Heather MacCollum

What fuels your passion for health and fitness?

As a paramedic, I see how inactivity steals independence. Fitness is my rebellion against chronic illness, my fuel for caregiving, and my promise to my future self. I train to stay strong for my kids—especially those with disabilities—and to keep up with our rescued GSDs. I want women to know: strength isn’t just physical. It’s the fire to keep going when life gets heavy.

What’s your favorite way to train or stay fit?

Weightlifting is my anchor—it builds strength I can feel in every part of life. I train at home, in the gym, and on long hikes with our rescue dogs. Outdoor movement keeps me grounded. My workouts are functional, fierce, and focused—built to meet the demands of paramedicine, caregiving, and motherhood. Fitness isn’t a hobby. It’s how I stay ready for the real world.

What would you do with $20,000?

I’d invest in supports for my children with disabilities—tools that help them thrive. The rest would launch a not-for profit for families with medical needs, offering adaptive fitness, resources, and community. I know the weight of caregiving. I want to build something that lifts others—where health, hope, and resilience are the foundation.