In this episode of Clocking Out, we meet Haley Pollack — a former academic and educator whose life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer at age 37. A mother of two, including a six-month-old at the time, Haley found herself navigating not only a devastating diagnosis but also the emotional complexity of parenting through it.
Haley’s career began in academia, with a PhD in U.S. history and a deep passion for teaching. After a decade in the adjunct “rat race,” she left higher education to work at the intersection of criminal justice and education, teaching English and literature to incarcerated students at San Quentin. The work was humbling, eye-opening, and deeply transformative. It challenged her assumptions, expanded her empathy, and reminded her of the power of education to change lives. It was some of the most meaningful work of her life — until illness steered her toward a different mission.
Her diagnosis left her searching for support — not just as a patient, but as a parent. That search led to a transformative friendship and, ultimately, the founding of Bright Spot Network, a nonprofit that supports young families navigating a parent’s cancer diagnosis. Today, Bright Spot serves thousands of families each year through peer support groups, parenting resources, financial assistance, and community-building tools.
Haley shares how her personal crisis reshaped her professional purpose, why she believes connection is key to healing, and how her work is bringing light to others in their darkest moments. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in hardship, we can build something hopeful — for ourselves and for others.
Connect with Haley :
Follow Careerminds:
Follow Raymond: