James Shepherd, a proud Amigo owner, understands first hand the long road to recovery after serious injury.

James and his family have dedicated most of their lives to building a place made for more than just recovery; where people with disabilities can receive more than medical care. Above all, James and his family have founded a place that brings hope.

After graduating from the University of Georgia in 1973, James began a backpacking trip around the world. While body surfing off the coast of Rio de Janiero, James struck the bottom of the ocean. The accident injured his spinal cord and left him paralyzed from the neck down at 22 years old.

James spent five weeks in a Brazilian hospital before returning to the United States. Wanting the best for their son, the Shepherd searched for a rehabilitation treatment facilities in the entire southeast corner of the country.

Fortunately, the Shepherd family found a facility in Colorado specializing in spinal cord injury. James regained the ability to walk with a cane and assisted leg brace. The recovery due to six months of rehab and hard work.

The Shepherd Center

After returning to Georgia, the Shepherds made it their mission to create a rehabilitation center for others like James. With the help of friends, the Shepherd Center was founded in 1975 as a six-bed rehab facility.

40 years later, the Shepherd center is now a 152 bed facility. Last year, over 9,000 patients were seen between Shepherd’s inpatient and outpatient programs.

Through the pursuit of a dream, James transformed his experience in Brazil into a place where hope still continues to live.

It is truly amazing to see where James and his family have taken the Shepherd Center in just 40 years. We couldn’t be more proud of the work he is doing and to have him in the Amigo family.

Learn More about James Shepherd: https://youtu.be/qy3BKP4yLRY