Philanthropy fuels our progress to transform healthcare

Even as a child, Kenda Fuller was aware of injustices happening around her. She realized that few people in her small, predominately white town had the same concerns when they witnessed history unfold during the civil rights demonstrations of the 1960s. In high school, some friends lived in fear as they expected repercussions related to their sexual orientation. After the Vietnam War, her brother faced personal trauma as well as the turmoil of returning to a country that held conflicting perspectives about the war.  

“Seeing all of this ignited a fire for change in me that was not shared by my classmates in our community,” said Kenda. 

Kenda continued her education outside of her hometown and eventually graduated from the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program in 1979. Her early mentors were also CU PT graduates: Marcia Smith ('69) returned to CU as an instructor in the program and introduced Kenda to the world of neurology practice, and Gretchen Cerveny ('55) was a director at Lutheran Medical Center where Kenda found her first job. They both led by example as presidents of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Colorado Chapter, supported Kenda in her quest to become the first Neurological Certified Specialist in Colorado, and guided her into leadership roles. Marcia and Gretchen also stoked her confidence to move into the practice of vestibular rehabilitation during a time when there were few mentors in this little-known area of practice.  

Kenda co-authored Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist and followed in her mentors’ footsteps, serving as the president of APTA Colorado. She was later influential in new Colorado legislation around student athletes and concussions. Throughout her impressive 40-year career, she remained involved in the Physical Therapy Program as an adjunct instructor and mentor. 

When Kenda looked back at her work over the years, she recognized that despite the changes that were happening in the world, she was surrounded only by colleagues and patients who reflected her own status: white and middle class.  

“I gave my patients the best care possible, and I had a rewarding career,” shared Kenda. “But I am sorry I let my flame for change burn without much fuel for so many years. Approaching retirement, I reflected on my legacy. I had been successful in the environment of that homogeneous culture, yet I knew something was missing. I couldn’t leave the field without reaching back to my concern about diversity, especially since I had been given so much exposure.” 

Kenda saw that growing concerns with healthcare costs and access disproportionately impact minoritized communities, and a more comprehensive provision of care is needed. Healthcare providers from these communities are best equipped to help lead the charge in making lasting changes. 

“My fire was reignited. I created the Kenda Fuller Fund for Cultural Diversity at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to support diversity in the physical therapy classroom. The change must come in an educational setting to drive change in healthcare delivery,” said Kenda.  

The first student to receive the Kenda Fuller Fund scholarship, Victoria Serna, DPT, was exactly the type of student Kenda had hoped to support and encourage. Victoria initiated the formation of the first National Association of Black Physical Therapists chapter in Colorado and is actively involved in outreach to high school and undergraduate students, supporting underrepresented communities as they face challenges associated with successfully applying to medical programs.  

Victoria is pursuing a new career in physical therapy after spending years as a 7th grade teacher. “I am thankful to have the opportunity to continue my education – none of it would be possible without this scholarship. Returning to school after a career change during a pandemic can leave one anxious for a variety of reasons. Kenda’s kindness has not only alleviated some of those nerves but has allowed me to make my dreams a reality, and I hope to one day give back in a similar way,” said Victoria. 

Kenda believes that offering more opportunities – like this scholarship – will assist in growing a diverse workforce in physical therapy and ultimately help more people in the community. “I see a brighter future for PT. I have hope that my intentions will succeed.”