Participant Spotlight: Meaghan Hagerty

Wednesday, May 3^rd

Meaghan Hagerty knows the power of community when it comes to supporting a cause. For her, that cause is cancer research.

Three of her grandparents, as well as her father, brother and a close friend were diagnosed with the disease. The experience puts life into perspective, she says.

“It made me realize nobody is invincible to this disease,” she says. “It doesn’t really care who you are or what kind of person you are. It hits everyone.”

About 77,000 British Columbians are facing cancer this year. For Meaghan, that statistic is simply too high.

It’s why the Kamloops resident has spearheaded a local chapter of Workout to Conquer Cancer – a fitness challenge where participants workout every day for the month of May to raise awareness and critical funds for life-saving research and care at the BC Cancer Agency.

Meaghan started the team Kamloops Care$s for Cancer for the challenge – which is open to anyone – and since partnered with several gyms and workout facilities in the city to offer donation-based classes in support of the cause.

“I thought Workout to Conquer Cancer was a really cool opportunity, so I wanted to see what interest there was to create something for people here in Kamloops and see what happens down the road.” she says. 

Places such as Kamloops YMCA, Kix 4 Chix Fitness Kamloops, BARRE Kamloops, F3FIT, Kamloops Fit Centre, and Snap Fitness are just a few that are passing proceeds from select classes to the challenge this year, as a result of Meaghan’s efforts.

“There are so many amazing events they’ve created in support of Workout this year,” she says, adding that none of this could have happened without the incredible support of her community.

“But this is totally not a reflection of me, it’s a reflection of the Kamloops community... we have a great community feel here and people are coming together and really willing to support this cause,” she says.

“It’s definitely a group effort.”