Ashley Spearing, who grew up in Arnoldsville, didn’t let being diagnosed with metastatic thyroid carcinoma keep her from graduating with an associate’s degree in nursing from ABAC in May. She had her thyroid gland and 87 lymph nodes removed in February, 2025. (Submitted Photo)
As Ashley Spearing crossed the graduation stage, her diploma represented more than two years of coursework. It marked the end of a journey interrupted by a cancer diagnosis that threatened to derail her plans.
“It was amazing. I mean, it was just so surreal,” she said.
Ashley, who grew up in Arnoldsville and graduated from Oglethorpe County High School in 2023, graduated with an associate’s degree in nursing from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia, in May.
By then, she had spent more than a year balancing nursing school with surgery, treatments and doctor appointments.
In August 2024, Ashley had an appointment with her primary care doctor, where she received abnormal lab results for her thyroid. After undergoing a thyroid biopsy, Ashley and her family received the news on Christmas Eve that she had metastatic thyroid carcinoma.
“Our world was turned upside down,” Ashley’s mother, Paige Spearing, said. “I don’t even know how to describe the emotions you go through getting that kind of news.”
Despite her diagnosis, Ashley was determined to complete her program and graduate on time.
“I just really didn’t want to let this set me back from seeing all my other friends in my class move on, and I’m stuck because of this,” said Ashley, who turned 21 on Tuesday.
During her program, Ashley balanced four hour-long classes 2-3 times a week with long commutes to the hospital. She spent a majority of her weekends and holiday breaks at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.
“We spent, over there, every major holiday. We’ve been there at some point during those time periods, and it's hard being away from home and being away from our family and friends,” Paige said.
Ashley said that her roommates were especially supportive of her during tough moments during the school year.
“I have really good roommates who I live with,” she said. “They help me get out of the dorm and away from school especially. Just get my mind off that.”
In February, 2025, Ashley underwent surgery to remove her thyroid gland and 87 lymph nodes. A week after she was released from the Mayo Clinic, Ashley was back in the classroom.
“She was determined she was going to be there, and she did it. It didn’t slow her down from going to her clinicals,” Paige said. “She never gave up.”
In May 2025, Ashley began receiving radioactive iodine treatments.
Local and national organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, were especially helpful at this time. The Baller Dream Foundation granted Ashley's wish to attend the Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean concert at Sanford Stadium in April with her two sisters.
“There are some programs out there that have been wonderful to offer support for her and encouragement for her,” Paige said. “We’re very appreciative of that.”
Ashley still continues to visit the Mayo Clinic to be monitored, but has already returned to ABAC, where she is taking classes to finish her bachelor’s of science degree in nursing.
She is on schedule to graduate in December 2027.
“People can learn that it’s not the end of the world,” Ashley said. “This is not a major setback.”