A Cancer Survivor Discovers a New Career in Healthcare
When her five children were young, Elizabeth Haddon often dreamed of being a nurse. “I had always wanted to be a nurse,” said Haddon. “When I was home with my kids, the idea of going to nursing school gave me something to look forward to once I finished raising my family.”
At age 59, Haddon’s youngest child graduated from high school and she was ready to hit the books. She began nursing school and quickly adapted to her new life as a student. “I love to learn,” Haddon said. “I studied 24/7 and it was so exciting to be in college.”
Unfortunately, life took an unexpected turn for Haddon. With just 14 course hours to finish before she received her degree, she was diagnosed with the blood cancer called lymphoma. She immediately started very intensive chemotherapy treatment which put her into remission. But the side effects of her treatment, coupled with Haddon’s on-going battle with lupus, left her unable to return to college to finish the clinical work necessary to complete her degree.
“By the time I was healthy enough to go back into the clinic, four of my classes had expired. It broke my heart that I couldn’t finish my degree,” said Haddon.
Discouraged but not defeated, Haddon began looking for something else that interested her. That’s when she stumbled upon the medical assisting program at Richland College. She met Shannon Ydoyaga, Associate Dean for Mathematics, Science and Health Professions at the college.
“Shannon was very awesome to work with,” said Haddon. “I sat down with her and discussed my fears and concerns. After going through all that I had, it was a little scary, and chemotherapy can cause you to forget things. I discussed all this with Shannon and she said we would work through it. If I needed tutoring they would help me. She became a wonderful mentor to me.”
Ydoyaga gave Haddon credit for some of her work in nursing school, which enabled her to finish her certification in about six months. Most students take a year to eighteen months to finish the program depending on how quickly they are able to finish their course work and practical experience.
Haddon says in the beginning she was a little worried about being the odd man out in class because of her age.
“I was always the oldest person in class,” said Haddon. “Most of my friends were 24 or 25 but they were so wonderful. And the teachers and administrators were great too. Every time I went to talk to Shannon she took a lot of time with me and listened to all my questions and concerns. There were no surprises. It was a great experience.”
Following an externship with North Plano Internal Medicine, Haddon was hired at the practice. She has been happily employed since 2007.
When asked to offer advice to someone considering returning to school, Haddon replied without hesitation, “Just go for it! If it’s something you want, try not to be afraid. Don’t let fear stop you from what could be the greatest thing in your life.”
Haddon also adds that she has never regretted pursuing a degree in the health care industry.
“I work with a lot of older patients who are absolutely adorable. I love caring for people who really need care,” said Haddon. “Going into health care gives me a reason to get out of bed. It keeps me constantly learning and gives me a reason to keep going and not dwell on disappointments or hard things in the past.”