It can be reassuring to know other’s have had a similar experience during a crisis. In 1975 after an injury, James Shepherd and his mother founded the Shepherd Center. A not-for-profit hospital located in Atlanta, Georgia specializing spinal cord injury rehab.

About James Shepherd

After graduating in 1973, James began a backpacking trip around the world. While body surfing off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, James was paralyzed from the neck down.

James spent five weeks in a Brazilian hospital before returning home. Wanting the best for their son, Harold and Alana Shepherd searched for the best rehabilitation treatment facility. The nearest one they found was in Colorado. They specialized in spinal cord injuries. James regained the ability to walk with a cane and a leg brace after six months. For walking long distances, James uses his Amigo.

After that, the family made it their mission to create someplace that offered more than just medical care. Their goal was to establish a facility that would bring healing and hope to patients and their families.

The Shepherd Center

The Shepherd Center was founded in 1975. It was only a small six bed rehabilitation facility then. Today, it is ranked among the top 10 in the nation.

It has grown to be a world-renowned hospital. They now treat around 900 inpatients, 575 day program patients and 7,100 outpatients each year in their 152 beds. Patients travel from across the entire globe for the innovative neuro-rehabilitation.

Shepherd Center clinicians specialize in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury and other neuromuscular conditions. Clinicians work with each patient to create a customized blueprint for their rehabilitation. Tapping into state-of-the-art medical care, therapeutic equipment and comprehensive educational services. Staff members also serve as ambassadors to help patients navigate their journey over a lifetime.

Each Shepherd family member is still a dedicated advocate for the Center. James Shepherd serves as the Center’s Chairman of the Board. His mother, Alana Shepherd, continues to raise funds, welcome new patients and serve as Board Secretary. James’ father, Harold Shepherd, works to recruit friends and associates to help support the Center. James’ son, Jamie Shepherd, MBA, is the director of community services and risk management at Shepherd Center.

The Shepherd Center Mission:

• Helping those with temporary or permanent disabilities caused by injury or disease.
• Rebuild lives with hope, independence and dignity.

Through the pursuit of a dream, James transformed his experience in Brazil into a place where hope continues to live. It is inspiring to see how much James and his family have accomplished at the Shepherd Center. We are honored that James is a part of the Amigo family.