Fueled by Purpose

Maggi Good: On Health & Healing Through Fitness & Fundraising

Maggi Good, a member of the Cedar Springs team for the Burlington Terry Fox Run, has made health and fitness a priority in her life for decades now. As she ages, she recognizes how much fitness has an impact on her overall health and well-being.

“I usually head to the gym around 4ish and finish there around 6ish. Then I go home for dinner, a bit of TV and then a 1 kilometer walk before bed. Bedtime is usually around 10 p.m. My goal is 20,000 steps a day. I average around 14-16 kilometers every day. I am 69 years of age. Fitness is crucial to my daily routine.”

Maggi has been an active member of Cedar Springs since 1991. When she found out that there is a Terry Fox Run team, composed of other members, she jumped at the chance to join. 

In 2005, Maggi found herself in a position that no partner wants to be in: the role of caregiver. Her husband had been diagnosed with cancer. 

Their story is, sadly, one we hear too often. After surgery, they were told he was in the clear. Like any couple would, they breathed a sigh of relief. But the joy was short-lived. The cancer came back.

“He underwent more surgery and various forms of chemo and radiation. He passed away on October 12, 2008, at the age of 42 years old. That was really my first experience with cancer. Obviously it was devastating. Watching my husband suffer and being his caregiver was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.”

Joining the Cedar Springs Team was a great way to honour her husband’s memory. Knowing that the Terry Fox Run funds cancer research means that perhaps other couples and families won’t have to go through what Maggi did.

The Cedar Springs Team is so inspiring, as well. They set personal goals for fitness and fundraising. These are two things that Terry stood for, so Maggi is in good company.

If you have a story to tell, reach out to us! We are always looking for local Terry Foxers with incredible stories to tell.

Written by Allison Webster

Photos from Nancy Demerling