Meet Colin Goracke, a 16-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, whose zest for life and sportsmanship knows no bounds. After a spinal cord injury on September 9, 2023, Colin’s resilience has only grown stronger. Whether making waves on the lake or scoring goals on the lacrosse field, Colin embraces every challenge with determination.

Inspired by his experiences and exceptional care, Colin dreams of a future in the medical field and hopes Shepherd Center can benefit everyone needing support.

A standout memory at Shepherd Center is when Dr. Chay had to wear Colin's favorite Dallas Cowboys shirt after the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Cowboys, highlighting the strong bonds and light-hearted moments during his recovery.

Fun facts? Colin is a country music enthusiast who’s lived in four states, bringing a bit of each place with him.