A Journey of Faith, Empathy, and Purpose
Caroline Ross, an alumna of LCA’s Class of 2018, has always been driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. With an undergraduate degree in Biology from Georgia Southern, she is now embarking on her second year of a doctorate in Pharmacy at Mercer University in Atlanta. Her journey reflects a profound blend of faith, empathy, and dedication to helping others.
Discovering Her Calling
Caroline’s path to pharmacy wasn’t always clear. It began to take shape when her cousin started an infectious disease rotation, sparking her curiosity about the medical field. The turning point came during her senior year at LCA when she shadowed a nuclear pharmacist—a decision that would shape her career. “After that day, I fell in love with the career field of pharmacy,” Caroline recalls. The idea of working in Nuclear Pharmacy, where she could help compound radioactive chemicals for treatments like chemotherapy and PET scans, fascinated her. She was drawn to the potential of these treatments to diagnose and treat conditions like PTSD, depression, and dementia, offering hope to those who suffer.
A Life-Saving Decision
Caroline’s commitment to helping others extends beyond her academic and professional pursuits. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she registered with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)—a decision that would lead to a life-changing experience. Knowing that patients in need have only a 25% chance of finding a matching family member donor, Caroline felt called to register. Years later, she was matched with a 15-year-old boy with leukemia who desperately needed a stem cell transplant. Despite her fear of needles, Caroline felt a strong calling to help. “Even though I was afraid of needles, I knew I had to do it,” she says. After a series of injections to stimulate stem cell production in her body, Caroline flew to Washington, D.C., where she donated her stem cells, potentially saving the young boy’s life. Although the process is anonymous, Caroline has considered sending him an anonymous message, letting him know that she is praying for him and that God has a plan for his life. Caroline explained, “Before doing it, I didn’t realize how easy it would be. I want to raise awareness and show people that they have the power to literally save someone’s life and make it possible for them to go into remission.” If you would like to donate to the National Marrow Donor Program or register to become a bone marrow donor, you can do so by visiting Be The Match.
Academic and Faith Foundations
Reflecting on her time at LCA, Caroline credits Mr. Martin’s class with providing her with a solid foundation in her faith—something that has been invaluable as she navigates her career in the medical field. “Going into a secular college and the medical field, it can be hard to navigate your faith unless you have a good foundation and defense for it,” she shares. LCA also helped her develop the confidence she needed to pursue her goals, even when her academic record didn’t look perfect on paper. “Transitioning out of high school, I believed in myself more than I ever had because of the LCA faculty members’ belief in me. It gave me the strength to go after what I wanted,” Caroline exclaimed.
“...I truly learned what it looked like to hold empathy for others during my time at LCA.””
Empathy and Advocacy
Empathy is a cornerstone of Caroline’s approach to her career. “I had been in public school and other private schools before going to LCA. But I truly learned what it looked like to hold empathy for others during my time at LCA,” Caroline noted. She learned in high school that it was okay to be someone who feels deeply and stands up for what she believes in—a lesson that has been crucial in her role as a future pharmacist. “Advocating for patients is a huge part of being a pharmacist, and without LCA, I probably wouldn’t have the ability to advocate the way I should,” she reflects. Her faith has played a significant role in her career choice. Caroline hopes that through her work, people can see the goodness of God and feel hope for their future.
Looking Ahead
As Caroline continues her journey in pharmacy, her long-term goals include specializing in Nuclear Pharmacy and contributing to research on Alzheimer’s disease—a deeply personal mission inspired by the loss of a family member during her senior year of high school. She advises current LCA students to take responsibility for their own happiness and career paths. “If you want a certain career, make choices that will take you to that path,” she encourages. “When it comes to faith, don’t wait for someone to invite you, and don’t just rely on your parents’ faith. Seek out the community you need, ask the hard questions, and find a church to get plugged into.”
Caroline Ross’s story is a testament to the power of faith, empathy, and perseverance. Her journey from LCA to pursuing a doctorate in Pharmacy is marked by a commitment to making the world a better place — one step at a time.
