Guiding Innovation

GUIDING INNOVATION

From research studies to life-enhancing apps, patients and community members serve as the catalyst for Shepherd Center’s clinical and technology innovation initiatives.

ALSO INSIDE

VIRTUAL CONNECTIONS FILL GAPS IN DELIVERING CARE + PATIENT FINDS PURPOSE BEYOND THE GRIDIRON + SHEPHERD CENTER WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

news.shepherd.org | Spring 2021 SPRING 2021

LETTER FROM SARAH MORRISON

Shepherd Center 2020 Peachtree Road NW Atlanta, Georgia 30309 404-352-2020 [email protected] news.shepherd.org Dear Readers, Editor Damjana Alverson At Shepherd Center, innovation is a word we use every day. To me, it

Design means creating breakthroughs not for tomorrow, but for the day after Soloflight Design tomorrow. It means finding ways to build a bridge from “I can’t” to “I can.” It means looking at the latest advances in research and clinical Contributing Writers Damjana Alverson, Sara Baxter, care to see how they will benefit future generations of people with Phillip Jordan, Kerry Ludlam spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular disorders. Contributing Photographers Gary Meek, Phil Skinner and Joann Vitelli In this issue, our cover story takes a look at some of the primary ways Board of Directors Shepherd Center is innovating to advance treatments and therapies Alana Shepherd, Chairman Sarah Morrison, PT, MBA, MHA, on page 6. Whether it’s through developing models that can predict President and CEO* what treatment plans will be most effective for specific patients or Michael R. Yochelson, M.D., MBA, participating in novel clinical trials that can help people with spinal Chief Medical Officer* James D. Thompson, Vice President cord injuries restore hand and arm function, there is no limit to what Stephen B. Holleman, MBA, CPA, Treasurer we can do when our focus is on the people we serve. Juli Owens, Recording Secretary Sara S. Chapman, Corporate Secretary On page 5, we ask one of our research program managers about her

Members work partnering with companies like Microsoft to make technology Fred V. Alias, Shaler Alias, David F. Apple, Jr., accessible to everyone. This is one great example of Shepherd Center’s M.D., Cyndae Arrendale, C. Duncan Beard†, responsibility to share our research and clinical knowledge with our Bryant G. Coats, Bob Cunningham, Charles L. Davidson III, Clark H. Dean, John S. Dryman, industry and academic partners to enhance patient care. These Gen. Larry R. Ellis, William C. Fowler, Susan partnerships increase Shepherd’s reach so we help our own patients, Hawkins, Justin Jones, Molly Lanier, Donald P. Leslie, M.D., Douglas Lindauer, Bernie as well as people across the nation and around the globe. Marcus†, Charles Talbot Nunnally, Sally D. Nunnally, Vincenzo Piscopo, John Rooker, You’ll read about former Shepherd Center patient Christion Abercrombie Emory A. Schwall†, James H. Shepherd III, on page 14. He is doing his part to impact the globe through the W. Clyde Shepherd III, K. Boynton Smith, James E. Stephenson, Jarrad Turner Christion Abercrombie Foundation. He and his family hope to educate * Ex Officio others about traumatic brain injuries, especially those who are athletes † Emeritus like Christion. Shepherd Center Magazine: Spinal Column is published quarterly by Shepherd Center, Finally, we welcome our five new board members on page 18. a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in the treatment, research and rehabilitation Whether they have been part of the Shepherd Center family for for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, decades or were former patients and clients, each member brings multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions. To request a passionate perspective that will help us continue to innovate, removal from our mailing list, email magazine@ focusing on patient care well into the future. shepherd.org or mail Shepherd Center, Attn: Shepherd Center Magazine Mailing List, 2020 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia, As we talk about patient stories of hope and innovation, I hope you 30309. Please include mailing label. are encouraged to look forward to the future and the possibilities it Shepherd Center Magazine accepts no advertising. Spinal Column is a registered holds. Enjoy. trademark of Shepherd Center.

ABOUT THE COVER: Sincerely, Patient Sierra McLeod demonstrates GlassOuse motion sensor glasses with a bite switch to access an iPad with guidance from Adina Bradshaw, M.S., CCC-SLP, ATP, CPACC, speech-language pathologist in Shepherd Center’s Assistive Technology Center. The device allows the user to move a cursor with slight head Sarah Morrison, PT, MBA, MHA movements and click using the bite switch. Photo by Phil Skinner. President and CEO of Shepherd Center Spring 2021 • Shepherd Center CONTENTS

FEATURES

GUIDING INNOVATION 06 Patients and community members serve as the catalyst for clinical and technology innovation initiatives.

CALLING AN AUDIBLE 14 With some help from Shepherd Center, Christion Abercrombie ﬁnds new purpose beyond the gridiron.

DEPARTMENTS 02 SHORT TAKES SPOTLIGHT 04 Virtual Connections Fill Gaps in Patient and Family Care FAMILY

STAFF PROFILE 05 Nicole Thompson, MPH ABERCROMBIE

FOUNDATION OF 18 FEATURES COURTESY HONORARIUMS 25 AND MEMORIALS PROVIDED Former patient Christion Abercrombie and his mom, Staci, enjoy a moment before a football game prior to his brain injury. PHOTO

Gifts of Generosity See news.shepherd.org If you would like to make a gift to support the work you have read about, for additional online content. please contact Sarah L. Batts at the Shepherd Center Foundation at 404-350-7305 or visit shepherd.org.

Spinal Column® | Spring 2021 • 1 Sshort takes

404-425-7250 to leave a message. One of our representatives will return their call typically within one business day. Patients can learn more about MyChart at shepherd.org/MyChart. Subsequent phases of MyChart will add the ability for patients to make and/or check-in for appointments online, conduct telehealth sessions with their provider and pay bills electronically, among other features. Shepherd Center will also add MyChart access for inpatients in the future. Patients must be 18 years or older to register for MyChart. If they are younger than 18 years old, they will need to have their parent or guardian register on their behalf by completing the appropriate Shepherd Center Launches MyChart Patient Portal proxy form that is available for download Shepherd Center launched MyChart, a [email protected] to request at shepherd.org/MyChart. patient portal, for people who use Shepherd a MyChart activation code. Patients can visit Shepherd Center is in an Epic Community Center outpatient services. Powered by mychart.shepherd.org to set up their Connect partnership with Piedmont Epic, MyChart offers patients personalized account and log in. Healthcare, meaning Shepherd Center is hosted on Piedmont’s Epic platform. That and secure online access to portions of If patients already use MyChart means some of the email communication their medical records. through Piedmont Healthcare, they will automatically have access to their patients receive will include the Piedmont ACCESS TO MYCHART ALLOWS PATIENTS TO: Shepherd Center MyChart. They can name and branding. The Shepherd See their health information in one place. » visit mychart.shepherd.org, and enter Center team is still the main point of » Connect with their team from anywhere. their existing Piedmont log-in credentials. contact for Shepherd Center patients’ » Stay informed about their health. If patients MyChart account and their care. Currently, outpatients do not need to take experience any action to enroll in MyChart. Shepherd any technical Center’s outpatient staff members will difﬁculties with provide patients with a MyChart activation MyChart, they code in the after-visit summary they receive can contact following their next outpatient appointment, Shepherd or they may call or email Shepherd Center’s Center’s MyChart NowNow Open!Open! MyChart Support Team at 404-425-7250 or Support Team at

Shepherd Center Apothecary Opens Online Gift Shop Shepherd Center opened its Apothecary Online Gift Shop. A popular ﬁxture within the main Shepherd Center hospital building in Atlanta, Georgia, the Apothecary sells various Shepherd-branded merchandise, gifts and more. With the rollout of the online store, customers can now have items shipped anywhere in the United States. The online shop also offers curbside pickup for those in the Atlanta area. Shepherd Center employees, patients and families can arrange in-store pickup, as well. Scan the QR code to visit the gift shop. If you have any questions, call 404-350-7743.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT shepherd-apothecary.mybigcommerce.com OR CALL 404-350-7743

2 • news.shepherd.org Sarah Morrison Named Most Shepherd Center Adds Two New Admired CEO in Healthcare for Physicians to Medical Staff 2020 by Atlanta Business Chronicle Philip Wexler, M.D., and David Quintero, M.D., have Sarah Morrison, joined Shepherd Center’s medical staff. Dr. Wexler, a pulmonologist, is the hospital’s new medical director PT, MBA, MHA, of pulmonology and respiratory therapy services. Dr. president and CEO of Quintero, a board-certified pulmonologist and critical Shepherd Center, was care physician, is serving as medical director of recognized in a virtual Shepherd Center’s 10-bed intensive care unit (ICU), awards ceremony by as well as critical care services. the Atlanta Business “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Wexler and Dr. Quintero Chronicle as one of to Shepherd Center,” says Michael Yochelson, M.D., Atlanta’s Most Admired MBA, chief medical officer at Shepherd Center. “Both CEOs. The annual are highly experienced physicians who are providing awards recognize specialized care to our patients.” local leaders who have demonstrated a strong vision for their companies, have shown commitment to culture in the workplace and made significant contributions to our community. Shepherd Center is fortunate to have a leader who inspires Sarah Morrison was recognized in a virtual awards ceremony held by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. the team with a unique Philip Wexler, M.D., joined David Quintero, M.D., joined blend of hard work, Shepherd’s medical staff on Shepherd Center’s medical staff November 30, 2020. on December 9, 2020. humor and hope.

Shepherd Center Welcomes New Director of Quality and Outcomes Management Shepherd Center announced that degrees in psychology from the Jacqueline Baron-Lee, Ph.D., CPHQ, PMP, University of Florida. joined its staff on January 11, 2021, as In her new role, Dr. Baron-Lee oversees director of quality and outcomes manage- process improvement initiatives throughout ment. Dr. Baron-Lee oversees collection, the hospital and serves as Shepherd dissemination and use of Shepherd Center’s patient safety officer. She also Center’s outcomes information for quality. leads efforts to ensure conformance with “We are thrilled to welcome Jacqueline the accreditation standards of The Joint Baron-Lee to Shepherd Center,” says Commission and the Commission on Jamie Shepherd, MBA, MHA, chief operat- Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. ing officer of Shepherd Center. “Her expe- “I am very excited to join the Shepherd rience will add great value to the continued Center family and apply my experience with development of the quality department.” quality and outcome improvement through Dr. Baron-Lee comes to Shepherd great partnership with staff at all levels of this Center from University of Florida Health, amazing organization,” Dr. Baron-Lee says. where she was the quality officer in “My passion is to improve healthcare quality the Neuromedicine Interdisciplinary and safety outcomes, especially among Jacqueline Baron-Lee, Ph.D., CPHQ, PMP, joined Academic and Clinical Program (NICAP). patients with neurological challenges, across Shepherd Center’s staff on January 11, 2021, as She earned master’s and doctoral the continuum of care.” director of quality and outcomes management.

Spinal Column® | Spring 2021 • 3 SPOTLIGHT Virtual Connections Fill Gaps in Patient and Family Care Shepherd Center innovates virtual options to effectively treat patients and support families. BY DAMJANA ALVERSON The proverb, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” has always been a guiding force at Shepherd Center, but especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Providing consistent care is critical to our patients’ rehabilitation,” says Sarah Morrison, PT, MBA, MHA, president and CEO of Shepherd Center. “COVID-19 forced us to innovate quickly and find a way to continue that care virtually where it was needed.” Within three weeks of the pandemic’s start, every Shepherd Center department contributed to making virtual services possible. Telehealth, online wellness clinics and other virtual services are now a regular part of the hospital’s operations and have broader applications. For example, people who don’t live near the hospital can now participate in programs they previously could not access. Shepherd Center’s peer support program, which connects injured individuals and their families with mentors, also offers virtual 1 platforms. It has been so successful that the acquired brain injury (ABI) family peer support groups have seen a 32% BY THE NUMBERS increase in meeting attendance. “Instead of having to miss a peer support dinner or one- Participants who received SCI wellness on-one support session because they are out of state or it’s 50 services virtually who would not have inconvenient, they can tune in from anywhere,” says Claire otherwise been able to due to the pandemic Holley, acquired brain injury family peer support coordinator. The spinal cord injury (SCI) peer support groups have % INCREASE IN ABI FAMILY PEER had another unexpected benefit: patients can now get a SUPPORT GROUP CLASS ATTENDANCE glimpse into the lives of their mentors in their home environ- 32 SINCE IT WENT VIRTUAL ments through virtual sessions. This allows them to see how 2 their mentors live day-to-day, which ultimately boosts their States families live in Virtual MS confidence to manage life when they return home. 10 wellness group 1. The ABI family peer 10 who have participated To help navigate their loved one’s injury, families of support group connects in telehealth ABI family exercise classes inpatients with a brain injury can participate in therapy. Shatavia families of injured therapy to date each week Thomas, DMFT, LMFT, an ABI family therapist, launched tele- individuals with mentors. health services in March 2020. Since then, she has met with 34 2. Virtual MS wellness group exercises began in updated strengthening and cardio class called families across the 10 states where she is licensed or has provi- August 2020. Shepherd Moves and a weekly theme that sions during the state of emergency. teaches a new area of wellness to participants. “Personally, it’s been a rewarding experience in my career to “The cohorts have been going really well,” says Jenny Dilaura, be part of this effort to adapt quickly to serve the needs of families,” MA, CCLS, CTRS, lead therapist in Shepherd Center’s health and Dr. Thomas says. wellness clinics. “Participants have even continued to exercise on The Eula C. and Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation their own with the videos we recorded over Zoom. I am excited to and Wellness Program aims to help patients slow disease progression see how we can continue to develop this program.” and improve quality of life. In August 2020, it began offering its well- To prevent a gap in care for its clients, Shepherd Center’s SHARE 2 ness program virtually, including 10 group exercise classes, yoga, Military Initiative, a comprehensive rehabilitation program for post-9/11 Pilates, meditation, individual coaching sessions and social hours. veterans and service members with brain injury, began offering tele- “Managing multiple sclerosis (MS) involves a combination of health in Georgia during July 2020 and has since become licensed medical treatment, specific rehabilitation such as physical or in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Florida. The team is speech therapy, and overall wellness,” says Anna Berry, PT, DPT, working to become licensed in other states, as well. program manager of the MS Institute. “With the virtual wellness “The goal of the telehealth program is to help our clients develop classes, we’ve been able to increase our class sizes and are look- sustainable activities of wellness,” says Jackie Breitenstein, MS, ing to increase the number of classes we offer, as well.” CTRS, CCM, the SHARE program manager. “We still offer our full In the early days of the pandemic, Shepherd Center’s Spinal spectrum of therapy including recreational therapy, virtual exercise Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program received an emergency grant groups and virtual peer support groups for clients who are currently in from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation to provide a virtual solution to the program or clients who have graduated.” help people with spinal cord injuries stay physically active. They With tenacity and ingenuity, Shepherd Center quickly launched a have trialed it in three cohorts. variety of virtual wellness and telehealth offerings. The first cohort completed an eight-week trial core curriculum for “The foundation built since last March will allow the hospital to seated yoga classes and upper-body strengthening classes in Sep- continue to evolve, even as we move past the pandemic,” Morrison tember 2020. The second cohort included a leisure skill art class, says. “While virtual solutions may not always be the appropriate choice, art and relaxation class, upper-body strengthening, and yoga. Due having the resource as part of Shepherd Center’s comprehensive to high demand, a third cohort was added, incorporating an rehabilitation program helps elevate the patient and family experience.” 4 • news.shepherd.org Pstaff Research Employee Shares profile What is at the Heart of Any Good Researcher Nicole Thompson, MPH, is a research program manager for acquired brain injury and assistive technology at Shepherd Center and director of operations for the Accessibility User Research Collective (AURC). BY DAMJANA ALVERSON

1 Nicole Thompson has worked at Shepherd Center since 2003. 2. Nicole has always had an interest in science and enjoys collaborating with her team to advance research.

Q: Talk about what you do as director of operations for the Accessibility User Research Collective (AURC) and why this work is important. 1 I work with Microsoft researchers, developers and engineers to coordinate research studies, Q: How long have you worked at such as surveys, interviews and user testing Shepherd Center? sessions, that focus on inclusive design, as well INTERESTING FACTS I have worked at Shepherd Center since 2003. as the accessibility and usability of specific products and services (e.g. Xbox, Microsoft EDUCATION Edge and Windows). The overall goal is to make Q: What is your role at Shepherd Center? this technology available to everyone. Accessi- Emory University I am a research program manager in two areas: ble technology gives people with disabilities ■■ Bachelor’s degree in biology acquired brain injury (ABI) and assistive tech- opportunities, choices and independence, ■■ Master’s degree in nology. Ultimately, all the research work I do is allowing them the ability to engage in activities public health centered around improving the quality of life of they desire. Since we began this work in 2017, people with disabilities and those with various we have completed about 75 projects. accessibility needs. FUN FACTS As the ABI research program manager, I work Q: What do you love most about your job? with the director of brain injury research, Brick ■■ Nicole was born in Jamaica Johnstone, Ph.D., ABPP, to facilitate the imple- I’ve always been interested in science and I and moved to the United mentation of research projects across many love people. This type of research has been a States when she was Shepherd Center patient programs. I assist with great way to merge both. I enable people to 3 years old. get their voices heard by reporting on their the entire research process including designing ■■ Nicole’s first job was working projects, grant writing, Institutional Review feedback and data, which hopefully helps to as a shampoo girl for her Board (IRB) activities, project coordination, data improve the healthcare and quality of life of parents’ salon and beauty collection, database management, data analy- people with disabilities in the long run. supply business. sis and manuscript preparation. As you can ■■ Nicole was in the gospel imagine, being organized and being able to Q: What is something that may surprise choir at Emory University, but multitask are useful skills in doing this job! people about working in research? she insists she cannot sing. As an assistive technology research program Having people skills is a plus! The heart of a ■■ Nicole loves puzzles. manager, I work with John Morris, Ph.D., good researcher is the desire to discover some- FACRM, senior clinical research scientist, thing new that benefits people and then present and the team to manage the operations of those findings so others may learn. Research industry-funded research projects such as study participants volunteer their time and the Accessibility User Research Collective effort, and trust the integrity of the researcher to More online at (AURC). In this role, I oversee the AURC present their data in a meaningful way. It’s up to news.shepherd.org database and project coordination of several us to never take that for granted. studies in the collaboration Shepherd Center has with Microsoft.

PHOTOS BY PHIL SKINNER Spinal Column® | Spring 2021 • 5 GUIDING INNOVATION

From research studies to life-enhancing apps, patients and community members serve as the catalyst for Shepherd Center’s clinical and technology innovation initiatives.

BY DAMJANA ALVERSON

6 • news.shepherd.org Patients can use Apple’s built-in head tracking feature to access the Vocable app on a tablet. The app uses built-in technology to track the user’s head movements. When the user stops moving their head, the item on the screen is selected. The app features pre- programmed phrases that speak when selected so patients with limited motor function can communicate with caregivers and loved ones. SKINNER PHIL PHOTO BY Spinal Column® | Spring 2021 • 7 GUIDING INNOVATION

Like Shepherd Center itself, innovation can That’s what Edelle Field-Fote, PT, spark optimism, hope and even curiosity. Ph.D., FAPTA, FASIA, director of spinal cord injury (SCI) research and While often associated with flashy Shepherd Center have participated in the Hulse Spinal Cord Injury Lab at technology or gadgets, innovation can many studies and clinical trials that Shepherd Center, is hoping to accom- also be very practical, guided by the have changed the care landscape for plish as co-principal investigator in desire to fulfill an unmet need. people with spinal cord injury, brain the Up-LIFT clinical study, a “Our ‘why’ has been clear from the injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, multi-center clinical trial of cervical start,” says Mike Jones, Ph.D., FACRM, and spine and chronic pain. Today, spinal stimulation using ARC Therapy™. who recently retired as vice president Shepherd Center’s research and Sponsored by the medical technology of research and technology after 25 innovation initiatives focus on therapy company ONWARD (formerly GTX years at Shepherd Center (see more on augmentation, assistive technology, Medical), the Up-LIFT trial aims to page 12). “We focus on improving big data and partnerships. restore hand and arm function in clinical outcomes and quality of life for people with SCI who have minimal our patients with disabilities. At the end BOOSTING THE SIGNAL: ability to move their hands. Shepherd of the day, impressive technology and THERAPY AUGMENTATION Center enrolled the first participant in clinical trials are only meaningful if they Anyone who has been through the study in January 2021. have practical, sustainable applications rehabilitation for spinal cord injury Here’s how it works: A spinal cord for the people we serve.” (SCI), brain injury or a neurological injury disrupts the transmission of Shepherd Center’s research efforts condition, such as multiple sclerosis signals from the brain that activate the began in 1982 with funding of the (MS), will tell you it is hard work. muscles someone wants to move. In Southeastern Spinal Cord Injury There are physical challenges in most people with SCI, there are still Model System, which continues to this occupational therapy, physical therapy some remaining spinal pathways, but day. In 1996, the Virginia C. Crawford and speech therapy sessions and the damage to the spinal cord means Research Institute was founded with unseen psychological hurdles. While a that only a fraction of the signals get the aim of broadening Shepherd’s person’s dedication to old fashioned through. The result is limited ability to research program and supporting move. The goal of spinal stimulation the integration of research into with ONWARD’s ARC Therapy™ is to clinical practice. During the past 25 “boost” the signal transmission so that years, researchers and clinicians at more of it reaches the areas of the spinal cord that activate the muscles. The research team hopes to show this 1. Edelle Field-Fote, PT, Ph.D., technology improves movement and FAPTA, FASIA, director of spinal cord injury research and the Hulse strength in the hands and upper Spinal Cord Injury Lab at Shepherd extremities of people with SCI when Center, is co-principal investigator in combined with daily functional task the Up-LIFT clinical trial. 2. The Up-LIFT clinical trial involves a non-inva- practice training. sive platform consisting of a wearable “For individuals with impaired arm stimulator and wireless programmer. and hand function due to spinal cord injury, improved hand function directly translates into meaningful 2 gains in terms of quality of life – 1 being able to eat, dress and perform other day-to-day activities,” Dr. Field-Fote says. hard work is necessary to Shepherd Center plans to recruit experience progress, at least eight participants in this there are specific ways clinical trial. This trial is registered on to enhance – or clinicaltrials.gov (#NCT04697472). augment – conven- tional therapies to Scan the QR code for more produce even information and to be considered greater results. for participation.

8 • news.shepherd.org Patient Sierra McLeod demonstrates the LUCI™ autonomous driving system for power wheelchairs, a system of cloud-connected software and hardware mounted to a wheelchair that uses sensors to detect potential dangers in the environment.

mobile app used to set up the technology on a wheelchair, making the technology more accessible. Now, they are working to build their distribution net- work to make LUCI available to more people who may need it. You can learn more prevent tips, colli- about LUCI at luci.com. sions and falls. Barry Shepherd Center also produces and his brother, assistive technology through its collab- Jered, partnered to oration with Duke University and develop LUCI, a system Northeastern University called the of cloud-connected LiveWell Rehabilitation Engineering TECH THAT HELPS: software and hardware mounted to a Research Center (RERC). The LiveWell ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY wheelchair that uses sensors to detect RERC promotes access to existing and Ranging from low-tech to high-tech potential dangers in the environment. emerging technologies for all people, with a wide variety of applications, Last year, they approached experts at regardless of ability, through various assistive technology is any item, Shepherd Center to test it. 3 research and development projects. A equipment, software or product used “So often, typical research remains key project is the App Factory, a tech- to increase, maintain or improve the theoretical, focusing on the narrowest nology development initiative started in functional capabilities of people data sets,” Dean says. “Shepherd 2011 and pioneered under the Wireless with disabilities. Shepherd Center’s Center gave us the opposite – and RERC grant by Dr. Jones. It brings Assistive Technology Center focuses much more valuable – view. Their together rehabilitation experts and app on addressing these needs. expert team examined our new tech- developers with people living with dis- “A lot of times, new assistive technology and tested it with their patients. abilities at the center of all efforts. To nology innovations come out of one There was immediate and direct feed- date, the App Factory has funded or person solving for one speciﬁc need,” back, and this incredible team allowed directly produced 46 mobile apps says Chris Maurer, MPT, ATP, program us as a company to observe reactions which have generated nearly 1 million manager of Shepherd Center’s Assis- to our new product in real time.” downloads. tive Technology Center. “At Shepherd, That direct feedback inspired the “With the advent of the iPhone and our diverse patient population allows us LUCI team to completely redesign the other smart devices that followed, we to test these innovations and offer feedback so we can see how a piece of technology can apply to more people “We focus on improving clinical outcomes and who may beneﬁt from it.” This was certainly the case for the quality of life for our patients with disabilities. LUCI™ autonomous driving system for At the end of the day, impressive technology and power wheelchairs. Inspired by his clinical trials are only meaningful if they have practical, daughter who was born with cerebral palsy, Grammy-nomi- sustainable applications for the people we serve.” nated songwriter Barry Dean – MIKE JONES, PH.D., FACRM wanted to create a smart Recently Retired Vice President of Research and Technology wheelchair that could

Spinal Column® | Spring 2021 • 9 GUIDING INNOVATION

Born out of Shepherd Center’s SHARE Military Initiative, SwapMyMood is a free app that assists people with brain injury in using evidence-based tools to support problem-solving and emotion regulation.

feedback from SHARE clients. Like all technology, the app is continually evolv- ing, and developers released the latest 1 version in spring 2020. The team plans to launch a clinical trial comparing the outcomes from clients who use only the paper manual version with outcomes support problem-solving and from clients who use only the app. The emotion regulation. Clinicians results will inform how the app will “At Shepherd, our diverse can use it to guide patients evolve to help those who need it. through recognizing when patient population allows us they have a problem, what KNOWLEDGE IS POWER: to test these innovations and caused it, and how to BIG DATA offer feedback so we can see resolve the issue and cope Big data may sound like an intimidating with their emotions in a concept, but when it’s boiled down, how a piece of technology thoughtful, constructive way. it refers to large, diverse sets of can apply to more people SwapMyMood was born out information that are too complex to of Shepherd Center’s SHARE Mili- manage and process in traditional who may benefit from it.” tary Initiative, a comprehensive ways. For example, think of all the – CHRIS MAURER, MPT, ATP, rehabilitation program focusing information you store each day in your Program Manager, Assistive on assessment and treatment for smartphone, like photos, texts, web Technology Center service members who have served in searches, social media interactions the U.S. military since September 11, and more. Now, multiply that by the 2001, regardless of discharge status. more than 2.8 billion smartphone “We traditionally teach these prob- users in the world, and your head may lem-solving and emotion regulation start spinning. This is what the tech techniques from a paper manual, but industry refers to as big data. now have platforms to support mobile it occurred to me that it might be more “Big data can have a huge impact apps, and it’s opened tremendous effective if we could provide an elec- on healthcare and patient quality of opportunities for our patients and tronic version that our SHARE clients life,” Dr. Jones says. “Shepherd Center others with disabilities,” Dr. Jones says. could use no matter where they are,” has about 23 years of electronic “But amid the explosive growth of says Tracey Wallace, MS, CCC-SLP, the medical record data that is nearly mobile healthcare apps, technologies SHARE Military Initiative’s projects and impossible to analyze manually. must evolve and/or be adapted so that education coordinator. Thanks to big data analytics, we have people with disabilities can use them.” Wallace teamed up with John Morris, a much more efﬁcient way to dig into One example is SwapMyMood, a Ph.D., FACRM, a senior clinical research that information to help reveal which free app that assists people with brain scientist at Shepherd Center, in 2016 to interventions and treatments are injury in using evidence-based tools to create the app. They received positive most effective for our patients.”

10 • news.shepherd.org 2. Raeda Anderson, Ph.D., is one of the research scientists at Shepherd Center working on the big data effort. 3. Flint Rehab produces at-home neurorehabitation devices such as FitMi with sensors that aid in exercises and adapt to the user’s needs. 4. Pt Pal is a HIPAA-compliant, secure app that allows a patient’s care team to send exercise routines, activities of daily living, diet recommendations, surveys and educational materials to the patient’s or caregiver’s mobile device.

At Shepherd Center, big data is making an impact through the concept 2 of mobile rehabilitation (mRehab). That concept involves the delivery of services and support for home-based handle the amount of information makes mRehab more engaging and rehabilitation using mobile apps, sen- recorded by patients using apps and adjust the programs accordingly,” Dr. sor-based activity tracking and gami- sensor technology to track their therapy. Collier explains. “That way, the users are ﬁed exercises. The goal of mRehab is Dr. Collier works with Raeda more likely to participate and stay as two-fold: keep patients interested in Anderson, Ph.D., a research scientist at healthy as possible once they leave their therapy so they continue training Shepherd Center, and a team of collab- Shepherd Center.” at home and provide a low-cost, acces- orators at the University of California, This work is funded by a $4.25 million, sible way for people to continue reha- Irvine, including David Reinkensmeyer, ﬁve-year grant from the National bilitation once they leave the clinic. Ph.D., Edgar de Jesus Ramos Munoz, Institute on Disability, Independent Dr. Jones’ extensive work with wire- Ph.D., and Veronica Swanson, to explore Living and Rehabilitation Research less technology helped him realize factors that determine whether mobile devices generate vast sets of people continue their clinically valuable data. For example, rehabilitation exercises at data can reveal whether people stick to home and when they are “Thanks to big data analytics, we their at-home rehabilitation plan and likely to drop off. have a much more efficient way to what motivates them to stay consistent. “Clinicians can use He recruited George Collier, Ph.D., as a the results from this dig into that information to help reveal Shepherd Center senior data scientist data analysis to which interventions and treatments are tasked with creating a big data system to understand what most effective for our patients.” – MIKE JONES, PH.D., FACRM Recently Retired Vice President of Research and Technology

Spinal Column® | Spring 2021 • 11 GUIDING INNOVATION

(NIDILRR) to help advance the mRehab device. Clinicians use data collected The team is working to integrate field and test how clinicians can embed from the app to monitor patients’ the Pt Pal app with Flint Rehab’s these technologies into practice. Two adherence to treatment regimens. sensor technology so the app can of the key collaborators in implement- Flint Rehab is a digital health com- store sensor data while patients exer- ing mRehab are Pt Pal and Flint Rehab. pany that develops rehabilitation tools cise at home and in clinic. This infor- Pt Pal is a HIPAA-compliant, secure using the latest clinical research and mation provides a clearer picture of app that allows a patient’s care team to gamification. Two of their popular the patient’s lifestyle and motivation, send exercise routines, activities of products are fitness games that use allowing clinicians to determine the daily living, diet recommendations, sensors that track users’ movements best treatment plan for each individ- surveys and educational materials to and help them regain mobility and ual. So far, Shepherd Center has the patient’s or caregiver’s mobile function with real-time feedback. accumulated one year’s worth of

SHEPHERD CENTER Welcomes a New Vice President of Research and Innovation

Backus, PT, Ph.D., FACRM, other new role of vice president capacities. of research and innovation on March 1. His contri- Dr. Backus began her career at Shepherd butions have Center in 1989 as a physical therapist. been immea- Through her tenure, she has demonstrated surable. In addi- strong collaborative skills and the ability to tion to serving as 1 deliver innovative solutions to meet patient a founding director care needs, most recently as director of of the Center’s multiple sclerosis research. In her new role, Virginia C. Crawford Dr. Backus will expand Shepherd Center’s Research Institute, he over- existing programs to ensure the hospital saw Shepherd’s Assistive Technology Center continues to be at the forefront of treatment and Noble Learning Resource Center. After 1. Dr. Backus and technological advances. joining Shepherd Center in 1996, Dr. Jones assumed the role “Dr. Backus’ passion, dedication and hard served in various management roles, includ- of vice president work perfectly position her to be successful ing chair of the Research Review Committee, of research and innovation on in this new role,” says Sarah Morrison, PT, ex-ofﬁcio member of the Board of Directors March 1, 2021. MBA, MHA, president and CEO of Shepherd and director of information systems from Photo by Joann Center. “Through her leadership, 2000-2017. Vitelli. 2. Dr. Jones we will continue to transform “Dr. Jones and his team’s served as vice 2 president of research patient care for years to come.” impact have transformed and technology in a Dr. Backus assumed the role Shepherd Center over the distinguished 25-year following Michael L. Jones, Ph.D., past 25 years,” Morrison says. career at Shepherd Center. Photo by FACRM, who is retiring as vice “Shepherd Center patient Gary Meek. president of research and tech- programs like our successful nology after a distinguished Beyond Therapy® outpatient 25-year career with the hospital, program started as research yet will continue participating in projects. We have Dr. Jones’ research at Shepherd Center in leadership to thank for that.”

1212 • news.shepherd.org INNOVATION PARTNERSHIPS Industry Partners Academic Partners

Scan the QR code to Shepherd Center has more than 200 industry and academic partnerships to advance watch a short video research and innovation. about our research and innovation Pt Pal app data from patients, result- One such partnership partnerships. ing in a data set of about 4.8 million began between Microsoft observations. They have also begun and Shepherd Center in 2017. collecting information from the Flint It is the Accessibility User Rehab sensor devices. Research Collective (AURC), which more than 75 usability and user-needs “What happens in the clinic is connects Microsoft product engi- research projects to make Microsoft’s important, but the data from these neering teams directly with people consumer technologies more accessi- mobile devices will give us a window with disabilities. Microsoft partnered ble and useful. There are about 1,000 into what happens after the patient with Shepherd Center for its exper- participants in the studies selected returns home to their community,” tise in accessibility and usability test- based on the type of disability they Dr. Collier says. “That’s what is really ing, as well as rehabilitation research in have to test speciﬁc features of telling about someone’s long-term areas like assistive technology. AURC Microsoft’s products. success. With this wealth of informa- staff at Shepherd Center design “A lot of times, research and tion, we hope to personalize at-home study protocols, recruit research innovative ideas can take a long rehabilitation to make that success participants, and collect and analyze time to go to market,” says Nicole even more achievable.” data to ensure that ongoing product Thompson, MPH, director of development at Microsoft meets the operations for the Accessibility User INNOVATING THROUGH needs of people with disabilities. Research Collective (AURC) at CONNECTIONS: “By working with the Shepherd Shepherd Center. “The beauty of this PARTNERSHIPS Center AURC, we have built a scalable type of data collection model is that Sharing knowledge is a cornerstone system that brings the voice of people we can gather consumers’ feedback of making progress, which is why with disabilities into our company, and implement their suggestions Shepherd Center has more than 200 helps us better understand how they quickly in order to match the needs of industry and academic partnerships to use our products and provides feed- the fast-paced technology sector.” advance research and innovation. back to engineers to make our tools To learn more about the AURC, visit “We have to share knowledge, more accessible,” says Megan accessibilityuserresearchcollective.org energy and resources with our part- Lawrence, Ph.D., Microsoft senior and sign up to join. ners to maximize the impact we can accessibility evangelist. have for our patients and all people Since AURC’s inception, Shepherd with disabilities,” Dr. Morris says. Center and Microsoft have completed

Spinal Column® | Spring 2021 • 13 1

Maggie enjoyed the 2019 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion patientP profile music festival.

4 CALLING AN AUDIBLE With some help from Shepherd Center, Christion Abercrombie ﬁnds new purpose beyond the gridiron.

BY PHILLIP JORDAN

5 HARD-WORKING AND HARD-HITTING Beyond Therapy®, an intensive Christion Abercrombie, 22, was an ideal neurological rehabilitation program middle linebacker on the football field. at Shepherd Center that integrates Christion always anchored his team’s physical therapy and exercise physiology. defense — from age 5 in South Fulton, His memory, speech and motor skills Georgia, Little League ball to his time as an continued to improve. Along the way, All-State standout at Westlake High School his confidence resurfaced, too. in metro Atlanta and through his brief career at Tennessee State University. A NEW PURPOSE He didn’t talk much, but his teammates As Christion’s voice returned, he followed his lead. And his opponents were decided to share it with the world. The always aware of his presence. Christion once reserved and soft-spoken student- was strong, fast and always ran through athlete challenged himself to do inter- the ball carrier — another way of saying he views with the news media for the sake was a player who rarely missed his mark. of reaching others in similar situations. On September 29, 2018, Christion’s He and his family also started the skills were on full display as his Tennessee Christion Abercrombie Foundation to State Tigers sought an upset of the SEC’s educate others about traumatic brain Vanderbilt University. In the first half, injuries, especially those that happen Christion racked up five tackles and kept to student-athletes. consistent pressure on Vandy’s quarter- “Ever since Christion’s injury, families back. Then, just before halftime — following going through the same journey have a seemingly routine play — Christion came been reaching out to us,” Staci says. 6 off the field with a headache. Soon, he collapsed on the sidelines. He was rushed 1 and 2. Christon played on the Tennessee State Tigers to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, football team prior to his injury. 3. Christion strutted his stuff in Shepherd Center’s Project Rollway event. 4. where doctors had Christion in emer- Christion worked hard during his rehabilitation in Shepherd gency surgery within 30 minutes due to a Center’s gym. 5. Christion now uses his voice to reach traumatic brain injury. others in similar situations. 6. Christion participated in “Those immediate hours were so intensive physical, speech and occupational therapy. 7. confusing and so devastating,” says Christion celebrated graduation from Shepherd Center Christion’s mom, Staci. “We were just with his family and care team. praying he would recover, and we were so thankful for the quick response on When Christion was first injured, the field and at Vanderbilt.” 7 Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel In all, Christion survived a series of visited him in the hospital. The visit turned strokes, multiple operations and two weeks “We were blessed to have Shepherd into an ongoing friendship — and led to a using a ventilator to help him breathe. Center. Not everyone does. Our goal is to prime-time highlight. Three weeks after his injury, and still in a grow this foundation nationwide and On April 27, 2019, Christion attended the low-level state of consciousness, Christion become advocates for the families who NFL Draft. He wasn’t there as a fan; he was arrived at Shepherd Center as a patient in are supporting their children through there to announce the Titans’ fifth-round the Disorders of Consciousness Program. life-changing injuries.” pick in front of a large crowd in Nashville. “We arrived on a Wednesday,” Staci For Christion, whose identity was so And the pick he called out? It just so hap- says. “By Friday, he was on the rehab floor, connected to football, the speaking pened to be one of his childhood friends and therapists were working with him all opportunities and his foundation have from South Fulton — former University of day. That was such a turning point. It was given him a new purpose. Georgia football star D’Andre Walker. like our prayers had been answered. “I’m honored to have the platform,” he “I didn’t know it would be him until “Dr. [Anna Choo] Elmers and the entire says. “I questioned how I could handle they handed me the card,” Christion says. care team worked beyond expectations. this, but God has given me the strength. “We played Little League together and They treated us like family. And they I want to be known for helping others, played against each other in high school. weren’t just working with Christion. They giving back. I want to be an example to We got to take pictures on stage with our also helped us cope with how much our others to live life and keep pushing families, and when we talked afterward, world had changed.” through adversity.” we were just screaming and going crazy.” Over the next two months of physical, He already is. This spring, Christion aims to graduate speech and occupational therapy, On December 19, 2018, Christion took from Tennessee State with a bachelor of Christion’s mind began to awaken. In a special day trip from Shepherd Center science degree in interdisciplinary stud- FAMILY November 2018, during his inpatient to Westlake High School. There, the city ies. No matter where the future leads stay at Shepherd Center, he made a of South Fulton celebrated Christion from there, his mom is confident he’ll be noise for the first time. Abercrombie Day to recognize how much ready for whatever opportunities — and “My dad heard me, and he said, he’d inspired his hometown. In 2020, challenges — come his way.

ABERCROMBIE ‘Christion, can you talk?’ I just said, ‘Yes,’” Christion received the National Football “Christion is a God-fearing man, the Christion recalls. Federation’s annual Bonnie Sloan happiest person in the world now,” Staci THE Courage Award. And while his playing BY From then on, his memory steadily says. “He wakes up with a smile. He returned — painfully, at first, as he reck- days may be behind him, Christion still doesn’t waste moments; he lives life fully oned with his injury and the loss of foot- has his sights set on a potential career in every day. He’s just so thankful, and to see football as a coach or front office leader.

PROVIDED ball. But Christion embraced his him live in this moment after what he’s rehabilitation, going four days a week to He’s already making connections. gone through, it gives me life, too.” Spinal Column® | Spring 2021 • 15 PHOTOS A BY PHILLIP JORDAN alumni proﬁles Shepherd Alums: From “I Can’t” to “I Can” 2 Alexis Halbert Tommy Knight MELBOURNE, FLORIDA MACON, GEORGIA

Alexis Halbert, now 16, was 4 years old when she started riding Tommy Knight, 67, horses — a year younger than when her mother, Liz, got her first grew up around his pony as a child. Over the past few years, mother and daughter father’s lumber bonded over long car rides to horse shows nearly every weekend. company in Macon, On July 18, 2020, the two were at a jumping event in Mill Spring, Georgia, and some- North Carolina. During the second round, Alexis’ horse, Charisma, thing about the work leapt too soon before a jump and collided with the rails — flipping captured his imagina- both horse and rider. Charisma died instantly of a broken neck. tion. Through the years, Alexis survived her spinal cord injury only after emergency surgery even as he worked as at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital in Greenville, South a claims adjustor by day, Carolina, where doctors inserted two rods and eight screws to Tommy taught himself car- repair her T-6 and T-7 vertebrae. pentry, plumbing and electrical Ten days after her injury, Alexis arrived at Shepherd Center, work. He’s restored cars and vintage mourning both the loss of her horse and her independence. The train sets, repaired houses and rigged Tommy Knight loves to restore equestrian community rallied behind her, sending hundreds of lighting for a community theater. cars in his spare time. letters, along with a video featuring messages of support from In short, Tommy’s hands are rarely idle. That’s why he was renowned equestrians worldwide. devastated by a sudden deterioration in his hands — and The Halbert family was also heartened by the new community his legs and feet — early in 2020 due to multiple sclerosis, a that embraced them at Shepherd Center. condition he’s navigated since the 1990s. “You’d think it would be so depressing in a place where there’s “With that and COVID-19 hitting around the same time, such raw grief and sadness for so many people,” Liz says. “But I was at a real low point,” Tommy says. “I’m driven to be you don’t feel that here. You see inspiration. You’re constantly lifted independent. I want to be productive and useful.” up. You understand why nobody wants to leave!” Thankfully, Tommy has been a patient at Shepherd Center Alexis relished the physical challenges of rehabilitation — since 2013. His care team listened to his issues and recom- stair climbing, Lokomat® sessions, aquatic therapy in Shepherd mended a new medication regimen. Just as crucially, they Center’s pool and even soccer goalkeeper exercises. crafted a physical and occupational therapy plan at the Eula “It was hard work, but that’s what I wanted,” she says. “As soon C. and Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation and as I would make progress, they’d say, ‘OK, you can do this, now Wellness Program at Shepherd Center. let’s maximize that and try something else.’” “I’ve never seen a program quite so comprehensive,” Tommy Alexis’ rapid improvement astonished even her care team. On says. “They really get to the heart of what you need to feel like September 14 — less than two months after her injury — Alexis yourself. It’s phenomenal. It’s literally turned my life around.” took her first unassisted steps. He sings the praises of his lead physical and occupational Now back home, she’s taking classes online, walking with- therapists, Taylor Galmarini, PT, DPT, NCS, NCPT, and out crutches and partnering with her mom to Christine Hampton, MOT, OTR/L. advocate for the widespread adoption of “They know how to target what’s going to help you most,” 1 safety vests in horseback riding. Alexis Tommy says. “And it’s always an interactive thing. We work and Liz are also on the road again together to come up with solutions. I scored a win getting to — this time for thrice-weekly trips work with those two.” to Orlando for ongoing physical When he began therapy in September 2020, Tommy was therapy. Thanks to clearance using a cane, even for short distances at home. Now, he’s going from Shepherd Center’s on short walks and getting upstairs in his house again. Best of Adaptive Driving Services, all, the tinkerer credits his therapists with restoring his hands to Alexis can take the wheel on near-full function. Now, the man who has rebuilt a 1970 Pontiac those drives. GTO and a 1966 Ford Mustang is back in the garage, doing a She’s also taking up mechanical and electrical restoration of a friend’s truck. the reins again. On Alexis’ Tommy’s also spending more quality time with his wife Kitty 16th birthday, five days after — an educator and professional singer who used to perform Christmas Day, 2020, she rode under Tommy’s lighting at Macon Little Theatre — and their for the first time since her injury. two grown daughters. “It’s been a busy life, and that’s how I like it,” Tommy says. Alexis Halbert was able to ride a horse again “I’m thankful I’m not through living it just yet!” five days after Christmas Day, 2020.

16 • news.shepherd.org 4

Michael Meltzer Katherine “KJ” DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA Rosynek SMYRNA, GEORGIA In 2008, Marcy Meltzer lost her husband to heart disease. In 2010, she lost her oldest son, Nathan, to lymphoma, at age On a summer afternoon 27. Nearly a decade later, in the early morning hours of July in July 2017, KJ Rosynek, 15, 2019, Marcy got a call that her youngest son, Michael — now 62, climbed a ladder then 27, too — had been in a severe motorcycle crash. to clear a fallen limb. At the “I got to the hospital, and there’s a Code Blue for Michael,” top, she lost her balance and Marcy recounts. “It’s one of five he had that first day. He bled fell over an adjacent fence. The out twice. The doctor’s saying, ‘If we get through these six fall resulted in a spinal cord injury to hours, we’ll see about the next six.’” her C-3 to C-6 vertebrae — as well as a In her free time, KJ Rosynek At one point, she walked over to the windows in the waiting looming question about what life would enjoys spending time room and started banging on the glass, shouting to the be like with quadriplegia. outdoors in the sunlight. heavens: “Don’t you dare take another son from me!” After spending 25 days at Wellstar Michael would spend more than 10 weeks in the Intensive Kennestone Hospital, KJ was admitted to Care Unit at Delray Medical Center, where doctors saved his Shepherd Center. life. The longer-term concern was the traumatic brain injury Following six weeks of inpatient care in the Spinal Cord he’d sustained. When Michael arrived at Shepherd Center, Injury Rehabilitation Program, KJ started going to Beyond he was in a state of unresponsive wakefulness. He was also Therapy® at Shepherd Center three days a week. The a skeletal 110 pounds — 70 pounds lighter than he was program combines athletic training and physical therapy pre-injury. concepts, offering customized plans to maximize “Everyone at Shepherd Center was remarkable,” Marcy recovery and minimize secondary complications. says. “They got weight back on him, they dressed him every “It’s so refreshing to see a team that focuses on day and started therapy right away. And they listened to our the goals of the patient — pushing, encouraging and input. That meant so much.” driving you to try harder,” KJ says. “When you believe Michael improved during his stay and began emerging you can’t do anymore, they find new and creative ways to full consciousness shortly after Marcy took him home. A to keep you engaged.” friend gave Michael the classic Simon memory game to help Today, KJ lives independently in an apartment of sharpen his mental development and his manual dexterity. her own. An avid gardener, she’s already planted “Once he mastered that and asked for my iPad, I knew he pansies to add color to her patio. KJ’s also been able was on his way back,” Marcy says with a laugh. to continue working a job she loves. This February, As close as the two have come over the past year and she celebrated her 21st year as operations manager a half, they each joke that they’re OK with not being room- for a medical media company. Of course, she enjoys mates forever. That day may soon be approaching. her days off, too. On warm days in Smyrna, KJ says, Ten surgeries removed from his injury, Michael is close to “You’ll see a gal in a wheelchair headed to a park and full independence. He’s also pursuing a master’s degree in a sunny spot!” geomatics engineering — something the U.S. Army veteran The youngest of six sisters, she’s been blessed to have knows well from his service in Iraq, where he mapped her siblings by her side throughout her recovery. KJ is coordinates for the famed 82nd Airborne Division. His next also thankful for her new friends at Shepherd Center. goal is a career in geospatial mapping at the Environmental “They’ve made me strong again physically, but Protection Agency. they’ve also allowed me to recapture my confidence,” “I feel like I’m the same KJ says. “They’ve restored my faith. They’ve given me person I was before, but 3 hope to have dreams and to plan for the future. The needing help from staff is everything to me — instructors, therapists and others has changed most definitely friends. I have never met such giving me,” Michael says. individuals. I’m honored to know them.” “No more pride, She also has some advice for those who may be no more inhibi- facing a similar journey. tions. Just go “Stay strong and positive,” KJ says. “Life isn’t over. for it.” It’s only a detour. There will be good days and bad After rehabilitation for a days, but stay focused on the next steps and work traumatic brain injury, hard. Give yourself credit for even the smallest things. Michael Meltzer is pursuing It’s all progress.” his master’s degree in geomatics engineering.

Spinal Column® | Spring 2021 • 17 FOUNDATION features

SHEPHERD CENTER WELCOMES New Members to Board of Directors Each of the members is uniquely qualiﬁed to help guide Shepherd Center into the future. BY DAMJANA ALVERSON

Shepherd Center has named ﬁve new members to its Board of Directors. In this capacity, they will help guide the hospital’s vision, mission and [strategic direction.

JUSTIN JONES

Justin Jones has been involved with the COVID-19 pandemic by helping procure Shepherd Center in one way or another and donate 10,000 protective gowns. for decades. His mother and his parents-in- “When you see an institution that is law have supported the hospital for many doing the amazing work Shepherd is years, but seeing people he knows receive doing, it’s hard to not be moved to help rehabilitation at Shepherd Center made an in any way possible,” Justin says. “To be even stronger impact on him. asked to serve on the Board of Directors “I have known three separate individu- is an honor and a lot of responsibility. I’m als who have gone to Shepherd Center for proud to be a part of it.” rehabilitation and saw ﬁrsthand how the Justin Jones is the executive vice presi- hospital helps people get their lives back,” dent at Heritage Plastics, a manufacturer Justin says. of unique mineral concentrates. He is also Before being named to Shepherd president and CEO of Pinehurst Manufac- Center’s Board of Directors, Justin served on turing, an apparel manufacturing company. the hospital’s Board of Trustees and hosted numerous events beneﬁtting programs like Shepherd Center’s SHARE Military Initiative. He even came to Shepherd Center’s aid “When you see an institution that is doing the when he learned the hospital needed per- amazing work Shepherd is doing, it’s hard to sonal protective equipment (PPE) during not be moved to help in any way possible.” 18 • news.shepherd.org — JUSTIN JONES SHALER ALIAS

Like Justin, Shaler Alias learned about Shepherd Center at a young age through his family. His father, Fred Alias, has supported the hospital for more than 30 years. While Shaler was aware of what Shepherd Center did, it did not fully sink in until his best friend from college sustained a spinal cord injury in a fall from a roof the night before graduation. Seeing the care his friend received gave him conﬁdence in Shepherd Center and encouraged him to become more involved. “When you walk into Shepherd Center, you feel like you are part of a winning team,” Shaler says. “The mission is to build a bridge between ‘I can’t’ and ‘I can,’ and that’s the attitude in everything we do. I’m passionate about it.” During his years of involvement with Shepherd Center, Shaler has served on the Shepherd Center Cup committee for the Shepherd Center Foundation’s annual golf tournament, chairing it once. He has also served on the Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees. Now, he looks forward to his work on the Board of Directors. “I’m excited to learn even more about this great place and to be able to give back in a new way,” Shaler says. “ When you walk into Shepherd Shaler Alias is the president and co-founder of Center, you feel like you are REPAY, a ﬁnancial technology and payment processing solutions company. part of a winning team.”

— SHALER ALIAS

JARRAD TURNER

Jarrad Turner’s journey with Shepherd Center began in 2012 when he was a client of the SHARE Military Initiative, which empowers post-9/11 veterans and service members with brain injury to live with hope and purpose by providing high-quality, comprehensive and personalized rehabilitation care. Jarrad served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2010. He was deployed twice and sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during his second deployment. In addition to his physical injuries, he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “Transitioning from the military to the civilian sector can be tough,” Jarrad says. “There weren’t a lot of programs that knew what to do to help me after I separated from the service. Coming to SHARE allowed me to have some semblance of normalcy and gave me the opportunity to truly understand what I needed.” Inspired by the care he received, Jarrad joined Shepherd’s Men, an organization comprised of active or retired service members and civilian volunteers that raises awareness and funds for SHARE. He began by participating in the annual Shepherd’s Men Run in 2013 “ I believe in Shepherd and has been actively involved ever since. Now, he looks forward to Center and want to be stepping into his new role on the Board of Directors to give his unique perspective on how Shepherd Center continues to serve part of the solution. patients and families. This is my opportunity.” “I am passionate with a purpose,” Jarrad says. “I believe in Shepherd Center and want to be part of the solution. This is my opportunity.” — JARRAD TURNER

Spinal Column® | Spring 2021 • 19 SHEPHERD CENTER WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

VINCENZO PISCOPO

Vincenzo Piscopo learned of Shepherd Center while he received rehabilitation for a spinal cord injury in 2010. He recalls that while this was a traumatic period in his life, he actually loved his time at the hospital. “Those months after a traumatic injury are the worst time in peoples’ lives, but Shepherd made me feel so welcome, loved and happy I was there,” Vincenzo says. One of Vincenzo’s primary goals at Shepherd Center was to prepare to return to work. With help from the rehabilitation specialists at the hospital, he was able to return four months after his injury, ready to navigate the world and his new normal. Now, 11 years after his injury, Vincenzo serves as the president and CEO of the United Spinal Association, a national nonprofit membership organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). As he joins Shepherd Center’s Board of Directors, he hopes to work together to amplify opportunities for all people with disabilities. “I believe that when you give people with disabilities the opportunities to succeed, the entire community, country and world benefit from this capable group of individuals,” Vincenzo says. “At Shepherd Center, they give patients the opportunity to accept and return to life after a traumatic injury and be as successful as they can be. “ I believe that when you give people I’m proud to be part of that.” In addition to serving as president and CEO of the United with disabilities the opportunities Spinal Association, Vincenzo is co-founder of Wheels of to succeed, the entire community, Happiness, a nonprofit that provides people with motor disabilities with medical equipment and supplies, country and world benefit from this scholarships, psychological help, and inspiration to make capable group of individuals.”

them independent and more productive. — VINCENZO PISCOPO

BOB CUNNINGHAM

Bob Cunningham started his involvement with the Shepherd Center in 2011. He was energized when he heard a speaker talk about the SHARE Military Initiative. Bob worked with the Rotary Club of Brookhaven and co-founded a golf tournament to raise funds and awareness for SHARE. The event was named the Service Above Self Invitational Golf Tournament and raised more than $1 million for the program over nine years. “Through the years of organizing the golf tournament, I learned more about Shepherd Center as a whole and got more involved,” Bob says. Bob later served on the Advisory Board, as well as the Board of Trustees. During these years, he became more vested in the hospital’s mission. “Shepherd Center is an amazing place with amazing outcomes,” Bob says. “It helps patients and families realize that a major illness or injury doesn’t mean that life stops. There’s always hope.” Bob looks forward to contributing to Shepherd Center’s “ Shepherd Center helps patients legacy by serving on the Board of Directors. “We can work to continue the wonderful tradition and and families realize that a major culture the Shepherd family has instilled in this hospital as we illness or injury doesn’t mean that evolve and grow,” Bob says. “If I can assist with that in any life stops. There’s always hope.” way, it’ll make me proud.” Bob recently retired from Cunningham Associates Heating — BOB CUNNINGHAM and Air Conditioning, a company he founded in 2003. 20 • news.shepherd.org Celebrating Patients in a LEGENDARY WAY

BY SARA BAXTER

When Ellen Perry entered a patient’s room on the evening of November 7, 2020, she heard a family member on the phone ordering takeout. “Hang up,” recommend- ed Perry, the director of strategy for the Shepherd 3 Center Foundation. “I have 1 something better.” 1 Perry and other 2 1. Each meal came with a small bouquet Shepherd Center of flowers. 2. Melinda Foundation sta£ members Dabbiere, chairman delivered gourmet meals to patients and caregivers in of the 2020 Legendary the hospital, as well as to family members staying in the Party, wrote a note to patients and families Irene and George Woodru£ Family Residence Center, on marking the special what was supposed to be the evening of The Legendary occasion. 3. Legendary Party, Shepherd Center’s biggest signature fundraising Events prepared boxed gourmet meals for event. The formal event was canceled due to COVID-19 Legendary Your Way. pandemic precautions. Instead, Melinda Dabbiere, chairman of the 2020 Legendary Party, decided to change the event’s focus to celebrating Shepherd Center patients and their families. She called it “Legendary Your Way.” “It wasn’t safe to hold the event, and The Legendary Party doesn’t really lend itself to a virtual event,” Melinda explains. “We still wanted to mark the occasion in some cel- ebratory way. This approach is really keeping with Shepherd associate for the Shepherd Center Foundation, who deliv- Center’s philosophy of putting patients and their families first.” ered meals on the second and fourth floors of the hospital. Legendary Events, the company that usually caters The “This was not what anyone envisioned, but this was a great Legendary Party, prepared the meals. Under the direction of way to inform them about the Shepherd Center Foundation Tony Conway, CEO and owner of Legendary Events, patients and what we do and show them they are in good hands.” and families were presented with a glossy black hatbox Though the traditional event did not happen, generous containing a gourmet meal of salmon and beef tenderloin, donors still contributed more than $267,000 for the Delores grilled asparagus, roasted carrots, potato salad, chocolate Ann and Goodloe Yancey Family Housing and Transportation mousse cake and lemonade. Each meal also came with a Program, which provides up to 30 days of housing to families small bouquet of flowers. of newly injured patients if both the family and patient live “I loved that they still wanted to show their appreciation more than 60 miles from the hospital. Family housing is a for the patrons and patients, and our team had a great valuable service for families whose loved ones have sustained time working on the menu and packaging,” Tony says. “The a catastrophic injury. Legendary Party has always had such great excitement for “Although our donors couldn’t attend the party, they us as a company, especially since we share the same name!” still wanted to support Shepherd Center and the housing The Shepherd Center Foundation sta£ delivered meals on program,” Melinda says. “We were excited to share this fun

STAFF patient ﬂoors, and Melinda and her family distributed them in evening with our patients and their families. Celebrating

BY the Family Residence Center. Patients and families greeted the patients is what it is all about.” Foundation team enthusiastically with surprise and gratitude. Melinda will remain chair for this year’s Legendary Party, “They kept saying, ‘This is so wonderful. It’s a real treat,’” scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Flourish. Melinda says. To learn more, visit shepherd.org/legendary, or contact Liza “In a world of darkness, it was a nice way to shed some Vega-Smart, associate director of sustained giving at Shepherd

PHOTOS PROVIDED light,” adds Shanna Thorpe, donor and community relations Center, at [email protected] or 404-425-7233.

Spinal Column® | Spring 2021 • 21 BY SARA BAXTER

SHEPHERD CENTER Receives $80 Million Grant from The Marcus Foundation

Largest grant in Shepherd Center’s history will support the hospital’s most significant expansion in 45 years.

Shepherd Center announced an of only a few neurorehabilitation catastrophic accident our son, $80 million grant from The specialty hospitals in the nation, James, experienced,” says Alana Marcus Foundation that will be having served more than 35,000 Shepherd, Shepherd Center the cornerstone of the hospital’s patients to date. co-founder and chairman of most signiﬁcant, transformational Philanthropist Bernie Marcus’ the board. “With The Marcus expansion since its founding support of Shepherd Center Foundation’s generosity, we were in 1975. started in the early 1980s. He and able to grow from a singular Shepherd Center is a nationally his wife, Billi, have since been focus on patients with spinal ranked neurorehabilitation hospi- generous supporters of the hospi- cord injury to now also providing tal that helps restore the lives of tal through The Marcus Foundation life-restoring care for patients patients with spinal cord injury, and personal donations. with brain injury, multiple brain injury, stroke, multiple “Billi and Bernie believed in sclerosis and other neurological sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, us from the beginning as we disorders.” and other neuromuscular condi- dreamed to do the impossible, The Marcus Foundation has tions stemming from a life-alter- establishing a specialized reha- been a critical partner as ing injury or diagnosis. It is one bilitation program following the Shepherd Center continued to

22 • news.shepherd.org “Billi and I are excited to be a part of Shepherd Center’s next chapters, which will save and change even more patients’ lives from catastrophic injuries and neurological conditions.” – BERNIE MARCUS

1. Bernie and Billi Marcus have been long-time, generous supporters of Shepherd Center, originally named Shepherd Spinal Center, through both The Marcus Foundation and personal gifts. 2. Dedicated supporters of veterans and service members, Billi and Bernie Marcus made a grant through The Marcus Foundation that allowed for the launch of the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center to treat military service members who have sustained mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries and also have psychological or behavioral health concerns. expand both its capacity and programming to meet 2 the needs of its patients and their families over the years, beginning with a grant in 1988 to fund construction of from an idea into the premier Shepherd Center’s Billi Marcus destination for neurorehabilita- Building. Across The Marcus tion has inspired my family and Center’s legacy, proving that Foundation’s partnership with foundation to continue driving they will go to great lengths to Shepherd Center, groundbreak- Shepherd Center’s mission for- help us impact, empower and ing programs were also created ward,” Bernie Marcus says. “Billi transform the lives of thousands like the Marcus Community and I are excited to be a part of of patients following a cata- Bridge Program that supported Shepherd Center’s next chap- strophic injury or disease,” says patients after their inpatient care ters, which will save and change Sarah Morrison, PT, MBA, MHA, ended and the SHARE Military even more patients’ lives from president and CEO of Shepherd Initiative for U.S. service catastrophic injuries and neuro- Center. “We are thrilled that their members who experience logical conditions.” commitment will carry forward traumatic brain injury. The The $80 million grant will with us into this next era, which Marcuses are also emeriti mem- support additional capacity so will only be further enriched by bers of the Shepherd Center more patients and families can our ongoing partnership.” hospital and Foundation boards receive Shepherd Center’s trans- Marcus adds, “I challenge and have provided personal formative care that centers as businesses and individuals support to the hospital in various much on clinical excellence as it throughout the community to ways, including Billi’s service as does on giving patients conﬁ- join me in supporting this critical the chair of Shepherd Center’s dence and real-world tools to institution that makes what annual fundraising golf tourna- live as independently and pain- seems impossible after a ment for 17 consecutive years. free as possible. life-changing injury or illness a “Watching Alana and her “Billi and Bernie have been a reality for so many thousands of family nurture the organization profound part of Shepherd patients and their families.”

Spinal Column® | Spring 2021 • 23 PECANS ON PEACHTREE™ Delivers Another Great Success By XXXXXXXX Holiday shoppers ordered thousands of pounds of pecans and other sweet treats in support of Pecans on Peachtree™, one of Shepherd Center’s longest running fundraisers. More than 2,700 packages were sent out across the United States as well as to 18 countries, for sales totaling $220,000. The net proceeds from this annual event directly benefit Shepherd Center patients and families by funding valuable programs, such as animal-assisted therapy, family housing, assistive technology and recreation therapy, among others. “Pecans on Peachtree represents both legacy and impact to Shepherd Center,” says Sarah Batts, MBA, executive director of the Shepherd Center Foundation. “It is one of our oldest fundraising efforts and it has a significant impact on the hospital as it ensures we have resources for our vital, donor-funded programs.” Started in 1982 by Shepherd Center Auxiliary members who sold pecans out of the trunks of their cars, the program has grown exponentially over its nearly 40-year existence. This year, Shepherd Center partnered with a new vendor, Pearson Farm, a family business located in Fort Valley, Georgia. On one of the oldest farms in Georgia, the Pearson family has been growing Georgia peaches and pecans on the same land since 1885. Current owners Al Pearson and his son, Lawton, represent the fourth and fifth Shepherd Center’s generations of Pearsons to run the farm. annual fundraiser, Pecans on Peachtree, Pearson Farm provided pecans in raised $220,000 to every imaginable flavor – from signa- benefit patients ture champagne to southern praline and families. and cinnamon roasted to basic toast- ed and salted. Sweet confections, such as pies and cakes, were also available. As expected, chocolate pecan treats sold out fast. Customers could choose from individual packages, as well as a variety of gift baskets. Shanna Thorpe, donor and community relations associate for the Shepherd Center Foundation, oversees Pecans on Peachtree. She says 24% of those participating in the fundraiser this year were returning customers, while a whopping 76% were new customers. Always a great gift idea, corporate orders made up about 70% of total sales. “People understand that it’s not all about the pecans,” Thorpe says of the fundraiser. “It’s about raising money for Shepherd Center and the patients.” Pecans on Peachtree runs each year between mid-October through early January. For more information, check out pecansonpeachtree.org. If you have any questions, please contact Shanna Thorpe at [email protected] or 404-603-5064.

24 • news.shepherd.org MEMORIALS

Deceased friends of Shepherd Center are listed ﬁrst in bold print followed by the names of those making gifts in their memory. This list reﬂects gifts made to Shepherd Center between July , and December , .

Elkin Alston Mr. and Mrs. John G. Alston, Sr. Dean Anderson Ms. Beverly Favreau Mr. Randy Granger Laura and Karl Anschutz Ms. Esther L. Abisamra Ms. Hope Abisamra David and Bernice Apple Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Hunt Constance Ashford Wright Dr. and Mrs. David M. DuBose Roz Ayres Williams Mr. and Mrs. Dean Melcher Ms. Jessica Williams Paul Beckham Ladies Investment Limited, Inc. Kathleen Bekkers Ms. Annabel Farley Norma Bentley Mrs. James M. Caswell, Jr. Hugh Berger Mr. and Mrs. Ben Arogeti Mrs. Sam Arogeti Gary Billon Mr. Eugene J. Gannon Recreation therapy team members celebrated two big milestones for their patients — a baby shower and a graduation from the James Robert Black inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program. Mrs. Dulcie I. Vause Mr. Henry Quillian Fred Cleveland Ti£ Mayo Leslie Blackwell Mr. J. Tyler Tippett Ms. Monica Beyer Ms. Geraldine McClendon Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fitzgerald Ms. Daphne Boston Mr. Philip McCollum Michael Brown Ms. Annie Burt Ms. Monique McCullough Regina and Philip Bongiovanni Mr. and Mrs. John E. Chapin, Jr. Ms. Carol Caines Ms. Tanji Michael Mr. Robert S. Thomas Ms. Diane Kuehn Ms. Andrea Carter Ms. Marjorie Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd W. Ulrich Austin Booth for the memory of Ms. Toronda Clark Ms. Marjean Monroe Ms. Cynthia Cleveland Ms. Faye Moody Stan Booth Mike Brown Mr. and Mrs. Tracy Barnett Ms. Susan Brister Mr. Michael Conley Ms. Kimberly Moses Mr. Billy Bishop Mrs. Lynn Paradis Mr. Maurice Couser Ms. Stefanie Moss Mr. and Mrs. Van Booth Mr. Charles Dashields, Jr. Mr. Leonard Murray Ms. Jolene Douglas Francis Bruce Ms. Felice Winston Davis Ms. Daria Young Neal Ms. Amber McCullar Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III Ms. Rachel DuBose Mr. Kenneth Neisser Mr. and Mrs. Bill Pratt Mr. Lawrence Everett Ms. Ti£any Oglesby Brandon Buchberg Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Fleming Ms. Shona Pinnock Mary T. Boyd Mr. Alan Buchberg Mr. Daryl Flowers Ms. Gwen Polk Mr. Hamilton T. Boyd, Jr. Ms. Yvette Fontaine Mr. Kevin Ra£ Andrew Buehl Sigma Galloway Ms. Aleida Rivera Dr. Ramin Saghaﬁ Margaret Ann Bratton Ms. Hillary Woodson Gaskins Mr. John Roberts Mr. Ray R. Bratton Guerino Busillo Ms. Theresa Thompson Goode Mr. John Roberts, Jr. Barron Bray Ms. Florenda Sylvester Ms. Nina Che Gordon Ms. Marilyn Roberts Ms. Rebecca Bray Mr. Thomas Gordon Mr. Joshua Robertson Mr. and Mrs. Jim Dagley Gordon C. Bynum, Jr. Mrs. Wendi Gross Mr. Mark Ross Mr. and Mrs. Richard Franks Ms. Catherine C. Fike Ms. Tammy Harper Mr. Pedro Santiago Ms. Sarah Leppert Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Westin Mr. Joe Harris Carmen Shirley Mr. and Mrs. Tom Manley Ms. Denise Johnson Ms. Wanda Smith Gordon Bynum, Sr. Ms. Ekaterina Kapustina Mr. Rob Stallworth Mr. and Mrs. Paul McGill Ms. Catherine C. Fike Ms. Margaret Ruzika Ms. Adriane Keepler Mr. Cedric Taylor Mr. and Mrs. George Shattuck Charles Cate Ms. Lisa Ricks Kirkland Mr. Soloman Tisdale, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Larry Sloan Mr. and Mrs. Donald C. Ms. Cristal Squaire Kolen Ms. Shelly Tudor Marty Wetherington Chapman, Jr. Ms. Tomeka Lee Mr. Moses Walker Mr. Chris Wilson Ms. Jamilah Leonard Ms. Sheila Walson Mr. and Mrs. Price P. Woodward Marty and Al Church Ms. Adrienne Lance Lucas Ms. Nandi Williams Mrs. Martha J. Church and Mr. Lincoln Financial Foundation Ms. Delicia Worrill Brian “BB” Brown Leonard J. Oddo Ms. Lois Magwood Ms. Kathy Yates Mr. George Nichols Ms. Stacy Baines Manvitz Ms. Pamela Teamer Yisrael Mr. Alan Press Mr. Alton May Ms. Kathy Zeigler

Spinal Column® | Spring 2021 • 25 Shepherd Center Sharon Siegel Cohen Mrs. Sam Arogeti remembers Travis Roy Richard Colby Former patient, Advisory Board member and donor Ms. Ellen J. Colby Travis Roy passed away on October 29, 2020. Bill Cole Mrs. John E. Duggan Joseph Couture Mrs. Marilyn S. Evans Robert “Bob” Cross Ms. LuAnn Hennessy Ms. Teresa Palm Ms. Julie H. Shepherd Hillie Cuesta Ms. Victoria Cuesta Heath Allen Davis Ms. Mandy Barbaree Mr. and Mrs. David L. Belisle Mr. James E. Butler, Jr. LTR Glass Inc. Travis Roy visits with Mr. and Mrs. James E. Mumbrauer Ms. Betty Nicholson Foundation Trustee and Ritch Electric Company Inc. Shepherd’s Men founder Mr. Brent Wright Travis Ellis during the 2016 Shepherd’s Men Jarrett Davis III run from Boston Somerset Foundation, Inc. to Atlanta. Carolyn Sipe DeLong Mrs. Gloria Dobbs Cowart Travis was injured in the first 11 seconds of his first ice hockey game playing for Randy Dennis Boston University in 1995 and was treated at Shepherd Center. Devoting his life Mr. William Adams to helping others, Travis established the Travis Roy Foundation in 1996, providing Ms. Caitlin Barton Mr. Michael Beall grants for spinal cord injury research and financial assistance for people with Ms. Becky Burek paralyzing disabilities. His experience was detailed in his book, Eleven Seconds: Ms. Emily S. Cade A Story of Tragedy, Courage & Triumph. Ms. Meghan Cook Mr. Richard Davis Georgia Fiscal Management Council Travis served on Georgia United Credit Union Shepherd Center’s Ms. Sally Hill Ms. Janet L. Hogue Advisory Board Shepherd Center Foundation November 19, 2020 Mr. Je£ Hogue from 1999 through Ms. Alana Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. Billy R. Holley 2020 Peachtree Road Mr. and Mrs. Mark L. Johnson 2017, advocating Atlanta, GA 30309-1465 Mr. and Mrs. Vince Macciocchi for Shepherd Ms. Virginia Martin Dear Alana, Mrs. Sarah A. Morrison in the Boston, Mr. and Mrs. Marc Newman Massachusetts, We have not been staying at the home where you left your lovely voice Mr. Taylor Pike and Dr. Raina Pike area. Through his message following Travis’ death, so I just heard it for the first time more Mr. and Mrs. Rick Segers recently. Lee and I want to thank you for reaching out, and for your kind Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III notoriety, dozens of and thoughtful words. Ms. Julie H. Shepherd

Boston and other Of course we are devastated by his passing, but also joyful at the amazing Ms. Kim Site New England- legacy Travis has left behind. Who knew when he came to Shepherd Center Dr. Rhonda G. Taubin and Mr. Scott J. as a truly broken individual what wonders he would eventually accomplish, Schulman area patients and the impact he would have on the world around him?! And it was Shep Ms. Niki Ward were referred to herd Center that made the difference. The care and compassion he received Mr. and Mrs. Lee Whitesides gave him the confidence and perspective he needed to face his new life head Dr. Michael Yochelson Shepherd Center on. Of course, there were small steps at first, but gradually he was able to - convert his passion for hockey into purpose for helping others. Through his Martha “Mott” Dinos for treatment. foundation and his career as a motivational speaker, we are finding that his Mrs. Gloria Dobbs Cowart outreach was immeasurable. For the part you and your Shepherd family played in making that possible, we will be forever grateful. Jessica Lyn Eilen Mr. Jay M. Markowitz Lee and I read about James’ passing in the Spinal Column magazine, and send our heartfelt condolences. We were touched by all of the very special Mark Erckman tributes. He, too, accomplished much and I’m sure you are very proud of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Allen his legacy as well. While we had our challenges to overcome as a result of Ms. Maryann De Castro our sons’ injuries, I consider us two very fortunate mothers. We were each blessed with a son who became passionate about giving back to others, and Ms. Diane C. Gabriel creating light in this sometimes dark world. Mr. and Mrs. Mike Hall Ms. Blair Harris Travis’ parents wrote Yes, it is a lovely thought to think of James greeting Travis at the entrance Mr. and Mrs. Scott Hart a touching letter to to whatever comes next. Ms. Patricia McCall Shepherd Center Ms. Eleanor D. McGinnis With love, admiration and great respect, Mr. and Mrs. Lane Ormand co-founder Alana and great Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Reid

Shepherd after STAFF Travis’ passing. Mr. George Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Wallace PHOTOS BY 26 • news.shepherd.org Daniel Martin Espinoza Paul Fraser Ms. Dorothy Downey Mr. John D. Saunders Remembering Mr. and Mrs. Cesar D. Espinoza Dr. Howard Leslie Furr, Jr. Katherine Evans Mr. C. Calhoun Peterson Ms. May G. Kennedy David H. Flint Curran Gage David H. Flint Ms. Gloria McGehee The Shepherd Center community sadly marks Mr. and Mrs. Fred B. Aftergut Anonymous Matthew Gallagher the passing of David Flint on October 18, 2020. Dr. and Mrs. David F. Apple, Jr. Anonymous David served on the Ayoub, Mansour & Bryant, LLC Peter Gantsoudes Mr. and Mrs. Cli£ord A. Barshay Mrs. Lillian Gantsoudes hospital Board of Directors Mrs. and Mr. Chreyl C. Beckham since 1994 and had been a Buckhead Lions Club Gladys Ann Gilbert Mr. and Mrs. Jerry L. Buckner Mr. Leonard Howell faithful donor since the Butler Wooten & Peak LLP Center’s beginning in 1975. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cavender Billy Go Through his leadership on Chandler, Britt & Jay, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Bratton Mr. and Mrs. Donald C. Chapman, Jr. the Board, David helped Laura Kathleen Gregory Mr. Edward Clary Ms. Catherine Bertram shape the hospital’s Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Council Dr. Anna Elmers Mr. and Mrs. Stanley L. Daniels growth from 80 beds in Mr. and Mrs. Don Farris Mr. and Mrs. John S. Dryman 1994 to 152 beds through Patrick Green Mr. Michael Eshman Christian Mester several capital campaign Mr. and Mrs. Mark Forsling Mr. and Mrs. Shean Phelps Mr. James F. Frazier expansions, which also Ms. Leslie Whitlock Georgia Primary Bank included the building of the Mrs. Stephen B. Goot Raye Gregory Irene and George Woodruff Ms. Ali Grant Ms. Sara Beck Family Residence Center. Joe N. Guy & Co. Mr. Justin Berman Mr. and Mrs. C. Dale Harman Mr. Andrew Bouton During his tenure, David Mr. and Mrs. Quill O. Healey II Mr. and Mrs. Watkins Johnston III was instrumental in the Mr. and Mrs. J. Lee Hord Mr. Timothy Murphy David Flint served on Shepherd Center’s Mr. Scott Koziol Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III creation of the Shepherd Board since 1994. Ladies Investment Limited, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Matt Wilson Center Foundation. Ms. Terri Lawson Mr. and Mrs. Ray O. Lerer Bryan Grin David was a generous sponsor of Shepherd Center’s Mr. and Mrs. John W. Lundeen III Mrs. Sara C. Atwell signature events, annually sponsoring Derby Day, The Ms. Brittney McCulley Legendary Party and the Shepherd Center Cup. In 2005, Ms. Becky McGee Emily Bourne Grigsby Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. McGinnis Ms. Joan Glass David served as chairman of the Cup, and volunteered Mr. Barry McGraw Mr. and Mrs. Zachary M. Wilson for the tournament planning committee each year. Alana Mr. and Mrs. Dean Melcher George T. Gunnell Shepherd says, “David was a dear friend, and he and his Mr. and Mrs. Keith Mills LTC (R) and Mrs. Victor Macias Ms. Sarah Morrison sons Mike and Bryan were always so generous to Lynn Mullen William Gurley sponsor our events.” Mrs. McKee Nunnally Mr. and Mrs. B. Randy Gurley Mr. and Mrs. Louie A. Pittman, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Dick Raney William Chenault Hailey Mr. and Mrs. Dean Reeves Mrs. Gloria Dobbs Cowart Mr. John Robinson Jerry Richard Hamilton Mr. and Mrs. David J. Sapp Peggy David Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. McMahon Mr. and Mrs. James C. Slayton III Mrs. Deborah K. Schneider Ms. Joanne Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Gene W. Oeding A. K. Schmidt Mr. and Mrs. William H. Schroder James Hyram Hamlin Father Tom Helms ShepCo Paving, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Phil Garbow Mr. and Mrs. Ben Arogeti Jarrett Jenkins Mrs. Alana S. Shepherd Ms. Julie H. Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III Sudie Hanger Florence Hendee Mr. and Mrs. William Clyde Shepherd III Mrs. Alana S. Shepherd Dr. and Mrs. Donald P. Leslie Nancy Bell Starr Johnston Mr. and Mrs. Dell B. Sikes Mrs. Gloria Dobbs Cowart Ms. Betty J. Skelton Kenneth James Hanniford Ryan Hendley Ms. Sarah Smith Anonymous Parker Law Firm F. Carl Joyner, Jr. St. Pius X Catholic High School Ms. Kim Barbagallo Mr. and Mrs. William R. Benson, Jr. Asia Heywood Ms. Cynthia Stapleton Mr. and Mrs. Brian Berry Coastal Pools & Fountains, Inc. Ms. Julie H. Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. Don Stenhouse Ms. Joan Buelow Mr. and Mrs. Byron G. Combs Mr. and Mrs. James E. Stephenson Ms. Deb Cozzone Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gaines Ms. Kathleen A. Cronin Elizabeth H. Homer Mr. Jason Stephenson Mr. and Mrs. Roger W. Moister, Jr. Mr. Gérard Grivotet Mr. and Mrs. William G. Tanner Ms. Anne Murray Fallon Ms. Marie Singleton Mr. and Mrs. Karter R. Thomas Mr. Kenneth Hanniford Sally Hughes Mr. and Mrs. Rich Ti£any Mr. and Mrs. Jack Walker Ms. Katherine Herndon Mr. James Hughes Scott Keithley Mr. Christopher J. Wegener Ms. Susan Levy Ms. Jayme A. Keithley Dr. and Mrs. Je£rey Wener Mr. Michael McFadden Nathan Andrew Hurst Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. West Mr. Keith Pacholl Mr. and Mrs. Jerry L. Adams Ms. Christine Stone Ms. Sara A. Barton Patrick Kelley, Jr. Westside Bank Mr. Roger Siegel Mr. and Mrs. Warren O. Wheeler Mr. and Mrs. Jim White Ms. Sara M. Blanchard Mr. and Mrs. John D. Bowen Dr. Michael Yochelson and Nicholas Hardage Kevin J. Kenney Mr. Kevin Clift Mr. and Mrs. Knox A. Evans Ms. Carole F. Halka Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Myron Goforth Mrs. Phyllis E. Hardage Conrad Fowler Mr. and Mrs. Clive Halder Rusty Kidd Mr. Dean Melcher Cannon Harmon, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Hudson Ms. Betty C. Baugh Mrs. Alana S. Shepherd Mrs. and Mr. Karol A. Neufeld Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Hurst Mr. Jerry B. Clark Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III Ms. Patricia Lynch Ms. Barbara S. Kidd John D. Harrison Mrs. Suzanne Manning Mr. and Mrs. William P. Simmons, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. M. Lamar Oglesby Mrs. Jean McHenry Jean B. Weatherford

Spinal Column® | Spring 2021 • 27 Jeannine Kirkland Robert E. Mathis Dawn McNally Wesley Stephen Oldaker Ms. Julie Zakas Mr. and Mrs. David L. Burch Mr. and Mrs. Randal W. Norris Brunswick Glynn County Mayor’s Committee on Services for the Charles Krauthammer Bobby Vance Matthews Ryan Means Disabled Mr. and Mrs. James Knittle, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Berrymond Burgess Bo and Sherry Means Friends of The Brunswick Glynn Mr. and Mrs. Edmund C. Burruss Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ollinger County Library, Inc. Betty Kreimer Ms. Angie Cabell Mr. John Weber Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Moreau Mrs. Alana S. Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. Warren A. Dickinson Mr. and Mrs. Gary C. Groneweg Dr. Keith Melancon Franca Orece Master Sergeant Ronald “Ronnie” Parker Law Firm The Community Foundation for La Liberty Willard McBurney Greater Atlanta Ms. Pamela Bips Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Allison, Jr. Paul Miller Ms. Pamela Amy-Cupp Mrs. and Mr. Theresa M. Matt Luke Page June Large Parker Law Firm Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Bolden Dr. and Mrs. David F. Apple, Jr. John Minor III Mr. and Mrs. John M. Arnold Mrs. Karen L. Dula Thurman Painter Carl Richard Latham Mr. and Mrs. William H. Askew Ms. Jennifer Painter Mr. and Mrs. C. Alexander Peterson Mr. and Mrs. Gregg C. Brasher Sam Mislow Mr. and Mrs. Samuel A. Buckmaster, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Myron B. Golub Jeanette Willcoxon Peterson Joanne LeCraw Dr. and Mrs. Anton J. Bueschen Mr. and Mrs. Emory H. Palmer Mrs. Gloria Dobbs Cowart Jerry Moncrief Mrs. Gina F. Bussey Mrs. Alana S. Shepherd Mrs. Alana S. Shepherd Capital City Club Women’s Golf Anonymous Association Claire Phillips Charles Hilere Leggett John Moran Mr. and Mrs. James K. Christians Ms. Janet L. Phillips Parker Law Firm Mr. and Mrs. Matthew K. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Floyd D. Copeland Bartie and Oscar Plunket, Jr. June Leverette Mr. and Mrs. Bob Covington Charles “Charlie” Morgan Ms. Jane Plunket Mr. and Mrs. Ben Arogeti Mrs. Gloria Dobbs Cowart Ms. Elizabeth W. Willis Dr. and Mrs. Dave M. Davis Beverly Ponn Anne Lippincott Mrs. Jarrett L. Davis Jean Mori Mr. Leonard Ponn Mrs. Gloria Dobbs Cowart Dr. and Mrs. Robert E. Dicks III Mrs. Alana S. Shepherd Dr. and Mrs. S. Boyd Eaton, Jr. Steve Porter Clayton Lippincott Robert Morris George H. Johnson Properties Mr. Phil Porter Ms. Virginia Lippincott Mrs. Hix H. Green, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Karter R. Thomas John C. Portman III Abel Lopez Mr. and Mrs. Frederick S. Hall III Richard Moschel Mr. and Mrs. John G. Alston, Sr. Ms. Elizabeth Fish Mr. and Mrs. C. Dale Harman Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Britton Hitachi Zosen Inova USA Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Salz Lynn Preuss Gay Love Hollis Cobb Associates Mr. and Mrs. Bert B. Hene III Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Gibson Mr. Tom Hutchinson Anthony Mullins Mr. and Mrs. Randolph L. Hutto Mr. Cal Anderson Anna Gabrielle Quinlivan Carolyn Lovell Ms. Elizabeth Ivankovic Anonymous Mr. Joel R. Feldstein Mrs. Gloria Dobbs Cowart Ms. Lindsey Jackson Mr. Larry Aronson Ms. Patricia S. Lander BIS Beneﬁts, Inc. Willard Rainier Pen Lybrook Ms. Olivia A. Leon Ms. Susan Blevins Ms. Kathryn Rainier Ms. Phyllis Brooks Mr. and Mrs. Franklin M. Lindsey Mrs. Ruth Burgner Roy and Joan Ralston Sgt. Rammon Macon Mr. and Mrs. Stewart M. Long, Jr. Ms. Nancy Clark Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Hunt Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. William A. Maner III Terry Cooper Mrs. Deborah F. Mast Mr. and Mrs. Darrell W. Bartlett Mr. John S. Gillman James “Jim” Ratcli, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Gary F. Nichols Ms. Debbie Hembree Ms. Ann O. Horner Frank Maier Patterson Family Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Janvrin Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Mrs. James O. Patterson Ms. Beth Laury Mr. William Jones, Jr. - Veteran’s Mrs. Alana S. Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. James B. Peters Ms. Gloria O. Link Day Ms. Sally Phillips Mr. and Mrs. Frank Martini Ms. Susan Hendrick George Mainville Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Richert, Jr. Mr. Brett McClung Ms. Leona Busey Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Mrs. Shannon A. Mullins Michael Reed Mr. and Mrs. James W. Boyles, Jr. Marilyn Malmad Church O®ce of the District Attorney Mrs. Patricia Reed Mr. and Mrs. James C. Davis Mrs. Alana S. Shepherd Joyette Holmes Mrs. Joseph Shippen Mrs. Ashley S. O’Neil Edward Reisinger Thomas W. “Tommy” Malone, Sr. Dr. Luther D. Stacy, Jr. Ms. Amy Price Mr. Michael F. Reisinger Ms. Linda S. Hodge Mr. and Mrs. James S. Stokes Mr. and Mrs. Mitch Rhoden Mrs. Randell C. Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Larry Sliauter Col. Robert Rhame, USAF (Ret) Janice Manassa Mrs. Lucy Vance Ms. Lindsey Sprague Mr. and Mrs. Matthew K. Jones Ms. Lucy Gladbach Mrs. Rebecca D. Warner Mr. Thomas Sta£ord Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hackett Mrs. Raymond M. Warren, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Rowland Steinwart Michael Robson Ms. Margaret Long Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. White, Jr. Ms. Mary Stone Mr. Mickey Gore Mr. and Mrs. Wilson McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. White Mr. and Mrs. David C. Wolfe Ms. Eva Whitaker Dr. and Mrs. Robert M. Wilkiemeyer Curtis Rodgers Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Winchester Gloria Myers Mrs. Deborah W. Rodgers Lewis Manderson Mr. and Mrs. Stephen M. Lore Ms. Beverly C. Phifer Dr. and Mrs. Fremont P. Wirth Dora Ann Rogers Mrs. Michael York Bobby Neese Mr. and Mrs. Earl Rogers Mr. and Mrs. S. Zachry Young Allen Martin Dr. and Mrs. Donald P. Leslie Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III Ms. Margie A. Armstrong Ruth Reynolds Dobbs and Henri Kelly Harris Stephanie Nelson Randal Rollins Talmage Dobbs, Jr. Mrs. John E. Duggan Mrs. James O. Patterson Bruce Allen Martin Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Parks Dr. and Mrs. Cordell Cha®n Marshall Nichols Samuel Rosen Mr. and Mr. Patrick Corbett Frederick “Rick” McDowell Ms. Susan Festa Roberts Ms. Brenda Rosen Mr. and Mrs. David Busse Ms. Tina Eister Ms. Barbara Finklestein Ms. Rachel Fisher Mr. Van Kile Ruth B. Rosenberg Mr. Curtis Howard Mr. and Mrs. James G. Skinner Hugh Pendleton Nunnally, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Don P. Engelberg Dr. and Mrs. Roger O. Weed Mrs. Gloria Dobbs Cowart Ms. Debra White Doris Rosing Mr. and Mrs. Roy Young Marianne McGaughey McKee Nunnally Mr. Phillip Rosing Mr. and Mrs. Mark Rappaport Bertha Martina Mr. Bryant Pearson Mr. and Mrs. Vincent L. Scrosso Jay Rubel Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III Jackson McHenry Mr. and Mrs. David Engle Mrs. Darlaine B. McBurney Mrs. Jacque Rubel

28 • news.shepherd.org Mrs. Alana S. Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. Danny R. Shepherd Douglas A. Spence Florence Warren Mr. and Mrs. James P. Trotter Mr. and Mrs. Dell B. Sikes Mr. Moses M. Spence Mrs. Joan D. Woodall Mr. and Mrs. William F. Wood James Shepherd Norma Spence Dot Watkins Ronnie Rudd Anonymous Mr. Moses M. Spence Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Watkins Mr. and Mrs. Jack D. Williams, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. C. Scott Akers, Jr. Mr. Jennings E. Watkins Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Andre Barbara Stackpole Nelson Schaaf Ms. Cyndae A. Arrendale Mr. William D. Stanford Morgan Grace Wetherbee Mr. and Mrs. William J. Koivu Ms. Julie H. Shepherd Mrs. Mary W. Breitenbach Carolyn Staton Andrew & Eula Carlos Foundation, Inc. Joy Scott Ms. Elizabeth Harley Ashley Weaver Mr. James C. Scott, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bryant G. Coats Mr. Dallas Norman Mr. and Mrs. Larry M. Cowman Carol Stevens Chuck Seaton Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Daniel Mr. and Mrs. James Cundi£ William Thomas Wiley B&S Air, Inc. Mr. Peter Feininger Mr. and Mrs. Allan S. Rowe Mr. and Mrs. Dale Bridges Dr. and Mrs. Bruce G. Green James Allen Stiles III Mr. and Mrs. Herbert C. Burns III Mr. Barry V. Hutner Ms. Elizabeth M. Stiles George Stuart Williams Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson Mrs. Gloria Dobbs Cowart Mr. and Mrs. Allen M. Capsuto Christopher Stone Dr. Michael D. Klein and Dr. Mary L. Mrs. Joan D. Woodall Mr. and Mrs. Barry Carr Ms. Patrice S. Simpson Barnhart Mr. Jay Chupp Harold Williams Mrs. Barbara S. Malkove Ms. Pam Cohen Eadie Tant Ms. Flora A. Evans Ms. Julie Crawford Mr. and Mrs. Dean Melcher Ms. Jessica Williams Mr. and Mrs. Rick Downey Mr. and Mrs. David L. Philpott Jean Williamson Ms. Patricia M. Fievet Ms. Jane Plunket Mary Rose Taylor Lockhart Ms. Missy Milner Leslie Fisken Mr. and Mrs. John E. Roller Mrs. Alana S. Shepherd Mr. James Flanegan Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Schuette Sam Wol Luther “Luke” Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Joe Garren Mr. and Mrs. Danny R. Shepherd Ms. Linda T. Banks Ms. Alice T. Long Guest Forestry Services, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Dell B. Sikes Ms. Betty W. Noland Erin Wood Mr. and Mrs. Gregory P. Hartz Mr. and Mrs. Alan M. Simons Mrs. Sandra G. Patterson Ms. Gina Appling IFCO Seedlings Dr. and Mrs. Carter Smith, Jr. Ms. Jean H. Ray Ms. Cassie Brannen Mr. and Mrs. Je£ Lawhorn Mr. Daniel J. Sullivan and Ms. Mimi Tri Sport, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Childress Matre Forestry Consulting, Inc. R. Sullivan Mr. William H. Wright Mr. and Mrs. Steven E. Corkery Mr. Frank Middleton Mr. and Mrs. William R. Washburn Ms. Della Dixon Mr. G. Randall Moody Mr. and Mrs. Ernest L. Wetzler II Mary “Bobo” Thomas Mr. Je£ Dudley Mr. and Mrs. Mike Mooney Ms. Jessica Williams Mrs. Sarah A. Morrison Mr. and Mrs. Mack Gouge Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Moore Henry Lane Young III Mr. and Mrs. Stephen M. Hvizdzak Mr. Mike Moore Lewis “Al” Thompson JVHS Alumni Association Mr. and Mrs. Thomas K. Morey John Shepherd Sallie Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Doug Martin Mr. Joe Napier Ms. Cheryl Shepherd Leonard Ms. Mandy Mathews Parker Chevrolet Buick GMC Mr. and Mrs. John Schmohl Bill and Marilyn Tilden Mr. and Mrs. George Medley Mr. and Mrs. Glenn L. Paschal Ms. Amy L. Tilden Bill Sherry Ms. Helen C. Medley Mr. and Mrs. Robby Rankin Mr. and Mrs. Joel K. Isenberg Tommy Tillman Mr. Charles M. Mosely Mr. Michael Reene Mrs. Gloria Dobbs Cowart Ms. Lusi Myer Mr. and Mrs. Marty Roach Nancy Shuford Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Gibson Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Parden Mr. and Mrs. Bill Roberts Mr. and Mrs. Larry G. Hailey Mr. and Mrs. Larry G. Hailey Ms. Laura A. Prah Ms. Kim Roche Mr. Tommy Tillman III Ms. Edith Pruett Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Seaton Christopher Simard Ms. Kerry Self Mr. W. R. Seaton, Jr. Mrs. Alana S. Shepherd Robert “Bob” Torras, Sr. Mr. Walter D. Sports, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Will Seaton Mrs. Gloria Dobbs Cowart Sam Singer III Mr. Danny Summers Mr. and Mrs. Bob Sisk Mr. and Mrs. Brooks B. Patterson Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Weaver Mr. and Mrs. DeNean Sta£ord III Robert Train, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. William H. Wilson Ms. Barbara Teck Mrs. Julia M. Train Coach Jim Sizemore Mr. and Mrs. Carter Wolf Ms. Kiki Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Parker Roger Trusty Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Randall Wages BCP Group Jay Woodru Mr. Newton White Anne Irwin Smith Mr. and Mrs. Andy Farmer Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Wilkes Mr. and Mrs. Je£ Batchelder Brooks Tyson Mr. and Mrs. George L. Lindsey Mr. Thomas Yawn Ms. Cary Calhoun Ms. Elaine Tyson J.W. & Ethel I. Woodru£ Foundation Mr. Jack Young Ms. Patricia L. Canakaris Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Steven L. Zweigel Dr. and Mrs. O. Anderson Currie Michael Wagoner Ms. Sandra Irwin Mrs. Elizabeth Cleveland Jay Woodside Margaret Shainker Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. McIntyre Ms. Caroline Crawford Mr. and Mrs. Addison H. Meriwether Mr. Charles J. Shainker Mr. and Mrs. Louie A. Pittman Mr. and Mrs. David B. Crawford Mrs. Alana S. Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Gaster Doug Worful Leroy Shaw Mr. and Mrs. Dell B. Sikes Mr. and Mrs. Bruce K. Grant Anonymous Mrs. Sarah A. Morrison Mr. and Mrs. John E. Singleton Ms. Laura Greer Doug Worful DMD PC Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III Mr. and Mrs. George F. Smith III Mr. Peter K. Karamanolis and Dr. Dom Wyant Mr. and Mrs. Henry H. Smith III Alexandra P. Karamanolis Carl Sheiner Mr. and Mrs. J. Coleman Budd Mr. John C. Tyler Mr. and Mrs. Randall M. Maner Mr. Kyle Epstein Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III Mr. and Mrs. Cole VanHouten Ms. Allyson Maske Anne Shepherd Ms. Patricia Wilson Mr. Christopher Miles Dan and Margaret Yates Mrs. Ruth Bozeman Ms. Kelly Myers Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Coole, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John Schmohl Arnold “Pud” Smith Mr. and Mrs. Kevin A. Wade Mrs. Alana S. Shepherd Parker Law Firm Dr. and Mrs. James H. Wheeler Mary Yellowlees Dr. and Mrs. David F. Apple, Jr. Mr. George W. Yarborough Kara Grayce Smith Ms. Christine Zinman Mr. and Mrs. James H. Shepherd III John and Anne Shepherd Ms. Kimberly White Edward “Ned” Nelson Waller Anthony Yorio, US Army Mrs. Barbara S. Malkove Merle Smith Mr. and Mrs. Gary L. Johnson Mr. Joseph Yorio Mr. Norman Smith Mr. and Mrs. Dino Mann Harold Shepherd Ms. Deborah OHarrow Mr. and Mrs. C. Duncan Beard Mitchell Smith Mr. and Mrs. Alan Pilcher Mrs. William A. Hanger Parker Law Firm Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson Elizabeth A. Walz Mrs. Barbara S. Malkove Alan Marc Soloway Mr. Jack V. Walz Mr. and Mrs. Dean Melcher Ms. Marion Rountree

Spinal Column® | Winter 2020 • 29 HONORARIUMS

Honorees are listed first in bold print followed by the names of those making gifts in their honor. This list reflects gifts made to Shepherd Center between July , and December , .

Pat Ahlers Jaron Birchﬁeld – Thanks Dee Denise Carleton Tina Crenshaw – Happy Holidays Ms. Linda W. Alexander Anonymous Mr. Robert DeBatto Ms. Emily Perkins Chris Akridge Mr. David Boehmig Wishes Elaine Carter James A. Curtis – Happy Birthday Mr. and Mrs. David McMahon Happy Holidays to Mr. Branch Carter Anonymous Reid Hutchinson Shannon Ali – Outstanding Robin Loudermilk Alaina Case James Curtis Pandemic Work! Jason McPherson Mr. and Mrs. Billy T. Kennedy Mrs. Cecile M. Jones Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Dell B. Sikes David Miller Alaina Case – With thanks Adam Rapport David Andersen for a job well done James Curtis Wishes Happy Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Andersen Michael Strauss Mrs. Mary Kay Howard Holidays to: Charlie Tate Mr. and Mrs. Mel Adler Kayla Anderson – Oustanding Patricia Champion Mr. and Mrs. Michael Brucato Pandemic Work! Ray Boland Ms. Lynn Panciera Fraser Mr. Jerry Foster Ms. Jean F. Caldwell Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. The Honorable J. Cleland Sabrine Charif – Happy Holidays Mr. and Mrs. Brad Courts Dr. David Apple, Jr. Ms. Lora Boniface Wishes Ms. Marie Cassandra Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Courts Mr. and Mrs. John W. Happy Holidays to Mrs. Carol MacDougall Curtis Stephenson, Jr. Lisa and Alan Bedell Beau Chatham – for All He Does Laureen Dame Mr. and Mrs. Christopher R. Don and Tippy Boniface with Shepherd’s Men! Mr. and Mrs. Josh Davis Hardage Lora and Dick Childs Mr. Craig Smith Bonnie and Dave Stuck Mr. and Mrs. Tread F. Davis Dr. David Apple, Jr. Wendy and Johnny Walter Katie Choate – Happy Holidays Mr. and Mrs. Blake Dexter Mr. William S. Murphy, Jr. Mrs. Sandy Wheatley Mr. and Mrs. Allen Eidson Mr. and Mrs. Dell B. Sikes Nell and Tom Bradbury Mr. and Mrs. David Glass Mr. and Mrs. Anthony K. Isbell Millard Choate - Happy Holidays Drs. Matt and Kiery Graboski Ms. Katherine C. Choate Cyndae Arrendale – Happy Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Hardage Nell Bradbury Birthday Sharon Hollis Ms. Clinton B. Kennedy Jill Chopra Mr. and Mrs. Steve A. Williams Mr. and Mrs. Chris Martorella Mr. and Mrs. Tom Lofthouse Ms. Nell W. Bradbury Wishes Mr. Greg Logan Cyndae Arrendale Jeanette Clarke – Happy Holidays Dr. and Mrs. Jerome Lynn Mrs. HongTsun Simon Happy Holidays to Cindy Butler Ms. Ann W. Clarke Mr. and Mrs. Brian Maloney Lucy Cota Mr. and Mrs. John Martin Mary Kay Baldauf Ms. Annette Coker Janice Haralson Mr. and Mrs. Todd Norwood Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf Ms. Barbara Kinard Lynn Schroder Mrs. Sally Nunnally Ashley Baleman Donna Skeen Brian and Christy Collins – Happy Mr. and Mrs. Gary Pahler Ms. Ellen A. McVeigh New Year! Mr. and Mrs. Heber Pampillon Dowling Briggs Ms. Marcia Korman Mr. and Mrs. Josh E. Rowan The George Burnes Family Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Ager Marsha Schmidt Ms. Martha Degen Tim Condrey Mr. and Mrs. Dell Sikes My extraordinary daughter, Clara Mrs. Shirley McFarlane Mr. and Mrs. Ian Smith Ashley Bateman Brown! Colonel and Mrs. George M. Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. West Dr. and Mrs. Richard L. Sturm Ms. Debra L. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Utz McVeigh, Jr. Shirley and Tim Condrey Wish Dr. Tyler Brown – Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Wilson Happy Holidays to Sarah Batts to Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. David Withers Becky and Van Aggelakos Ms. Jessica Williams Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Barbara Barton Melinda Dabbiere – Thank you for Sarah L. Batts – Great Joyce Bryant Williams Joyce and Ron Bernie Legendary Your Way! Foundation Presentation Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Cherise and Tiez Caradine Mr. Dean Melcher Dr. and Mrs. David F. Apple, Jr. Dion and Liz Condrey Patricia Buce – In your honor for Barbara Condrey McClintock Allan DaPore Duncan Beard Christmas Cathy and Joe Frank Ms. Maria Holland Law Ms. Raymond Jenkins Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Buce Mont and Laurie Hartman Mrs. Leighanne Davis Wishes Ti£any and Don LaBelle Hugh Beasley Happy Holidays to Cole Burton Tom Hartman and Wm Landeros Mr. Hugh Beasley Mr. Ricky Bryant Mr. and Mrs. John Anderson Jim and Karen Vournakis Mr. and Mrs. Sonny Culp Lois Beauchamp - Happy Holidays! David Busch Kelley and Peter West Mr. and Mrs. Alan Davis Mr. and Mrs. David C. Beauchamp Cobb County Board of Mr. and Mrs. Everett Cope Dr. and Mrs. Bob Davis Commissioners Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Davis Laura and Jacob Beck Anonymous Mrs. Sallie Dilingham Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Lytle Candice Cain Jared Coppola Mrs. Leslie Donnell Mr. Gary Cain Justin Bennett Robin Shelgren Mr. and Mrs. C.T. Fitspatrick Anonymous John and Connie Frazer Kevin Cain – Happy Holidays! Jill Cothron Ms. Karen Shiver Mr. and Mrs. Bill McDonald Marla Bennett Mr. and Mrs. Wayland K. Cothron Mr. and Mrs. Cal Minter Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Bennett Ms. Carole Minter Dr. John Cantwell – Thank you! Nancy Coverdell - Happy Mr. and Mrs. Deb Minter Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Holidays! Dustin Biggersta Mr. and Mrs. Frank Minter Ms. Sheryl D. Wilhite Mr. and Mrs. Anthony De Vita Leah Cardi – Outstanding Mr. and Mrs. Eric Skinner Mr. Travis Ellis Pandemic Work! Joyce Cox Mr. George Spigener Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Michael Bliss Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Dyson Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Toomey Mr. and Mrs. Earl Repp Mrs. Robin Wilson 30 • news.shepherd.org PHOTO BY STAFF Shepherd Center won the prestigious Patient Safety and Quality Award for 2021 from the Georgia Hospital Association Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA). Accountability and Health for Partnership Association Hospital Georgia the from 2021 for Award Quality and Safety Patient prestigious the won Center Shepherd Mr. Thomas Howard Mr. Thomas Anonymous Ellis Travis Edmonds Walter Mrs. Mr. and Dominic Edmonds Sikes B. Dell Mrs. Mr. and Gale Eckstein Wallace S. John Mrs. Mr. and –Happy Eanes Jim and Maggie Wallace G. Mr. James Eanes Wallace Maggie Crawford L. Susan Ms. Patrick Durkin Thomas Bobby Mrs. Mr. and Melissa Thomas Durand F. David Haddow Mrs. Mr. and Dunbar Mac Willis Candy Ms. Holidays! –Happy Dunavant Greg Dowdy Charles Mrs. Dowdy Charles Barnett Rachel Ms. –Happy Dowden Mallory Jr. F.Dr. David Apple, –Thanks Bobbs Steven &Deeter Frazier Birthday –Happy Doan Samuel Jr. F.Dr. David Apple, –Enjoy DeRuyter David Dr. Foundation Family Aderhold The Day Ann Woock Mr. Rodger Davis Scot Holidays Holidays! Retirement Lenore and Victor Maslia Maslia Victor and Lenore Gadd Joe Furphy Annemarie Ms. – Happy Furphy Jean Kathryn John St. Frances Herbert Siegrid Herbert Shirley Cambare Dr. Beinvenida Wishes Furbish K. Barbara Mrs. Fralick Jacqueline Ms. –Thankful Adkins Fralick Taylor Fulk Travis N. Mrs. Mr. and Floyd Kacey Jr. Wellons, B. William Mrs. Mr. and –Happy Fine Gregory Mrs. Gary West Gary Sherry Tom and Thomas Gary Reagan Gary Gary Kim Gary Karina and Justin F. Gary Walter Mrs. and Mr. Fernandez Felix Mrs. Mr. and Fernandez Luis Anonymous – Erskine David Mrs. and Mr. Jr. F.Dr. David Apple, Elmers Anna and Mike Henry C. Philip Mrs. Mr. and Elmers Anna Dr. Foundation Holidays to Holidays Happy Center Shepherd the for Holidays to: Christmas Merry Wishes you Imiss and Holidays Happy Ms. Cindy Ruth Cindy Ms. Mack Hindman Jr. F.Dr. David Apple, you! –Thank Hinckson Jamal Pate A. Barbara Ms. Birthday! –Happy Hicks Teresa Maertens K. Floyd LTC Mrs. and (R) Hewins Bryan Agan Eleanor Ms. Gary Herber Jr. F.Dr. David Apple, Job –Good Hellmann Beth Mary Keith Renee and Hawkins Aaron Holidays! –Happy Hawkins Susan Clegg Mr. Matthew Thomas Harmon Balliet Michael Mrs. Mr. and III Hall H. Thomas Mrs. and Mr. Gressette Ann Mrs. Gressette Lawrence Anonymous –Happy Goldstucker Nancy Jr. Godwin, Milton Mrs. Mr. and –Happy P. Godwin Matthew Jr. F.Dr. David Apple, Giglio Wendy McClure Virginia Ms. Holidays –Happy Geris Marlene Gatzman Rachael Mrs. Gatzman Hunter Davis Lillian Ms. –Happy Gantsoudes Lillian with Photo Shoot Photo with Birthday Birthday Birthday Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. F.Dr. David Apple, –Welcome M.D. Johnson Ashley Jr. F.Dr. David Apple, Johnson Ashley Dr. Dopson Rosemary Ms. Jervis Donavan Jr. F.Dr. David Apple, Photoshoot –Great Jackson Leslie Goldstein S. Bernard Mrs. Mr. and Birthday –Happy Isenberg K. Joel Jr. F.Dr. David Apple, employee –Great Hutcheson Lorie Spigener Mr. George Paulus Anne Olsen Carol Kowal David Mrs. Mr. and Knoblauch Micahel Mrs. Mr. and Kennedy Billy Mrs. Mr. and Elaine Etheridge Eanes Edward Dater Philip Mrs. Mr. and Ann Corrigan Caldwell John Mrs. Mr. and Caroll Benson Wishes Howard Kay Mary Mrs. Lewis C. Susie Mrs. Howard McDevitt Lauren Honeycutt Steven Mrs. Mr. and Honeycutt Steven Kilpatrick Jimmy Mrs. Mr. and Holland Keith Mrs. and Mr. Jr. F.Dr. David Apple, –Outstanding Holden Madison Nash C. Jimmy Mrs. Dr. and Christmas –Merry Hogg Bobby event! 2021 for Wishes Best and Christmas Merry Work! Pandemic Spinal Column®

Winter 2020 • 2020 Winter 31 Mr. Douglas Scott Johnson Ben Lippincott Col. J. Harry Mobley, USA Retired Ellen Perry – Good Job! Mr. and Mrs. Marvin C. Shrager Mr. Bucky Wetherell The Roderick S., Flossie R. and Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Helen M. Galloway Foundation Brick Johnstone Ben Lippincott – Happy Holidays! Jaquelin Perry Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Ms. Kate Lippincott Michael Moderow Mr. and Mrs. John M. Gri®n Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Moderow Janet Joiner Bobby London Mr. and Mrs. Norman Perry Ms. Diane Couch Mrs. Sam Arogeti Jacob Moncrief – Thanks for the Mr. and Mrs. John M. Gri®n mask comfort Jerry Jordan Steve and Kay Lore Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Anna Pincumbe Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence J. Myers Mrs. Jayne C. Midura Chris Moore – Happy Holidays Christopher Kelly Steve and Kay Lore – Happy Ms. Karen Shiver Abrenda Planas Mr. Eugene B. Kelly and Ms. Holidays! Mr. and Mrs. Ben Arogeti Barbara T. West Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Lore and Family Caroline Moore Brodmann Chuck and Kathy Moore Zachary Poss Susan Kendall Shanna Lyons Foundation Mr. and Mrs. E.T. Laird Ms. Victoria Hood Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Lyons Je Morrison Corey Potts Dr. James Kincaid Tony and Karen Madrid – Happy Mr. James A. Curtis Mr. and Mrs. Michael Maguigan Dr. and Mrs. Donald P. Leslie Holidays! Mr. Jeremiah Brown Sarah Morrison – Happy Birthday Amy Powell Carole King Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Howard R. Green Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Steve Mahana Ms. Frieda Mahana and Family Mr. and Mrs. Je Morrison – Taking Craig Powell - Happy Birthday Tammy King – Top Chief Nursing the ﬁght to cancer Mrs. Janet Powell Ocer Bernie Marcus’ 90th Birthday Mr. Travis Ellis Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Je£rey W. Cohen Ernie Prickett The Community Foundation for Sarah Morrison Mr. and Mrs. Paul H. Anderson, Jr. Bruce Kirwan Greater Atlanta Mr. and Mrs. Christopher R. Anonymous Brian Pritchard – Outstanding Delta Air Lines Hardage Pandemic Work! Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hovis Mr. and Mrs. Dell B. Sikes Amy Kisber - Happy Birthday and Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Je£rey S. Lorberbaum Happy Hanukah Justin Munn Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Craig Menear Dr. David Quintero Mr. and Mrs. Julian B. Mohr Tubelite Comapny Inc. Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Nathan Klein Quikrete International, Inc. Andrew Munoz’s Recovery Dan Rather Wishes Happy Mr. William Larter Tom Taylor Family Foundation Mr. Alfredo G. Munoz Mr. and Mrs. Ramon Tome’ Holidays to Terri Kohn – Happy Holidays Katie Murphy – Outstanding Mrs. Ed Barnes Ms. Susan Crenshaw Billi and Bernie Marcus Pandemic Work! Mrs. C. Wood Beasley Mr. and Mrs. Scott Johnson Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Mrs. Doug Billian Victoria Kopser – Happy Holidays Mr. Bobby Caldwell Ms. Melissa Fuller Anita Marino Sean Murphy – Happy Birthday Mrs. Bruce English The George Stern & Sara Stern Ms. Cynthia Sokolic Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Kissel Ryan Koter – Outstanding Foundation Mrs. Jack Margeson Pandemic Work! Ryan Narramore Mr. and Mrs. Albert M. Redd Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Brett Martin Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Chadrick T. Martin Mr. and Mrs. E. Fay Pearce David Kruetz – Enjoy Retirement! Lori Nolte Mr. Daniel Rather Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Barbara and Jerry Martin – Happy Ms. Brandy Rowe Holidays Mr. and Mrs. Mark Reichmann Mrs. C. B. Robertson Deborah G. Krotenberg Mr. Steven T. Shaw Tom Norwood Ms. Miriam F. Beckerman Mr. and Mrs. David F. Haddow Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. David F. Haddow Laura Martorella Mr. and Mrs. Dan Brewster Joe Nowicki - Congratulations on Dr. Richard Raymond’s Mary Kuek – Happy Anniversary The L&C Wood Family Foundation your new role Engagement Mr. Bryan Miller Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Donald P. Leslie Adam Mathes Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ladel – Mr. Mark Jacobus Tod O’Donnell – Happy Holidays! U.S. Military Servicemembers Happy Holidays! Ms. Ellen Dailey Mr. Mark DeNyse Dr. E. Barney March Addie Mathes Mr. Mark Jacobus Peak Pediatric Dentistry Wishes Thomas the nephew of my Tish Lanier Happy Holidays to neighbor – Happy Holidays! Dr. and Mrs. W. Scott James, Jr. Xavier McCadden Dr. Sarah Aldridge Mr. and Mrs. Lanny Nixon Mr. and Mrs. Steven G. Loverde Dr. Emily Andriessen Bobby Lashley Cody Reyes Mr. and Mrs. Andrew P. Vrahnas Heather Bean Smith, Currie & Hancock Mr. Ronald R. Reyes Maggie McClellan Buckhead Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Donald P. Leslie Ms. Emily Blankenship Dr. Susan Estep Jamie Reynolds III Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Lanier II Dr. Stacie Hamley Mr. and Mrs. Gentry R. Strickland William Howard Flowers, Jr. Dr. Michael J. McDevitt Dr. Vanna Jackson Tara Robertson Foundation, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Donald P. Leslie Dr. Betsy John Ms. Dana E. Robertson Mr. Robert A. Yellowlees Dr. Gary Loventhal Colin McDonald Dr. Kristin Mekelburg Tyler Rolison – Happy Holidays! Dr. Donald P. Leslie – Happy Mr. and Mrs. Clark McDonald Dr. Julie Segal Ms. Kelly Myers Holidays! Dr. Christina Stoever Mr. and Mrs. Christopher R. Alﬁe Means Family Mr. Charles C. Schoen III Dr. Elizabeth Marston Theriot Steve Rom Hardage Stephanie Toole Mr. and Mrs. David C. Felsberg Crystal Lethcoe – Happy Birthday LTC Daniel and Angela Miller Mr. and Mrs. D. Wayne Miller Thomas Pairet Jack Rooker Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lethcoe Penny Pairet Mr. and Mrs. John M. Darden III Cheryl, Laura, and Barb Linden Dr. Leigh Ann Miller Mr. and Mrs. D. Wayne Miller Cristina Peralta – Daisy Award Hamano Ross Ms. Mary L. Huntley Congratulations Ms. Wanda H. Ross Marissa Mirecki – Outstanding Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Dr. Michael Link Laura Royster Anonymous Pandemic Work! Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Teresa Pernini – Happy Birthday Mr. and Mrs. John E. Seymour, Sr. Ms. Kathy Smith

32 • news.shepherd.org Bennett Sands Mrs. Wynne P. Stevenson Wishes Joe Watkins – Happy Birthday! Ms. Caitlin James Ms. Emily Fagan Happy Holidays to Mr. and Mrs. Dale H. Tucker Mr. David James Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Amos Ms. Cynthia G. Johnson Rob Saunders – Happy Birthday Dr. and Mrs. Champ Baker Joe Watkins Mr. and Mrs. Herb Johnson Ms. Jessica Saunders Mr. and Mrs. Frank Carroll Mr. and Mrs. David F. Haddow Ms. Stacey Jones Mr. and Mrs. Bob David Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Jorgensen Erin Schuster – Congratulations on Marsha Watkins’ Marriage Mr. and Mrs. Frank Foley Ms. Molly Kennerly your promotion Mr. Jerry T. Watkins Ms. Ellen Kirk Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Link Mr. and Mrs. Richard Waddell Phillip Waters Ms. Kellie Koontz Emory Schwall Dr. and Mrs. John Waldrop Mr. and Mrs. David F. Haddow Ms. April Lamanno Mrs. Jayne C. Midura Mr. and Mrs. Bill Woolfolk Ms. Jill Lancaster Glenn Wells – Showing our Mr. Kevin MacDermott Dr. Peyton Seabolt Jeannie and Ron Stewart – Happy appreciation for an awesome Ms. Wendy Malloy Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hardy Holidays! human Ms. Ann Marcy Mr. and Mrs. David R. Kesterton Mr. Robert Cordero Mr. Ray Marcy Alex Seblatnigg – Happy 50th Ms. Ruth E. Marohn Neil Swenson Birthday! Dr. Philip Wexler Ms. Jan Martindale Ms. Anne H. Swenson Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Ms. Stephanie Wyatt Mr. Robert McCammon Alex Seblatnigg Andrew Tart Amanda Wilcoxson – Thank you! Ms. Natalie Mendham Ms. Stacy Brees Ms. Patsy Little Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Ms. Vickie Miller Mr. James D. Mills Jill Seymour Pierson Thames Kirk Wilder Mint Condition Mr. and Mrs. John E. Seymour, Sr. Mrs. Carolyn Lotz Mr. and Mrs. David S. Nichols Mr. David Moore Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Moore Alana Shepherd - Happy Birthday Mr. and Mrs. James Thompson Jessica Williams Ms. Heather Morrisette Mr. and Mrs. Hudson Hooks Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cronan Mr. Dean Melcher Mr. Anthony Mullen Mr. and Mrs. J. Hays Mershon NC Masters Swimming Dr. and Mrs. David S. Owens Larry Thompson Chip and Krissy Williams Ms. Sallie Thompson Anonymous Ms. Gayle Niskala Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan G. Roxland Ms. Eileen OFlaherty Mrs. Joseph Shippen Larry and Nancy Thompson Michael Willis Ms. Barbara Payne Dr. and Mrs. Carter Smith, Jr. Anonymous Mr. James A. Curtis Ms. Dona Peacock Ms. Sallie Pittman Alana Shepherd Lydia and Shanna Thorpe – Happy Lori and Keith Windmiller – Mr. and Mrs. Dell B. Sikes Play Nice in the Sandbox Holidays! Happy Holidays! Ms. Dana Powell Mr. and Mrs. David Schubert Shepherd Family Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie V. Church Ms. Kristen Pressner Mr. Je£ Prince Mr. and Mrs. Christopher R. Derek the Facility Dog Russell Wood Mr. John Rendleman Hardage Ms. Austin McGrew Haynes Mr. Carlos Welch Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Morris Ms. Barbara A. Rini Dr. Ben Thrower Jane Woodru Mr. Tim Robinette Alana Shepherd – Merry Christmas Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. William G. Pierce Mr. Jim Rost Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Pope Mrs. Jacquie Rowland Ty Tippett Chris Wooten Ms. Trudy Rowland Shepherd Center Sta Mr. and Mrs. Paul H. Anderson, Jr. Ms. Ashley Alen Ms. Bridget Russo Ms. Stacy Brees Mr. George Alexandre Mr. Stuart Schweppe Mr. and Mrs. Christopher R. James Torell, P.A. Aqua Force Scuba Mr. Richard Seibert Hardage Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Ms. Gracie Barker Mrs. Dianne Sever Jamie Shepherd Lauren Tucker – Great job with Ms. Kimberly Barringer Ms. Carol Simons Anonymous Photo Shoot Berkley’s Granna Ms. Lisa Smith Dr. Gerald S. Bilsky Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Ms. Mary Ellen Biery SpaceX Mr. Brian Patrick Bowes STAR Aquatics Julie Shepherd J. Thomas Vance Ms. Jane Britt Mr. Ron Stewart Dr. Gerald S. Bilsky Mr. David Andersen Ms. Sheila Brownlow Mr. Jonathan Story Carolina Pool Management Mr. Kenneth Stover Mickey Shepherd - Happy Whitney VanMeter Catawba Basketball Ms. Christina Teague Birthday Mr. George VanMeter, Jr. Catawba College Ms. Haley Theroux Bickers Consulting Group, LLC Ms. Sarah Cato Wes Varda Mr. and Mrs. Rob Theroux Cameo L. Chamberlain Stephen Shepherd – Happy Mrs. Judith Axtell Mr. Trent D. Theroux Ms. Christine Christou Birthday Mr. Frank Thomason Ms. Rebecca Cobb Bickers Consulting Group, LLC Allen Vinson – Happy Holidays! Ms. Bonnie Tinlsey Mrs. Judith Belcher Robin Co£er Ms. Janice Tucker Mark Shuler – Merry Christmas Ms. Susan Cooke Ms. Virginia Tuminello Mr. and Mrs. James S. Long Brittny Vosper – Sunshine Award Ms. Ruth Costantini Ms. Robin Vandermeyden Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Ms. Judith Crenshaw Ms. Judith Westrick Linda Silber – Happy Holidays! Mrs. Lynne Czech Ms. Kylee Wooten Elise Walker Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Tim Deal Ms. Madi Wooten Ms. Laura Holbert Ms. Laura Delplace Sydney Simon – Happy Chanukah Dr. Michael Yochelson – Lynne and O.T. Washington – Mr. Greg Drcar Anonymous Congratulations on the Happy Holidays! Silvija Dry Hero Award Jordan Sloan Ms. Yvonne Angel Mr. Kaan Duru Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Douglas J. Hertz Family Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Elliott Lynne and O.T. Washington’s Mr. Jason Epley Foundation Gail and Turk Yordy – Marriage Ms. Cynthia Fillman Tribute to Shepherd for the Bob Springﬁeld Ms. Cynthia Schumacher FLUIDFLOW, Inc. care, treatment and support Ms. Lisa Jordan Ms. Vicky Ford Mr. and Mrs. John Hook Jennings Watkins – Happy Ms. Virginia Gorg Barbara Stanford Birthday Kerry Gray Mak Yost Ms. Madison Stanford Mr. and Mrs. Gary Stewart Greg Briley Photography Ms. Candace English Mr. William D. Stanford Jennings Watkins Mr. Tim Hebert Kristi Stephens – Mrs. James G. Gullett Mr. George Hirten Congratulations on promotion Ms. Debbie Ho£man Dr. David F. Apple, Jr. Jerry Watkins Mr. and Mrs. John Y. Holbrook Mr. and Mrs. Jerry T. Watkins Mr. Douglas Jacobs

Spinal Column® | Winter 2020 • 33 Non-Proﬁt Org. U.S. Postage PAID Atlanta, GA Permit No. 1703

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Shepherd Center Launches Podcast Series

SHEPHERD CENTER RECENTLY LAUNCHED ITS new podcast series, Picking Our Brain with Shepherd Center. The podcasts, produced monthly, feature Shepherd Center experts discussing interesting and important issues that affect people who have experienced spinal cord or brain injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis or chronic pain, either as a patient or a loved one. Upcoming topics include injury prevention, returning to school after injury and family caregiving, among others. Picking Our Brain with Shepherd Center marks a re-branding of Shepherd Center’s original podcast series, Shepherd Center Radio. You can listen to all episodes of Picking Our Brain with Shepherd Center by visiting shepherd.org/podcasts or by searching for Shepherd Center on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, Tune In, Google Podcasts and Spotify.