On St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2010, John and two of his friends were going to push another friend's truck, "just foolin around". The friend at the wheel decides to slam the brakes just as John was stepping into the bed of the truck sending him stumbling fast-forward. John's head banged against the cab of the truck and he fell backward into the bed of the truck. His friends thought John was choking on food he'd been eating as they were pushing, only to realize he was mouthing "he couldn't breathe". They quickly realized the injury was much more serious and immediately called emergency at Wake Medical Center. Although John didn't suffer head injuries, nor did the impact damage the cab of the truck, two days later on March 19th doctors fused John's 1st, 2nd and 3rd vertebraes with screws. John's Mom, Meri associated what they looked like in the xrays..."as something from her father's garage". On March 23rd doctors performed a tracheotomy, and inserted a feeding tube. On March 25th John was transferred to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia where he spent 9 weeks undergoing more surgery and lots of therapy. John, an honor student who loves school, with particular emphasis on English and Writing, aspiring to become a Teacher, enjoyed track, wrestling, and soccer, is very confident with a positive attitude about his condition. He is excited about getting back to school and is looking forward to college. John believes one key to recovery is 'not to fall into depression'.
The neighborhood and town support for John was remarkable. There were many who expended themselves making renovations to Meri's home. An extensive ramp system was installed making access in and out much simpler for John. Carpeting was removed and replaced with hardwood, and some floor areas were remodeled and raised to the same level; french doors were added and a huge shower for wheelchair accessibility. The mayor visited the home and assured the family that cable and internet service would be provided. Alana Shepherd of the Shepherd Center visited and encouraged John personally.
John's younger brother and sister, Will, 11 and Alex 13, talk about how their lives changed after their brother's accident. They both miss the noise that John would make playing drums and "just being loud". They also miss him in the kitchen, cooking eggplant and other dishes. Today they just like talking and watching adult swimming together with John. Other shows like "The Cobert Report" and "The Daily Show", with John Stewart. Both Will and Alex say they are getting use to the sounds the machines make and the nurses coming through, but it's all worth it for their brother's ongoing care.
People are impressed with John's positive attitude and his willingness to talk with any and everybody. John says, "now my voice sounds like a five pack a day smoker", but he still loves to talk. He still enjoys making people laugh even though there are days when he's really down, he still keeps hoping for the best...He is young and has a resilient spirit, and because science and medicine is advancing so rapidly these days, he knows that his life could change yet again for the better sometime in the not too distant future.
Medical fees and expenses are extremely high and without quality health insurance, and insurance regulations that are soon to come, families like John's will be devastated.
John said, "when I met Rodney I was excited to meet a 'real' basketball player...but even more exicted to know someone who's going through the same thing that I am, and who cares enough to start a foundation to help. Most foundations are just rich people with money...but Rodney has worked hard his whole life and despite his circumstances he encourages others to do the
same thing".
John's message to anyone whose had a traumatic accident...
"Just know that it gets better, but it can't get any better unless you have the right attitude. Try not to become obsessed with what has happened and do what you can to make things better each day".
On December 19, 2008 as Felicia, who was an audio/video technician for ESPN drove from the store after purchasing pampers for her newborn daughter, when a tree uprooted in someones yard and fell on the SUV she was driving.
Felicia sustained a C4-C5 spinal injury from her accident. After being in the Intensive Care Unit at Charlotte Medical Center for 30 days battling for her life, her sister Monica, who never left her side, heard of the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Monica and Felicia exhausted every option available to get her into the Center, but was denied over and over again due to the lack of insurance. Monica reached out to everyone she and Felicia knew and asked them to all send letters to The Shepherd Center on her behalf. Her thoughts were if they received an outpouring of plea letters they would see how special she was to not only her family, but to all that knew her.
Fortunately, the people they knew and thousands of others, began writing letters. The Director of the Shepherd Center received over 3,500 letters within a 2-week period, several phone calls from Monica, and even pleas from hospital officials. Finally, the Shepherd Center accepted Felicia and offered their services on a full scholarship.
Monica and Felicia were at the Shepherd Center a little over two months where they were blessed to have met Faye and Rodney Rogers. Since her release home everything has been a struggle for the family of seven. All monies they've received has been through donations from family and friends. Monica can no longer work since they are unable to obtain nursing for Felicia and care for the five children. Felicia has two children, Jordan, 8 and Cassidy, 1. Monica has three children, Taylor, 17, Kobi, 9 and Schley, Jr. 3. Medical insurance for Felicia, food stamps for the family, housing issues, and transportation are hurdles they're still trying to get over. Right now the family is living solely off of Felicia's disability which many times just isn't enough. "Only eighteen months into this new life we were given, it seems to only get harder. We find ourselves just making it every month", says Monica but unable to do small things that our children were so accustomed to. We pray from day to day that we will make it yet another day.
Felicia is still fighting mentally and emotionally to cope with her new life, finding it hard to accept the reality of all that has happened.
