As Arizona State University celebrates the largest graduating class in its history with over 21,000 students, Clayton Burkhardt's walk across the graduation stage represents not just academic achievement but also a valiant triumph against a grave medical condition, during the university’s graduation week, the significance of which is heightened by his courage and resolve in the face of adversity.
Back in 2021, while piloting a military Chinook helicopter for the U.S. in Germany, Burkhardt experienced a sensation akin to a 'reset' or a 'glitch,' which, in retrospect, was a harbinger of a harrowing battle for his life, a battle that began unbeknownst to him as he skillfully landed the aircraft but was soon to unfold as he discovered the true cause of his momentary confusion, Burkhardt told ABC15.
Doctors diagnosed Burkhardt with a highly malignant brain tumor, leading to a series of surgeries, including an awake surgery where he struggled to name objects shown to him. "Then they got to a giraffe...I knew what it was, but I couldn’t say it," Burkhardt recalled in a heartrending account of his ordeal.
Post-recovery, tapping into a well of determination Burkhardt not only regained communication but also persisted with his online studies at ASU's Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, his educational pursuit while serving, which has now culminated in a degree in electrical engineering, but with a newfound purpose to enhance MRI and imaging technology, "To help in that area would be something I’d like to do," he said, realizing the impact such advancements could make, he is eager to contribute to this field, which played a critical role in his diagnosis and treatment, he said in conversations with both ABC15 and KRDO.
Burkhardt’s message to those facing severe obstacles is to persevere. "Just because you’re going through that doesn’t mean there’s not something on the other side," he emphasized, instilling a sense of hope for others in challenging situations, planning to pursue a master’s degree in engineering and aiming to share his inspiring story in a forthcoming book, as Burkhardt told KRDO.
