Project Rollway is an annual fashion show at Shepherd Center that features fashion modeling by current and former teenage patients from our Adolescent Rehabilitation Program, which focuses on returning teenagers to the highest level of functioning and independence as possible after spinal cord or brain injury.

Project Rollway Models

During his freshman year of college at West Kentucky, Aiden was involved in a car accident, which caused a cervical-level spinal cord injury. Recently graduated from the inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program, Aiden is now in Day Program and is progressing in his walking goals. At West Kentucky, Aiden is a member of the marching band and plays the French horn. He loves making music, being outdoors, and hanging out with friends.  Aiden is most looking forward to returning to college in the fall of 2022 and living life to the fullest.

Anna, a 20-year-old from Kennesaw, Georgia, was injured in an accident in March. Living an adventurous life, she traveled around the South with the Academy Singers (an audition ensemble group), played soccer for 10 years, and survived a fire while on a mission trip in Guatemala. Anna plays the guitar and piano and has written many songs. She also loves animals of all kinds (especially her two cats Millie and Monte). Her experience throughout her recovery made her fall in love with all her therapists, and she wants to be that person for someone else one day as a PT or a pediatric nurse.

While on her way home from church, Ashleigh was involved in a car accident, resulting in a thoracic-level spinal cord injury. A native of Woodruff, South Carolina, Ashleigh adores her large family and is one of eight siblings! Ashleigh recently graduated from high school and will be attending Spartanburg Methodist College in the fall to study psychology.  When she isn’t preparing for college, Ashleigh can be found hanging out with her friends or working at Publix. She would love to work at Shepherd Center one day!

Toward the end of her senior year at Fort Valley State University, Asia was involved in a car accident. While at Shepherd Center, she participated in the inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program and Day Program. Asia can be found spending time with her family or shopping. Asia, who graduated with a degree in psychology, is excited for her future as a forensic psychologist.

A 17-year-old from Abbeville, Georgia, Tommy was in a car accident earlier this year. While at Shepherd, Tommy has participated in the inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program, and he loves the facility dogs because they remind him of his own two dogs. Tommy works on a blueberry farm, and when not at work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing his guitar. In the future, he hopes to be a touring musician.

While performing lifeguard training in Flagler Beach, Florida, Caleb dove into a sandbar and sustained a spinal cord injury. Caleb participated in the inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program and Day Program at Shepherd Center and progressed to walking with some assistance. In his free time, Caleb enjoys playing video games and public speaking.  Recently, he graduated from high school and plans to attend college in the fall with the goal of attending law school to become a lawyer.

While on summer break in August 2021, Dawson had an onset of paralysis and was diagnosed with transverse myelitis. At Shepherd Center, Dawson participated in the inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program and Day Program. Dawson loves the outdoors and enjoys fishing, hunting, riding four-wheelers, and being with his family. A recent high school graduate, Dawson is currently managing his own lawn mowing business and will attend Central Georgia Technical College’s welding program in the fall.

Devin was injured in a diving accident while on spring break with friends in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Currently, he is in the inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program and is making incredible progress.  Devin attends Washington and Lee University, where he is a freshman on the swim team.  When he is not in class or at swim practice, Devin enjoys being outside, working out, and hanging with friends. After completing inpatient, Devin plans to transition to Day Program before ultimately heading back to Washington and Lee University.  He looks forward to going back to school and re-engaging in college life.

Dominic was in a car accident in January 2022, where he sustained a T12 spinal cord injury.  Dom was at Shepherd Center for the inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program and Day Program, where he made incredible progress.  He enjoys working out, driving, working on cars, and anything that goes fast! After college, Dom plans to start his own business so that he can work for himself.

Egypt, an 18-year-old from Dooly County, Georgia, was involved in a car accident with friends on February 4, 2022. The accident resulted in Egpyt sustaining a thoracic-level spinal cord injury.  Egypt is currently participating in Shepherd Center’s inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program and plans to return home with family this summer.  In her free time, she loves working out, having fun on Tik-Tok, and watching NBA basketball.  She loves the Golden State Warriors and making people laugh. Egypt looks forward to beginning her senior year of high school in the fall.

Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Grayson came to Shepherd after suffering a traumatic brain injury caused by a car accident in Pensacola, Florida. Grayson is a sophomore at Morehead State University where he majors in exercise science. When not in class or studying, he likes to play sports, lift weights, play guitar, and hang out with his friends and family.

Ilena was 17 when she was injured on a waterslide in Marietta, Georgia. She enjoys hanging out with friends and family, watching movies, playing online games, and baking. She is also busy being an aunt, and she has six nieces, one nephew, and identical twins coming soon. Ilena plans to graduate from high school and then wants to be able to help others in need.

Jabari was involved in a car accident in November 2021. A recent graduate of the inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program and Day Program, Jabari is now at home and working on getting stronger, so he can get back to work. Outside of work, Jabari loves listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with his large family. A music lover, Jabari is an aspiring music artist and makes music with his brother. His song “No Love” can be found on SoundCloud.

Jackson is an 18-year-old from Nashville, and his first name is his grandma’s last name. During his senior year of high school, he suffered a traumatic brain injury from a car accident. Jackson enjoys basketball, video games, watching TV, and hanging out with his friends. He was runner up for “Mr. Basketball,” and his team won the state championship his junior year. Jackson plans on attending college in the future.

In 2021, Jay sustained a spinal cord injury, resulting from a gunshot wound. While inpatient at Shepherd, he suffered multiple medical complications. This spring, Jay was able to come back to Shepherd Center’s Spinal Cord Injury Day Program where he worked on gait training and manual chair skills. Jay enjoys painting, playing musical instruments, sports, and traveling.  He continues to look toward the future and ultimately hopes to become a coach.

Jessica is an 18-year-old from Columbia, South Carolina. She was injured in January 2022 when her car was hit by a driver under the influence. Although initially told graduating from high school on time would be unlikely, Jessica was able to, and she is now a freshman neuropsychology major at Charleston Southern University. After graduating from college, Jessica hopes to work at Shepherd Center with Dr. Day. In her free time, Jessica enjoys being outside with friends and family.

Jude was born and raised in Sunbury, Pennslyvania, but has also lived in Jacksonville, Florida, where he trained for motocross. When competing in a motocross race in Kemp, Texas, Jude was involved in an accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury. He began riding a bicycle without training wheels at age three and was riding dirt bikes by age four. Besides motocross, Jude enjoys fishing, video games, and basketball. As a baby, his lullaby was, you guessed it, “Hey Jude” by The Beatles. Jude wants to find a way to remain in the sport of motocross and is interested in being a mechanic or operating heavy equipment to build tracks.

Dontae sustained a traumatic brain injury after a car accident in Whitmire, South Carolina. He enjoys playing video games, basketball, football, wrestling, and rapping. In the future, he hopes to become an NFL prospect or a motivational speaker.

After a car accident in 2019, Malik came to Shepherd Center, and he has participated in the inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program, Day Program, and outpatient therapy.  When Malik is not focused on rehab, he enjoys playing video games and spending time with his family.  Malik has not decided what is next for his future, but he says, “Bring it on.” 

Maria is 16 years old and from North Benton, Ohio.  After giving birth to her beautiful daughter, Elena, she had a seizure, resulting in a coma. Maria was eventually diagnosed with MOG and started her long rehab journey at Shepherd Center. Currently in Day Program, Maria is working toward her goals of finishing high school and being with her daughter.  Her hobbies include playing soccer, attending sporting events, especially Cleveland baseball games, and spending time with her dog, rabbit, and two goats. Her journey has inspired her to go to college to become a labor and delivery nurse. 

Maria is 22 years old and from Savannah, Georgia. She suffered a brain injury after being in a car accident. In her free time, she enjoys making ceramics and spending time with her dog – a rescue named Olivia who can talk! In the future, she plans to be a graphic designer.

In January 2022, Nana was involved in a car accident. Nana came to Shepherd for the inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program before continuing onto Shepherd Pathways for Day Program and outpatient therapy. Nana loves playing soccer and watching sports.  He was even able to work on some of his soccer skills with his therapists while in therapy.  Nana was born in the United Kingdom and remains a loyal Manchester United fan. For now, he plans to continue to focus on therapy and start his senior year of high school this fall. After high school, Nana plans to attend college to study IT or forensics. 

Ole is from Johns Creek, Georgia. On his way to football practice, the car Ole was in was T-boned, and he sustained a brain injury. In his free time, Ole enjoys spending time with friends, fishing, and cooking. He ran a grill club at his school, where he grilled and sold hamburgers and hot dogs weekly. He started taking classes at Georgia State and plans to transfer to Georgia Tech within a year to study bioengineering. Ole plans to invent technology that will assist brain injury patients in the future.

Olivia is 14 years old and from Sharon, Tennessee. She sustained a traumatic brain injury when the four-wheeler she and her best friend were on was hit by a truck. Sadly, her best friend did not survive. Olivia is funny and loves making others laugh, and she enjoys listening to Tik-Tok and making rubber band bracelets. Currently, she is not sure what she wants to do in the future.

During her final semester of senior year, Paige was involved in a car accident. At Shepherd Center, Paige participated in the inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program and Day Program. On the 4th floor adolescent team, Paige was considered the team mom and Wordle queen! When she isn’t focused on rehab or preparing for college, Paige enjoys watching sports, spending time with friends, and being outside.  She recently graduated from high school and will attend Auburn University to study engineering.

Payton was celebrating her 13th birthday at Murray Lake with friends and family when a tree fell on her, resulting in a thoracic-level spinal cord injury. Currently, Payton is working hard in the inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program and is looking forward to being reunited with all her pets upon discharge. She especially loves animals and hopes to become a veterinarian in the future. Payton enjoys playing softball, hunting, and fishing in her free time. Payton does not like to brag, but she is an accomplished archer and has won numerous awards and competitions.

Peyton is 18 years old and from Charleston, South Carolina. After falling at work, Peyton came to the Shepherd Center. He enjoys fishing, hunting, and watching sports in his free time and is a die-hard Clemson fan. Peyton hopes to finish his college degree in civil engineering. 

Everyone at Shepherd Center knows Virginia as Vard. Last year, Vard was involved in a head-on collision in Stuarts Draft, Virginia, resulting in a spinal cord injury. While at Shepherd, she participated in the inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program and Day Program. She was able to participate in Shepherd Center’s equine program while in rehab to meet her goals to return to her hobby of horseback riding. Prior to her injury, Vard worked on a rescue squad as an EMT, and she hopes to one day be a nurse and work on medical flights.

Zach is 22 years old and from Milton, Georgia. While on a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee, he had a stroke. Zach’s hobbies include playing volleyball and video games and watching Atlanta sports. During his senior year, he won homecoming king, and now, he is focusing on his goal of graduating from Georgia Tech and entering the workforce.

Zed, an 18-year-old from Lawrenceville, Georgia, was in a car accident. His hobbies include playing basketball and PlayStation, and he does not like chocolate. In the future, he would like to work for the Shepherd Center or as an electrical engineer.

Project Rollway Designers

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS
The brand strives to not only lead the 15-25 year-old lifestyle retail market, but to be a part of that lifestyle beyond just fashion. Known for our t-shirts and hoodies but built upon the quality and heritage of our denim, we seek to be a consistent presence throughout young men’s & women’s lifestyles. Casual comfort and a relaxed attitude have made AEO the brand it is today.

ae.com

Thank You to Our Generous Donors

About Shepherd Center’s Adolescent Program

Adolescents who sustain life-altering injuries have developmental and emotional needs that are different from adults. The adolescent program focuses on helping these individuals return to a healthy lifestyle with the highest possible level of function and independence. Shepherd Center has more experience treating teenagers with these kinds of injuries than general rehabilitation facilities.

Learn more about the adolescent program at Shepherd here.