Stories of Hope

A person in a motorized wheelchair smiles in a hospital room. The room contains medical equipment, a bed, and a monitor. The person is wearing a gray shirt and black knee-high socks and has a ventilator tube attached.

Real stories, real triumphs

At Shepherd Center, every journey is a testament to strength, resilience, and the power of community. Our “Stories of Hope” showcase the inspiring experiences of patients and caregivers who have overcome incredible challenges. Through their heartfelt videos, you’ll see how hope and healing intertwine to transform lives. These powerful stories highlight the courage to keep moving forward, the support of a dedicated team, and the unwavering belief that recovery is possible.

Multiple trauma

Shepherd Center goes beyond rehabilitation — it empowers patients to thrive. With a 94% return-to-home rate, far above the national average, patients like Cindy, Sophia, and Sonnie have turned challenges into triumphs.

Video still of Cindy Martinez

I can’t walk on my own two feet, but I can run on my new ones.

Cindy Martinez, Georgia

Multiple Trauma

Video Poster

I’m doing things I couldn’t do yesterday.

Sophia Williams, Florida

Spinal Cord Injury & Brain Injury

Screenshot of Sonnie Hicks Greenwell from video interview

An overwhelming peace that everything was going to be okay.

Sonnie Hicks Greenwell, Alabama

Spinal Cord Injury & Brain Injury

Brain injury

Christion, John, and Hannah each faced a traumatic brain injury that changed their lives, but with the support of Shepherd Center, they found strength, purpose, and a path forward. Their stories prove that with the right care and support, a traumatic brain injury is not the end — it’s the start of a new chapter.

Headshot of Christion Abercrombie

They made us feel as though everything is going to be okay.

Christion Abercrombie, Georgia

Brain Injury

Screenshot of John Blair from a video interview

I wanted to be able to take care of my granddaughter independently, drive, manage my finances—Shepherd made that possible.

John Blair, M.D., Georgia

Brain Injury

Video Poster

Shepherd changed my outlook on life.

Hannah Boulware, Tennessee

Brain Injury

Spinal cord injury

Tina, Lee, and Emily faced life-changing events that could have defined their futures — but instead, they chose hope. Their journeys prove that even in the face of adversity, recovery is possible, and life can still be full of purpose, passion, and possibility.

Video still of Tina Davis

I can’t move like I used to, but I can lead a movement.

Tina Davis, Georgia

Spinal Cord Injury

Video Poster

This thing is not gonna get me.

Lee Otis Burton, Tennessee

Spinal Cord Injury

Screenshot of Emily Oliver from a video interview

Staff became friends and life was rebuilt.

Emily Oliver, Mississippi

Spinal Cord Injury

Guillain-Barré syndrome

Discover Chuck’s journey with Guillain-Barré syndrome, from sudden paralysis to regaining independence with expert care, innovative tools, and support.

Screenshot of Chuck Bruney in a video interview

Find peace in life’s unexpected challenges.

Chuck Bruney, Georgia

Guillain Barré syndrome

Multiple sclerosis

Three women, three unique journeys, one common thread — resilience. Cecilia, Dana, and Jessica each faced the uncertainty of a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, but with the care and support of Shepherd Center, they found strength, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Video Poster

Shepherd has given me the hope to continue to live.

Cecilia Jefferson, Georgia

Multiple Sclerosis

Screenshot of Dana Berry from a video interview

It’s not a death sentence, you can still live life to the fullest, you’ve just got to figure out your new normal.

Dana Berry, Georgia

Multiple Sclerosis

Video Poster

Bad things happen for you, not to you.

Jessica Collins, Georgia

Multiple Sclerosis

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