Supporting Future Doctors in Remembrance of Their Beloved Daughter
By Devin Castillo
In 2015, UIW celebrated its inaugural Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates from the School of Rehabilitation Sciences (SRS), formerly known as the School of Physical Therapy. These first-time graduates dedicated themselves to aiding their patients by restoring, maintaining and promoting optimal physical function. With each graduating class that followed, the University has proudly contributed to national and global initiatives to prepare high-quality health professionals who will lead with the intention to heal.
In the spring of 2019, Erin Cumbest crossed the stage, receiving her Doctor of Physical Therapy. An academically enriching yet challenging journey filled with studying, exams and student-doctor clinicals prepared Erin for her next chapter as Erin Cumbest, DPT. With admirable qualities such as an unwavering sense of loyalty, fearlessness in defending others, and a compassionate heart, she was eager to help and advocate for the most vulnerable patients in need.
Tragically, Erin wouldn’t have long to share her medical gifts, as she unexpectedly passed due to sudden liver failure on September 12, 2019. Gone physically but not in spirit; Erin remains in the hearts of many. For family, friends, loved ones and more, Erin’s memory continues to live on and is shared by those who cherished her, including her parents Reverand Joseph (Joe) Blunt Cumbest Jr. and Katrina Hood Cumbest.
Joe and Katrina knew from an early age that Erin had an interest in medical knowledge, as she could name every bone in her hand by the third grade. As engineers, the Cumbests were in completely new territory, but Erin’s ambitions were undeniable throughout her life.
The Cumbests proudly noted their daughter’s natural intellect, as she impressively maintained straight A’s throughout her grade school years. As a college student, she still exemplified academic excellence while maintaining quality sportsmanship in her athletic extracurriculars.
Her parents had complete confidence that their daughter was meant to be a healing presence in this world who would provide comfort to all those she would encounter.
“When Erin was in high school, we discussed future options,” recalled Katrina. “I told Erin that we would pay for medical school, but she had her heart set on physical therapy (PT), and her time in high school was focused on meeting PT entrance requirements.”
In 2016, Erin graduated from West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), earning her degree in Exercise Science with a focus on Physical Therapy.
“During her ring ceremony at WTAMU, the president of the university jokingly asked the gathered graduates if anyone felt they did not have to work hard. Yes … Erin raised her hand,” Joe recalled through chuckles. “She was the youngest graduate of her class, completing her bachelor’s degree in just three years.”
Erin would later pursue her doctorate at UIW’s SRS.
“I had the privilege of being Erin’s faculty member during the second year of her coursework in the DPT program,” said Sarah Luna, PT, DPT, PhD, SRS associate professor. “Erin was very bright, and school came easily to her. She had high standards for excellence. I watched Erin develop close friendships with her classmates, and she was fiercely loyal.”
Not long after Erin’s passing, Joe and Katrina established the Erin Michelle Cumbest Memorial Scholarship, seeking to support other passionate, aspiring physical therapists like their beloved daughter. Not wanting financial stress to hold back others seeking to heal their local and even greater global community, the Cumbests gladly invested in the futures of student doctors.
Along with the contributions of Joe and Katrina, generous donations from their family members, friends, colleagues, members of the Christ Church Anglican and more have all aided in the financial support of the scholarship.
“We have met several of the past winners. They seemed very appreciative,” noted Katrina.
This year, the Erin Michelle Cumbest Endowed Memorial Scholarship is estimated to give $8,600 in financial aid.
As this scholarship continues to be shared with the Incarnate Word community, may Cardinals, past, present and future, get to know Erin Cumbest in some way. The life she led is cherished by those she knew, and her desire to be a light amidst patients’ darkest moments continues through each doctor who nobly takes the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) oath – pledging to provide the highest standard of care.
“I’m heartbroken that future patients and the physical therapy profession didn’t get to benefit from her leadership directly,” said Luna. “However, I can confidently say that I am a better faculty member because of the ways she challenged me.”
“She was the most compassionate person,” remarked Taylor Edmonson, one of Erin’s best friends and former fiancé. “She always gave everyone the benefit of the doubt and made everyone seen and known where others would overlook them. She always wanted to help and serve others in any way that she could. She chose PT, one, because she loved the anatomy of the human body and two, because she wanted to be able to restore people’s lives even when they thought it might no longer be a possibility. Her favorite patients during her clinical were senior citizens for this reason.”
Although Erin didn’t have the opportunity to care for others as a doctor, the compassion she offered her family, friends, loved ones and more is something still felt by those who were closest to her. The love for Erin that remains in the hearts of her community reflects what she poured into the world around her. Now, through her memorial scholarship, that same kindness will be poured into the future of healthcare professionals and will extend beyond through their healing hands.