Irasburg Native Turns Family Tragedy Into Dreams of Saving Others

Alyssa Bennett (Left), a native of Irasburg, was one of the leaders who visited North Country Hospital with MedQuest on July 20. With her is Iris Smith of Morgan, one of the local high school students who took part in the program.

Newport, VT - When Alyssa Bennett's big brother, Nathan, died when he was only 14 years old, she and the rest of the family were devastated. Although only nine years old at the time, Alyssa knew that some day she would wage a war against the enemy that had stolen away her brother - cancer.
Alyssa is now well on her way to becoming an oncologist, a doctor that specializes in treating cancer.
“I was exposed to medicine because of my brother's cancer,” Alyssa explained. “Our family worked with so many amazing physicians.” She remembers how amazed she was with the medical world and how dedicated the physicians were at trying to save her brother's life.
Sadly, the doctors' fight to save his life ended with the cancer winning the battle, but that same fight sparked young Alyssa's dreams of becoming a doctor. She chose this career path because of her new interest with cancer treatment, but as important, with dreams of saving the lives of other young cancer patients so their families don't have to experience the pain that she and her parents suffered when Nathan lost his battle.
Now a student at the University of Vermont's School of Medicine, Alyssa is well on her way to fulfilling her dream. She is also a recipient of the North Country Hospital Healthcare Career Scholarship.
The daughter of Gary and Cathy Bennett of Irasburg, Alyssa graduated from Lake Region Union High School in Barton in 2002 with her dreams of becoming a childhood oncologist intact and well planned out. She went on to graduate from Skidmore College in Saratoga, New York before returning to Vermont to attend the UVM School of Medicine.
On July 20, Alyssa was one of the leaders who brought a group of high school students to North Country Hospital to explore the healthcare field. The tour was part of MedQuest, a program hosted by Northeastern Vermont Area Health Education Center (AHEC).

Medquest students gather together for outdoor lunch during their visit to North Country Hospital.

MedQuest gives young ninth and tenth graders the opportunity to explore careers in the healthcare field. During the weeklong program participants live in college dorms. During their time they learn about healthcare opportunities, shadow healthcare professionals, and learn what they need to do to fulfill their dreams. The program is led by staff with extensive clinical and health education experience. Supervision and leadership is also provided by students from the UVM College of Medicine who serve as assistant directors.
To attend MedQuest, attendees must be in the ninth or tenth grade living in AHEC's service area, an area that includes Caledonia, Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Washington Counties.
“I wish I had this opportunity when I was in high school,” Alyssa said. “That's why I'm here.”
As the Irasburg native nears her dream of becoming a doctor she remembers that dream was inspired by the very sad moment in her family's life, the death of Nathan.
For more information about the MEDQUEST program contact the Northeastern Vermont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in St. Johnsbury at (802) 748-2506. Check out their website at www.nevahec.org.

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