Buies Creek, N.C—In January 2010, Campbell University student Kate Bruce and her service dog Cadence were featured in a story about how Cadence helps Kate, who suffers from epileptic seizures, to lead a normal life. Now with the help of a $3,000 scholarship award from the Pfizer pharmaceutical company, Kate and Cadence may soon be headed for Harvard.
“That is my ultimate goal,” said Bruce, a rising senior from Arizona majoring in biochemistry and international relations. “I want to go into the MD/PHD program in medical anthropology and eventually help find a cure for AIDS,” she said.
Kate, whose epilepsy was caused by being wounded in the line of duty serving as a U.S. Army Special Operations Civil Affairs Specialist, would like to study with Dr. Paul Farmer at Harvard, an expert in the field of medical anthropology and infectious disease.
“God has blessed me in so many ways,” Bruce said. “I am in awe of Him.”
Bruce, who maintains a 3.92 grade-point average, came to Campbell in 2008 after receiving a medical discharge from the Army.
“I was originally planning to transfer to another school after the first year,” she said, “but I got here and it just fit me like a glove.”
Because of Bruce’s disability and special needs, she received Cadence in 2007. A doe-eyed chocolate Labrador retriever, Cadence is trained to medically aid Bruce when she has an epileptic seizure. Not long ago, Bruce had an episode on the third floor of the Taylor Hall of Religion at Campbell. Cadence rolled Bruce over on her side so that she wouldn’t aspirate and stayed with Bruce until paramedics arrived. The dog is also trained to move objects so that Bruce doesn’t hit her head and to find adult help. She carries Bruce’s medical information and a description of Bruce’s illness in a harness she wears at all times.
Bruce was one of 20 out of a field of 600 applicants selected for the Pfizer scholarship. Requirements included that the applicant have a form of epilepsy or seizures; be involved in community service; write a persuasive essay and supply letters of recommendation from authority figures in their lives. Dr. Mark Hammond, dean of Campbell’s College of Arts and Sciences, was only too happy to comply.
“Kate was an excellent student in my challenging Basic Biology course,” said Hammond. “Her academic credentials will speak for themselves. Transcripts will show that Kate has a brilliant mind. What you will not see on paper is that she is a charming, engaging, and caring woman who inspires everyone she meets. One of Kate’s most impressive attributes is her amazingly positive outlook on life. She accepts the reality of having epilepsy and is determined to live a full and rewarding life—including attending college and inevitably a graduate or professional program.”
Pfizer is an international drug discovery, development and manufacturing company with a diversified global healthcare portfolio that includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best-known consumer products. Pfizer has historically invested more than $7 billion annually in the research and development of new products across therapeutic areas.
Photo Copy: Pfizer Scholarship winner Kate Bruce