We Are IH: Nurse runs marathons, travels the world to help kids

November 23, 2023
Brandy hiking Cathedral Provincial Park, also known as Cathedral Lakes, in Keremeos

Name: Brandy Hagel (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Registered Nurse
Years of Service: 5 ½ 
Worksite: Kelowna General Hospital Pediatrics 
Community:  Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: Syilx
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: “If you put your mind to it, anything is possible.”

Brandy Hagel, the registered nurse (RN) from Kelowna General Hospital who took to social media to reunite a pediatric patient with their stuffed bunny, has always loved working with kids. She has also always been the type of person who goes out of her way to make a positive difference in someone’s day. 

So much so that in 2017 she combined her passion for running and desire to help others by taking on the challenge of running an ultra-marathon across Haiti to raise money for low-income families. She ran a total of 226 kilometres in just six days! 

Naturally, her empathetic, caring nature and desire to work with children ultimately led her to a career as a RN in pediatrics. 

“It is so rewarding to know that you are making a positive impact in someone’s day, and kids are the most resilient people I know. I love being able to help them understand that their illness doesn’t define them while we work together to get them healthy again.”
 

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

4 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Interior Health’s Advance Care Planning: Your Voice, Your Choice video series teaches about the purpose and importance of advance care planning (ACP).

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Derrick has lost more than 80 family members & friends to the toxic drug and opioid crisis. He reflects on grief & loss, and issues a plea for compassion.

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Devon has been working in various positions at Interior Health since 2017, and as an administrative assistant to the director of Health System Planning(HSP).

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

All 29 of IH's emergency depts. offer Sexual Assault Forensic Examination services. Confidential and compassionate, SAFE starts with We believe you.

5 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Lenora Starr is an Indigenous cultural safety practice lead of St’át’imc Nation advocating for the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples of the Interior.

7 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Trauma is a powerful force that can shape a person’s life. Learn what trauma is, and why those who use substances need compassion and understanding.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!

mail