Class of 2020 Spotlight: Kelly Norton, MAG

Kelly Norton MAG ’20 got an unexpected firsthand experience in caregiving that not only taught her the importance of supporting caregivers but also showcased her strength and dedication:
“In November of 2018, right at the busiest part of the semester, both my husband and my 16-year-old daughter experienced brain hemorrhages due to a rare genetic vascular defect. The fact that they both were in the hospital the same week was just unbelievable — even to their doctors. They each had brain surgery and difficult recoveries to face, and I suddenly found myself in the role of caregiver to both of them. I had read about and attended lectures about caregiving in my classes, but experiencing it first hand gave me a whole new perspective of not only how intense and totally consuming it is, but also how important it is that caregivers receive support. I was lucky to be supported by friends and family, and also by the very compassionate USC Gerontology community. Thankfully my husband and daughter are both recovered and healthy, and I gained some valuable real-life lessons to take with me in my future endeavors.”