A spirit undaunted

When Maxwell entered Georgia State’s DPT program in 2008, she had just finished chemotherapy and radiation treatment for breast cancer. She remained cancer-free for two years, but in 2010 she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, which had spread to her liver, lungs, brain and skull.

She has taken various chemotherapy drugs ever since, and has undergone whole-brain radiation and gamma-knife brain surgery.

“Whole-brain radiation was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, because the effects last for months. It affects how you think and [also] your energy level,” Maxwell said.

“Yet, she was back in class two days after her gamma-knife surgery, and she completed all her course work every semester,” said Jennifer Cline, PT, MS, assistant professor and academic coordinator of clinical education. “She made phenomenal grades and worked as my graduate research assistant.”

‘Huge support system’

Maxwell said that her classmates drove her to school, took notes for her when she had to miss class, and continuously encouraged her.

“I’m fortunate to have a huge support system,” she said. “I have my faith in God, and a loving husband who goes to every treatment, and so many friends and family supporters.

“My classmates helped me through, and it was healing to have school and my end goal to focus on. They’re a good group and a reflection of the kind of people this program attracts.”

Maxwell is also a magnet for dynamic people. She and some friends were watching a documentary about the legendary, prehistoric bear dog, which had the strength of a bear and the tenacity of a dog. Her friends recognized a bear dog personality in Maxwell, and now the group calls itself the Bear Dog Pack.

Maxwell was a “grounding, unifying force for her class,” Cline said. “She just smiles all the time and is so gracious that she puts everyone at ease.

“Clinical sites would be hesitant to take her at first, fearing her limitations, but then they would meet her and fall in love. She would treat patients [while] wearing a head scarf due to hair loss, and was so cheerful and uncomplaining that patients would do whatever she asked.”

Knowing how it felt to be a patient, Maxwell showed classmates how to empathize with them.

“She has taught me to treat the patient as a person, not a diagnosis,” said Mike Myers, fellow classmate and friend. People didn’t always know how to react to Maxwell after treatments, he said, but she helped them focus on her, not her illness.

An inspiration

Myers wrote a poem, “Beardog Rising,” that he read during the graduation ceremony. Classmates wore bear dog pins and Maxwell received the 2011 Virgil Jacobs Award, given to the Georgia State physical therapy student who best demonstrates compassion, fairness, honesty and sincerity.

“It was a no-brainer,” Cline said. “Alicia really held her class together and is an amazing inspiration to the whole department. We were all thrilled that she could walk with her class and be honored for her achievements.”

Maxwell remembers graduation as “a great day,” but it wasn’t the end of her journey. She has finished her course work, but must complete two-and-a-half clinical rotations before sitting for the physical therapy board exam.

A back injury in 2001 convinced Maxwell that physical therapy was the career she wanted.

“It was very competitive to get into the program, especially since my undergraduate degree was in film and video, not exercise physiology or biology,” she said. “I think the interview got me in, because this program values diversity in its students and the different perspectives that can bring.”

Despite ongoing cancer treatment, she’s anxious to get started with her career.

“I have an interest in neurorehabilitation and working with people who’ve had strokes or spinal cord injuries,” she said. “I know what it’s like to be in a hospital and not know what’s going to happen to you. I’ve learned compassion. My continuation as a patient will help me be a better therapist.”