New Purdue Veterinary Medicine Resource is Dedicated to Healing and Hope
Like the beginning of a beloved children’s story, the tale of the inception of a new Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine center devoted to comparative cancer research and treatment starts with a scene involving an adorable dog named Brandi. That scene was shared recently via a video played during a special ceremony attended by college supporters, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and relatives and friends of the family for whom the center is named. The event was the official dedication of the Evan and Sue Ann Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center May 23, 2025, which was held outside Lynn Hall near the entrance that leads to the new center’s reception area.
“Welcome everybody. I’m so glad you’re all here,” said the director of the new center, Dr. Deborah Knapp, Distinguished Professor of Comparative Oncology, who also holds a named faculty position, the Dolores L. McCall Professor of Comparative Oncology. “I am pleased to take just a few minutes to tell you why this center is so important and a bit about how this all started.”
Dr. Knapp then shared how Purdue’s team of comparative oncology specialists treats pet animals, mostly dogs, with cancer in order to help each individual animal, and in the process, learn something that will help accomplish more for the next 100 dogs they see with that same condition. “And, at the same time, we are learning new information about human cancer and how to prevent or treat it more effectively,” Dr. Knapp said. “This is possible because certain forms of cancer in pet animals are very similar to those same cancers in people. It’s really a win-win-win. Each dog with cancer is given the best chance to live and enjoy life with quality. Future dogs benefit from what we learn, and humans who have cancer or who are at risk for developing cancer also ultimately benefit as well.”
With that summary as an introduction, Dr. Knapp went on to relay the story of a particular dog named Brandi and her human companions, Evan and Sue Ann Werling. They were a trio bound together by the human-animal bond. “What we are celebrating today started March 14, 2005,” Dr. Knapp recalled. “I was working in the clinic that day with Patty Bonney, our long time veterinary nurse and clinical trials coordinator. One of the dogs we saw that day was Brandi Werling, a really sweet basset hound and Australian shepherd mix, the kind of dog who wins your heart over right away.”
Dr. Knapp then shared how Brandi’s veterinarian recommended that she be brought to the Purdue University Small Aimal Hospital for treatment after she was diagnosed with bladder cancer, also called transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) or urothelial carcinoma. “We discussed multiple treatment options with Evan and Sue Ann. Brandi, as it turned out, participated in not one, but two clinical trials, and enjoyed life for another 15 months, and she gave us new knowledge to help others.”
Dr. Knapp further explained how, during that time, her team had many opportunities to get to know Evan and Sue Ann, and to form a friendship that lasts today. “Sadly, Evan lost a heroic battle with cancer a little over two years ago, but before he passed, he wanted to be sure their wishes to make a transformative gift to our comparative oncology program came to fruition.” That generous, multi-year gift was recognized with the naming of the center in their honor.
Dr. Knapp continued by highlighting how their support has had a transformative impact – enabling the college’s comparative oncology program to add team members, make needed facility renovations, take on more clinical trials, pursue an important immunotherapy initiative, and offer hope to more animals with cancer and their families. “It has really set us up for strategic growth and impact, and to continue to be world leaders in this field. For this we are forever grateful.”
Dr. Knapp then turned the podium over to Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh who shared how the new center relates directly to one of Purdue’s top strategic priorities. “It fits extremely well with the One Health Initiative of Purdue University,” Dean Marsh said. “And so this center, and the gift that has come from the Werling family, is not only for today, but it’s generational because the things we will learn through this center will not only help us today, but into the next generation.”
Dr. Marsh then stepped away from the podium as the audience’s attention turned to a large video monitor situated at the center of the outdoor stage, and a video began. The video was an illustrated, narrated children’s story about Brandi and the Werlings that quite literally tied-up the ceremony with a bow. The story recounted Brandi’s life with the Werlings, from her adoption from a humane society, to the successful clinical trials that extended her life. Interwoven throughout the story were references to Brandi’s enduring love for opening presents. Then, as the video concluded, Dean Marsh and Dr. Knapp opened a large gift box to reveal a stunning sculpture of Brandi that will be located in the college’s Pet Tribute Garden, adjacent to Lynn Hall.
Sue Ann then was invited to speak. “It’s a very special day for me. And I know it is for Evan,” Sue Ann said, as her voice was laden with emotion. “I want to challenge the Purdue oncologists, the research, the teams, what you’re doing, to strive for the stars. You are our future All Star Team, to find the treatments and cure for cancer for our pets. And think about the possibilities of the treatments and cures for people.”
Dr. Knapp then returned to the podium to conclude the program, inviting the guests to stay for a reception and guided tours of the center. Many also paused for photo ops with the newly unveiled Brandi sculpture.
Click below to view a short video recap of the ceremony.
Video by Jet Kaiser and Bob Ridge with Indy Visuals
