Against the Odds: DPT Graduate Overcomes Brain Tumor Diagnosis to Earn Degree

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

At one point, not very long ago, Anna Urbanowicz was not sure she would get to finish school.

In fact, she wasn’t even certain how normal her life could ever be again.

But this Saturday in the Gatton Student Center, thanks to her work ethic — and the support of her peers, family and professors — she will officially graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Kentucky, alongside 55 other students.

“It honestly still feels a little surreal,” Urbanowicz said. “There were definitely days I thought this wouldn’t be possible. But I kept showing up, and the people around me kept lifting me up.”

Her path took an unexpected turn during her first clinical rotation, when she began losing hearing in her left ear. After returning to Kentucky, she was diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. But doctors also ordered an MRI to be sure.

In August 2024, Urbanowicz was diagnosed with a vestibular schwannoma — a non-cancerous brain tumor that grows on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. The tumor would eventually require surgery, and could result in complete hearing loss in one ear.

“For a while, I wasn’t sure if I was going to continue with school, especially if I had to have surgery immediately,” she said. “After talking with my doctor, we decided it would be okay for me to wait to have surgery since I only had about one year left.”

Since then, Urbanowicz has been learning to navigate partial hearing loss — and the knowledge that the loss will become total after surgery, which is now scheduled for September.

“I’ve received so much amazing support from friends, the professors at UK, and Matt Lee, one of our lab assistants,” she said. “With their support I was able to continue to do well in class and clinical, and was able to take and pass my board exam a few weeks ago.”

Originally from Wisconsin, Urbanowicz earned her undergraduate degree in kinesiology and exercise science from the University of Wisconsin. When it came time for graduate school, she wanted to look beyond her home state.

“I started looking into going to UK for grad school because I wanted to experience something different,” she said. “Kentucky is far away from home but close enough to drive. Once I came to visit Lexington and the UK campus, I knew it was where I wanted to go to school. I loved the atmosphere and everyone I met in the College of Health Sciences was so nice and welcoming.”

Urbanowicz was recently honored with the Physical Therapy Outstanding Student Award, presented to just two graduates from the program. It’s a recognition of her perseverance, and the positivity she brought to her cohort, even in the face of uncertainty.

“Graduation will be such an amazing accomplishment,” she said. “And I’m very proud of all the things I’ve been able to achieve, despite this being one of the more difficult obstacles I’ve had to face in my life. Everyone who graduates should feel a sense of accomplishment, but I’m even more grateful since there was a period of time where I didn’t think I was going to be able to graduate — or graduate with the rest of my class.”

Now, she plans to take a short break before surgery. But after that, she’s ready to get to work as a licensed physical therapist.

“I know I’ll continue to have that support as I navigate being a new PT,” she said. “And I’m ready.”