Profiles In Badassery: Broxton Davis

It is a slow week at H&R, but that doesn't mean we can't have some good content to post. If you watched the NC State game on TV during Jimmy V. week there was brief profile on a little known member of the Purdue basketball family. His name is Broxton Davis. He is in the School of Pharmacy and a manager on the basketball team. He is also a certified cancer ass-kicker.

I contacted Broxton earlier this week and he was happy to answer some questions about his story:

T-Mill: When did you receive your initial diagnosis and what type of cancer was it?

Broxton: It was May 1994, after my second birthday, when my parents noticed I had a bruise or two that wouldn't heal and decided to take me to the hospital. Then on June 4 of that year, which is my parents' wedding anniversary, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). I was rushed to the hospital that day to start treatment.

T-Mill: How long was the battle against cancer(for more details, read this story)?

Broxton: I underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy which lasted 2 years. At the end of the two years, right after my 4th birthday, I was considered cancer free but they had me come for follow up appointment until 2003 when I was in fourth grade. At that time, I was considered cured.

T-Mill: How much did your cancer fight lead you to the field of pharmacy?

Broxton: My battle with cancer played the major role of my decision to pursue a pharmacy degree. I've had multiple health problems throughout my years (cancer, spinal fusion, kidney dysfunction) and all of these have led me to give back to the medical society, which has given me so much. I've very blessed God has made me able to "pass it forward" and give back to individuals who are struggling with their health, just like I have throughout my life.

T-Mill: What is your background with the basketball team?

Broxton: I have been a student manager for the Purdue Men's Program since my freshman year here at Purdue in 2011-2012 when Rob, Lew Jack, and Ryno were seniors. And I've loved every minute of it. I was nervous coming in that the coaches and players might be too uptight or "too good" for the managers but it is quite the opposite. I'm great friends with all the players and the coaches are always ready to talk trash with us about our managers vs coaches game (Coach Owens can't guard me!!!) haha. Everyone is very nice, and considerate of our efforts day in and day out, and that's much appreciated. The three other senior managers (Joe Baker, Leah Steele and Sam Stratton) have become brothers and a sister to me over the past 3 years here on campus. From Coach Painter at the top to the freshman managers, it truly is a family and I've been absolutely blessed to be a part of such a great program and want to thank Elliot Bloom for taking a chance on me.

T-Mill: What other important parts of your story do you want to tell?

Broxton: I would like to encourage people, students and general public, to get involved. Throughout 2012-2014 I was on the executive board for Colleges Against Cancer which is responsible for Relay For Life which occurs every year here on campus. I also worked in the Purdue Center for Cancer Research after my freshman year researching a different type of Leukemia. There are SO MANY avenues which one can get involved with the fight against cancer and it's never over! So get involved! I also want to say I have the best parents in the world, Ray and Tammy Davis, and little brothers that cannot be beat, Brantley and Brigham. They have always been supportive of my goals and aspirations and that can never be replaced.

T-Mill: What are your post graduation plans?

Broxton: This July 18, I get to marry the love of my life, Cheaney Maierle who've I've been dating since my freshman year of high school in 2008. After that, we'll be coming back to Purdue in the fall because I still have two more years of schooling left. (pharmacy is 2 years undergrad, apply for pharmacy school, and then 4 professional years so 6 years total) In 2017 when I graduate, I am leaning towards working in a retail setting (such as a CVS where I'm an Intern, or at an independent pharmacy) or possibly pursuing a residency in Pediatric Oncology. It will all depend on where Cheaney and I are in life. Best case scenario though, I get a residency at Riley's Children's Hospital to start working with young cancer patients just like me 23 years ago. The fight never ends and neither will I!

Thank you very much, Broxton. It is an honor to have you here to tell your story. Best of luck with school and your upcoming wedding!