Support Danielle's Dream of becoming a Physical Therapist

Hello everyone, I am Danielle Paxton, an aspiring Neuro Physical Therapist!

In September 2024, I will attend Augustana University as a Doctor of Physical Therapy student. This has been a dream of mine for 12 years, and this fall, that dream will become a reality. As a low-income student, I’ve always found a way to invest in my education through grants and loans. Unfortunately, due to the high expense of my program ($108,000 direct cost), I am seeking help from my community to help close the financial gap. I currently work full-time in San Francisco, commuting 2-2.5 hours a day, 5 days a week. I have been blessed with an amazing job, but unfortunately, I don’t make enough to cover my program’s expenses, especially the upfront costs I have to pay out of pocket prior to starting. These costs include but are not limited to, two round-trip flights, housing, books, lab materials, etc. I am nervous that without your help, I won’t be able to afford the basic materials and cost of my program to start off on the right foot. Even if it’s small, every little bit helps. I truly thank you in advance from the bottom of my heart.

Humble Beginnings

Growing up, I have always had a curious mind. I always wanted to explore and understand the world around me. I grew up with amazing family and friends who always supported me whenever they could. My parents sacrificed a lot for my sister and me to live where we did. In my adolescent years, I struggled with my sexuality and not feeling smart enough compared to my friends. This adversely affected me for quite some time. As the years went by, I had no clue what I wanted to do or where my path in life would take me.

From Not Good Enough to More than Good Enough

In the beginning of my educational career, I got placed on academic probation because I just didn’t care. In my mind, I wasn’t good enough. My mindset changed when I got placed on academic probation for a second time at a different university. This wasn’t me. It was time to wake up and stand tall because I was smart enough and will make a difference in the world. And that is what I set out to do. I retook classes I had previously failed, sought tutoring, and researched universities offering Kinesiology degrees. Even though community college took me 4 years, I am proud of overcoming my own obstacles and went from a 1.8 to a 3.4 GPA. This is only the beginning. And it was.

When I transferred to university, I didn’t have a choice but to take out loans and grants designated for low-income students because school became expensive and my family couldn’t afford a lot. I saw this as an investment in my future. When my time drew near to graduate with my bachelor’s degree, life threw a major curveball, and my family got hit with heartbreaking news.

From Hardship to Victory

I originally started applying to physical therapy school in 2017, but unfortunately, during that time, my dad was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. As a result, I decided to withdraw my physical therapy school applications and focus on graduating which was only months away. Even though the diagnosis was very challenging, I was determined to continue on with my higher education. I couldn't afford the GRE so I reached out to my Kinesiology department to see if they would require it. I was notified that they wouldn’t require the GRE from me due to my grades being high. I was ecstatic! No one in my family had ever received a master's. Fast forward two years later, in May of 2020, and during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I became the first person in my family to graduate with a Master’s Degree! It was such an honor.

Full Circle

I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. During my time as a graduate student, I discovered my passion for working with spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions. I started my own business to help pay for my Master’s program where I would train individuals in the comfort of their home. Movement is important for everybody and every body, which is why I am so eager to receive my Doctor of Physical Therapy. I want to work with and provide care to those who might otherwise get overlooked.

Once I graduate from Augustana University, I plan on enrolling in a Neuro Residency program to become a Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) and eventually open my own affordable clinic. I want to establish a facility where people living with neurological conditions, such as spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, etc., can receive therapy and exercise without the worry of accruing high amounts of medical debt.

Conclusion

With your help, you are not only supporting my journey towards becoming a physical therapist, you are also investing in the future of someone who is determined to make a difference in the world. Your contribution will help me break down barriers and create opportunities that may have otherwise been out of reach. I truly appreciate any help you are willing to give! I understand times are tough right now so even a quick share would mean the world. Thank you so much!

The raised funds will go toward:

Tuition

Air travel to orientation in South Dakota and lab immersions in Minnesota.

Housing expenses associated with travel.

Covering essentials during the initial months of my trimester.

Assisting with academic costs (books, class supplies, university fees, lab clothes)