mark. “I try to walk it with as much grace as I can.”