Hi, my name is Meghan Harer.
I am 37 years old, a lifelong Tioga County resident, and the proud mother of four incredible children. Before cancer entered my life, I spent my years doing what I loved most: caring for others. Whether it was as a social worker, foster parent, caregiver, hospital employee, small business owner, or simply a neighbor willing to lend a hand, helping people has always been at the heart of who I am.
I grew up on a dairy farm right here in Tioga County. Country music played through an old boombox in the barn while we worked, and the values I learned there shaped the person I became. Hard work, perseverance, helping your neighbors, and showing up when people need you are lessons I’ve carried with me my entire life.
The last several years have brought both incredible blessings and unimaginable heartbreak. In 2023, I adopted three amazing children, growing my family in ways I never could have imagined. At the same time, my family experienced the loss of nine immediate family members over five years, including my mom, whom I cared for through hospice while raising children and working full time.
Then, just days before Christmas in 2024, my life changed forever. I was diagnosed with Stage IV clear cell carcinoma.
Since then, I have undergone eight surgeries, countless chemotherapy treatments, scans, tests, and appointments. My cancer is not curable, and I will remain on treatment for the rest of my life. Cancer has taken a tremendous toll physically, emotionally, and financially. It forced me to leave a career I loved, and every day brings new challenges as I balance treatment while raising my four children.
One of the hardest parts of this journey is knowing that many of the people I would have turned to for support are no longer here. I don’t have parents or grandparents to lean on during this season of life. Yet through every challenge, this community has stepped in and reminded me that I am not alone.
The kindness, prayers, meals, encouragement, and support from friends, neighbors, coworkers, former clients, classmates, and even complete strangers have carried my family through some of our darkest days.
Being chosen as the beneficiary of the 2nd Annual KC101 Cornhole Classic is an honor that is difficult to put into words. The funds raised will help ease the burden of medical expenses, travel, child care, and everyday costs so I can focus on my health, my children, and making the most of the time we have together.
More than the financial support, this event is a reminder of something I have always believed: when one person is struggling, this community shows up.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting my family and reminding us what community truly looks like.
With gratitude,
Meghan Harer