The Current

How a brain tumour changed Madeleine Hardin's life for the better

Madeleine Hardin sees the baseball-sized benign tumour found in her brain as a gift. After surgery left Madeleine with a transcendent positive feeling: she left her academic career behind to appreciate life at a slower pace.
Madeleine Hardin sees the baseball-sized benign tumour found in her brain as a gift. (Graham Dowden)

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Moments of Disruption is part of our season-long series, The Disruptors.​

Three years ago, Madeleine Hardin was an associate dean at the University of the Fraser Valley gunning for a more senior position. 

But at a routine eye examination, she discovered that she had a brain tumour the size of baseball.

"It's what I call a 'holy crow' moment."

Madeleine underwent surgery and had the tumour removed, but she says the diagnosis transformed her.

"When I got the diagnosis, it's funny, it's a laser point of figuring out your priorities. The most important thing becomes love of family, love of friends, and love of God, I guess." Madeleine says. 

"Nothing else matters."

She decided to retire and though recovery was difficult, Madeleine says she has never been happier. 

Listen to her story at the top of this web post.

This segment was produced by The Current's Karin Marley and Josh Bloch.

If you have a personal moment of disruption that you'd like to share — an event that transformed your life — contact us.