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

Brandy’s journey into health care started when she was attending UBC Okanagan (UBCO). While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UBCO, she was given a unique opportunity to study abroad in Tanzania for two months.

In Tanzania, Brandy and her colleagues learned about traditional and non-traditional gardening methods from the locals. Brandy and her colleagues then went to the local schools to share what they had learned with grade six students. In doing so, these students were given the knowledge and tools to be sustainable farmers. 

A particular school visit impacted the direction of her career path significantly. One day the group paid a visit to a segregated school for HIV-positive children. The students were not only sick but isolated and alone because of it. It was a heartbreaking for Brandy to see. She decided at that moment she had to do whatever she could to help. 

After returning from Tanzania in 2014, Brandy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and then graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2018. Her trip to Tanzania was an impactful experience that led her to a nursing career in pediatrics.

When Brandy isn’t working you will find her heading out for a run with her six-year-old dog Cosmo. Running is the perfect sport for this motivated, self-disciplined nurse who loves a good challenge. In fact, she was just accepted into the Chicago Marathon while she was already training to run the Boston Marathon, where she aims to accomplish her biggest life goal yet! 

“I’d like to nominate Laura-lee Regnie, our patient care coordinator, because she is our unit mom who takes care of her staff and her patients. She is someone who always has such positive energy and the love and empathy she has for everyone is so impactful. She goes above and beyond what’s expected in her role.” – Brandy Hagel

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