Becky Halon Proudly Wears Red and Serves Community Through CPR Education
By Kate Anderson
It was just another day in July of 2010 for 24-year[1]old Becky Halon, ICU Nurse, wife, and mother of three children. She went about her day like she always did, but noticed that she was much more tired than normal. Fighting off fatigue all day long, she assumed it was just one of those days. Later, she and her husband Josh decided to go on a run as they usually did most evenings. The couple are both avid runners and this was not an out-of-ordinary activity for them. Continuing to fight back massive fatigue that did not go unnoticed by her husband, she powered through the run and made it home. That evening, while still trying to work through her fatigue, she walked into the bathroom and without warning, collapsed on the floor. Josh, who was the director of cardiac services and a cardiac nurse at IU Health West Hospital, called 911, assessed that she had no pulse, and then immediately began CPR and continued for 11 minutes until EMT’s arrived. Still with no pulse, EMT’s attempted to defibrillate her heart twice with no positive results. Treatment continued all the way to the hospital and after being in cardiac arrest for 72 minutes with no sign of life, the attending ER doctor told Josh that they needed to discontinue life saving efforts. Josh flat out refused, arguing that he would take on the responsibility himself. There was no way that he was going to let her go. As soon as he uttered these words, through a miracle she regained a pulse and stabilized. Doctors then quickly went to work to preserve her brain and heart functions. Because of the length of time she was without a pulse, she suffered a secondary brain injury. After 10 long days of uncertainty, Becky finally woke up. She spent the next month in ICU, her body trying to begin the long healing process and start on the road to regaining her life back.
In time, she was transferred to the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indianapolis (RHI), where, in time, she began a complete life reset. She had a long road ahead of her, but she was committed to relearning everything from walking, talking, and even tying her shoes. With all that was happening, her young family’s life had been completely turned upside down. At the time of her cardiac arrest, she and Josh had only been married for four years. “This was not the plan we had set for our life. When this happened to me, it totally changed the trajectory of everything,” said Becky. Through what Becky feels was the power of God, she continued to improve while at RHI and was eventually able to transition home and continue with outpatient rehabilitation.
Becky and her husband. Becky's kids supporting her cause. Becky working as a School Nurse.
She continued to improve at a steady pace and in time, was able to entertain the idea that she could return to work in some capacity. Unfortunately, due to her brain injury, she was no longer able to return to her work at the hospital. Ironically, about a month before her cardiac incident, she received her certification for CPR training. Still healing herself, she felt a new purpose and plan for her life. She set down a determined path to educate others on the importance of CPR. “There is no reason why I am still here, but I am. I am here for a purpose and God had a plan for me. CPR can save lives. My passion is to teach CPR to anyone and everyone,” says Becky. Working with the American Heart Association, she tirelessly volunteered at clinics for adults and at schools, teaching kids CPR and giving them the confidence to help save others. “Even a fourth grader can learn to do hands-only CPR. It’s vital to teach them the skills that could help someone else,” says Becky. February is “Women Wear Red Month” and her mission is to share her story with as many people as possible and to educate other women to listen to their bodies. “I am passionate about reminding other women to take care of themselves. Make that doctor’s appointment. Take care of yourself. Listen to your body. Listen to the signs,” said Becky.
Now 14 years later, she reflects on the past and her experiences. While it has been full of trials and uphill battles, she doesn’t take anything for granted and lives life to the fullest. “God is so good, and I am so thankful. When I think about all the things I would have missed in these past years, I get pretty tearful,” said Becky. Nowadays, Becky is still serving her community as a school nurse for Indianapolis Christian Schools, formerly Kingsway Christian School. She continues to be an inspiration and true testament of what hard work, perseverance, and fortitude can do for your life. She lives everyday to the fullest and loves watching her kids grow up and flourish. Her oldest is now an ER nurse at IU Health West and continues to be one of her mission’s biggest supporters. Her two younger kids, ages 16 and 14, are thriving in high school. “My experience has really brought focus and perspective to my life. I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore. God allowed this to happen so that I could be a message to others and an example of hope,” said Becky. Her message is one of determination and strength. This month, let’s all wear red in honor of Becky and the good work she does for our community. She is an inspiration and true reminder to never take one day for granted.
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