LHSON Nursing Student Experiences Two Life Changing Medical Miracles
On June 20 and again on September 3, 2025, a nursing student at the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) faced two life-changing medical miracles related to her newborn son and husband both fighting for their lives.
Mahala Griffin-Halvorson, who is in her final semester of nursing school at the LHSON in the Distance Accelerated Bachelor of Science (DABSN) program track, delivered her son, Hudson, 13 weeks early. While he was in the NICU at THR Alliance Hospital, her husband Caleb, a Fort Worth firefighter, was severely injured when a garage roof collapsed during a house fire. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries for burns and a serious knee injury, Caleb’s determination to recover was fueled by the hope of finally holding his newborn son. His resilience and the support from his fellow firefighters and family was a true inspiration.
“Here at the LHSON we are keeping Hudson and Caleb in our prayers as they both grow stronger while Mahala returns to nursing school to complete her degree with the anticipated graduation date of December 2025,” said Dr. Kathryn Osteen, PhD, RN, CMSRN, CNE, Clinical Professor and Associate Dean for Pre-Licensure Program, LHSON. “Just like Mahala’s family recently experienced, we all need a nurse at some point in our life and the need for caring and compassionate nurses has never been greater. We are proud of Mahala’s determination to press on amidst all that her family has endured. She is a testament to the belief that nursing is more than just a profession but a lifetime calling to make a genuine difference.”
“This whole experience has really shown me the value of nurses as more than just a means of care,” said Mahala Griffin-Halvorson. “The nurses were my sounding board. They never made me feel stupid for being mad, they let me sit in my feelings, and they never left me feeling alone in this. They were who I needed and I hope to one day be the person a family member needs in the future.”
Mahala went on to say, “If you google NICU it will say ‘neonatal intensive care unit’ but to me it's so much more than that. It's a place where the walls hear more prayers than a church. It's often more quiet than a place full of babies should be. It’s full of growth and heart break. It’s where little miracles happen along with worst nightmares. This is the place where I want to make a difference. Plus, the burn unit is unlike any place I have ever been before. The distinct smell, cries, and care is something I will never forget. It is one of the most painful units but the quickest healing units at the same time.”
The learn more about the Halvorson family story, coverage was featured on both the local and national news: FOX 4 News and NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas
The post-baccalaureate accelerated BSN (DABSN) program at the LHSON is an intensive full-time program with a combination of teaching methodologies including online courses, clinical and lab experiences, and hybrid interactive learning courses. Students with a completed bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline will complete 62 hours of nursing course work. The Baylor DABSN program is designed for students residing outside the DFW metro area. Students who reside within the greater metropolitan area of DFW should apply for the on-campus accelerated FastBacc® program at the LHSON in Dallas.