A man wearing glasses, a dark blazer, and a gray shirt stands with his hands folded, looking slightly upward against a blue gradient background.

Mark Quick

Graduate, Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit Program

  • Purpose

About the portrait

Self-Titled

Rebirth

Photographer

Steph Heath

About Mark

Mark Quick is a New York native, longtime Atlanta fire lieutenant, and devoted husband and father of three. Known for his courage and compassion both on and off duty, Mark’s life changed dramatically two years ago when he was struck by a car while assisting a stranded motorist. The accident left him with a spinal cord injury, brain injury, and multiple other traumas. Following emergency treatment at Grady Hospital, he began a long road to recovery at Shepherd Center — an experience he describes as life-changing.

Throughout his rehabilitation, Mark drew strength from the same values that defined his life before the injury: service, resilience, and love for his family. A former athlete and educator, he has always embraced challenges with a forward-facing mindset. But this journey demanded something new: an openness to vulnerability and a willingness to grieve what was lost while embracing what could still be found.

Participating in the portrait project was an important milestone for Mark. Though initially hesitant, he came to see it as a powerful act of reflection, reclaiming, and rebirth.

Hope, he believes, is essential. Whether it’s through laughter with loved ones, prayer shared with friends, or showing up each day with intention, Mark continues to build a life filled with meaning, strength, and connection. His journey is a testament to the power of community and the human spirit’s ability to repurpose pain into purpose.

In his portrait

Mark Quick’s portrait features several key people who played vital roles in his recovery and ongoing journey:

  • Anita Quick (wife): For nearly 30 years she has been his steadfast partner in every sense: marriage, business, and life. Mark describes her as his “ride or die,” someone who has been a constant source of love, strength, and encouragement throughout his recovery.
  • Jennifer Wooldridge (physical therapist): Helped Mark take his first steps again after his injury, balancing tough love with compassion, and pushing him to regain mobility and independence.
  • David McBrayer (fellow firefighter and close friend): His department responded to Mark’s accident, and who later became a source of camaraderie, support, and shared understanding of the challenges faced by first responders dealing with trauma.

Mark also honored others who could not attend the photo shoot, including his daughter, his fire department chaplain, and a fellow survivor who has been a constant source of prayer and spiritual encouragement.

Four people pose together in front of a blue backdrop. One person is seated in a power wheelchair, while the others stand close by, smiling. The setting appears to be an indoor studio with equipment visible in the background.
A woman with short curly hair leans gently on the arm of a man wearing glasses and a dark blazer. They both have serious expressions and stand together against a dark blue background.
Two men pose for a photo in a studio. One man sits in a power wheelchair holding a firefighter helmet, while the other stands beside him, also holding a helmet. They are in front of a blue backdrop.
Left image: Jennifer, David, Anita, and Mark; Top right image: Anita and Mark; Bottom right image: David and Mark