Two women smile warmly at each other; one is seated in a pink wheelchair, while the other stands beside her, resting a hand on her shoulder, both wearing light-colored tops against a blue backdrop.

Egypt Lundy

Graduate, Adolescent Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program

  • Confidence

About the portrait

Self-Titled

The Squad

Photographer

Rachel Doar

About Egypt

Egypt Lundy, 21, is from Vienna, Georgia. After a head-on collision in February 2022 left her paralyzed from the waist down, she came to Shepherd Center for six months of rehabilitation. During her time there, she worked hard to regain independence and stay on track to graduate from high school.

She named the portrait “The Squad” to reflect the strength and encouragement they gave her during recovery. Being photographed was a new and slightly shy experience, but ultimately a meaningful one. She hopes people see her not for her disability, but as a whole person with drive, personality, and dreams.

Egypt says hope means getting out more, creating memories, and continuing to live life fully. Her love for sports once gave her hope; now, it’s her family, especially her nieces and nephews, who inspire her to keep pushing forward. Her message to others: “Don’t let your injury define you. Keep being yourself and have fun.”

In her portrait

  • Kelsey Shearman (teacher): She helped her stay on track academically and made sure she graduated on time despite the challenges she faced.
  • Julie Shepherd (case manager): She ensured everything was in place before she returned home, checking that her environment was accessible and that she had what she needed to succeed.
  • Veronica Lundy (mom) and Key’Ayevion (nephew): They both inspire her to keep moving forward, providing hope every day.
Five people of diverse backgrounds pose together, smiling. One woman sits in a wheelchair with pink accents. Two women stand behind, and another woman and a young child kneel and sit in front, all against a blue studio backdrop.
A smiling woman with braids sits in a wheelchair with pink accents against a blue textured background. She is wearing a beige t-shirt and black pants.
Three people pose for a portrait against a blue background. A woman in a wheelchair sits in front, while another woman and a young boy stand behind her. All three wear light-colored shirts and smile gently.
Left image: Julie, Kelsey, Veronica, Egypt, and Key’Ayevion; Top right image: Egpyt; Bottom right image: Egypt, Veronica, and Key’Ayevion