About the portrait
Self-Titled
Always Be Happy
Photographer
Immanuel Laidlaw
About Layla
Layla Kendall, 17, began her rehabilitation at Shepherd Center in 2019 after sustaining a spinal cord injury caused by a stray bullet that left her paralyzed from the chest down. Since then, she has worked hard to rebuild her strength and independence while staying positive through every step of her recovery. Layla enjoys sports, fishing, and traveling, and though being photographed was outside her comfort zone, she found the experience rewarding.
Layla hopes her portrait conveys that an injury doesn’t prevent happiness — that despite challenges, it’s possible to keep smiling and be surrounded by a supportive community. While a photograph captures a moment, she believes it can’t fully express the deep caring and resilience she carries within.
Reflecting on her journey, Layla emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and not letting injury define or limit who you are. Recently graduated from high school, she plans to attend college next year. For Layla, hope means recognizing the positivity and life that remains in any situation, drawing strength from her close family and friends.
Her message to others facing similar challenges is to stay positive, keep smiling, and focus on the good around you. She acknowledges that adjusting to life after injury is difficult but encourages embracing who you are and seeking out supportive communities, like the one she found at Shepherd Center, where new friendships and opportunities flourish.
In her portrait
In her portrait, Layla chose to include Artica Jackson (nurse), Cheryl Linden (counselor), and Kelsey Shearman (teacher) — three members of her Shepherd care team who have offered steady support, meaningful opportunities, and lasting friendship. To Layla, they feel like family, and she wanted to honor the close, caring bond they’ve built together.
She also included her parents, Latrice and Jantzen, who have been by her side every step of the way. Their constant love, encouragement, and presence have been her greatest sources of strength, helping her stay grounded and hopeful throughout her recovery.
