Leslie Morgan, a local woman who recently retired as District Ranger for the Unaka Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest, is now competing for a cause that is just the right “fit.”
Morgan is competing in Colossal’s Ms. Health & Fitness competition, a nationwide campaign raising funds and awareness for The Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation. The nationwide foundation provides financial and emotional support to children and families of children with cancer and helps fund pediatric cancer research.
The fundraising competition focuses on competitors who demonstrate consistency, discipline, balance, and values that define sustainable health at every stage of life.
Morgan decided to throw her name into the competition while being “holed up” during the recent historic snowstorm a few weeks ago, and her registration for the event was approved. People can vote once a day online for the participants for free, but can also donate funds to the foundation to vote more times.
Morgan said she has always been a “fitness geek” but that she typically does not take part in online competitions such as this, however she was moved by the competition’s purpose.
In 2019, Morgan was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called a Stage 2 neuroendocrine tumor of the appendix. Fortunately, an appendectomy removed all of the tumor and Morgan has not had to undergo any further treatments. However, she travels to MD Anderson in Houston, TX annually for bloodwork, CT scans and a meeting with my oncologist to monitor for the any possible recurrence of cancer cells.
Morgan is using the competition platform to promote the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation to help those impacted by pediatric cancer.
Since retirement, Morgan has become more involved with fitness and completed her L-1 license to coach Crossfit classes as well as a Burgerner Strength Certificate for weightlifting.
Morgan says that she has always been active through her career outdoors, which included working on firefighting details, but she has become more passionate about fitness training as she has aged.
She noted that exercising helps her mental and emotional health, in addition to helping her maintain her strength. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Morgan said exercising helped keep her grounded as she helped the four hard-hit counties in her region recover from the disaster. She said that exercising helps women maintain healthy bone density as they age, and can help prevent osteoporosis. Morgan wants more women over 50 to stay active for their health and longevity, and not simply for looks.
Morgan said she hopes those thinking about exercising will make time for physical activity and not be intimidated about beginning to work out because “it’s so worth it.”
“Everybody starts somewhere. Nobody really knows what they’re doing when they first start,” Morgan said. “Everybody is in a different place in their own health and fitness journey, and there’s no judgement for that.”
Morgan said she has worked out at Crossfit Arcane for years, and that the people there have always encouraged her and each other while they “leave their ego at the door.”
Morgan has not let injury slow her down either after completely tearing her ACL in November 2025. She said she was “laid up” for a little while with the injury, but that doctors encouraged her to remain active. For now, she is doing “pre-hab,” and strengthening her leg prior to a scheduled surgery on March 6.
Morgan is currently 3rd in her competition group, which includes over 50 participants when the competition began. On the evening Thursday, February 26 the group will be narrowed to the top five participants, before being narrowed again in the weeks to come as group leaders across the nation will compete against one another.
If Morgan were to win the fundraiser competition she would appear non the cover of HERS Muscle & Fitness Magazine, be known as Ms. Health & Fitness, and be awarded $20,000.
Morgan said that she would use the money to make substantial donations to local nonprofits, such as My Neighbor’s House. She would also put some of the funds towards a small LLC she is working to start up that would provide equine therapy and riding lessons to autistic individuals for those in the local community and region. She said she might take her retired husband on a trip as well.
Above all, Morgan said she is taking part in the competition to support families dealing with pediatric cancer, and for them to know that there is support for them and they are not alone.
Morgan said that she has been “overwhelmed” the amount of support she has received so far in the competition, and has enjoyed being a part of the competition that is supporting a good cause.
Those looking to vote for Morgan in the competition can do so by visiting her Facebook page, or by going to mshealthandfit.com/2026/leslie-morgan .
