Article by Valerie Sliker, courtesy Wagener Monthly
When Tyrell Staley became a quadriplegic after an auto accident, the doctors predicted that Tyrell would never again have controlled movement from the neck down. During his second trip to The Shepherd Center in Atlanta this past August, he continued to exceed doctors’ expectations, this time by maneuvering his wheelchair frontwards and backwards with no assistance. (See WagenerSC on Facebook for videos.)
This functionality is yet another step towards independence, another step doctors initially presumed Tyrell would never achieve when he first damaged his spine at the cervical 5 and 6 levels in an auto accident at the age of 21.
Tyrell’s mom, Vicky Staley was exuberant. “Each time we go back to the Shepherd’s Center, there is something different they can have Tyrell train to do to become more independent.” Staley called me from Atlanta, praising God and practically singing, “I used to walk and push him to the elevator and punch the buttons, you know. All I have to do now is open the door to his room. He gets where he needs to go (at the Shepherd Center) all by himself now.
“When Tyrell is at the Shepherd Center, his whole mental state is totally different than when he’s home. It’s a whole new world down there. The people there are awesome.” The Shepherd Center provides intense therapy rehab for those with brain injuries. It is entirely handicap accessible and provides physical therapists, recreational and exercise instructors and more, but improvement depends on how strong Tyrell is and where he is physically during his stay there.
Tyrell did exceptionally well there on this visit. He did his second video for the Shepherd Center demonstrating the possibilities assisted technology offers through voice commands. This video will be used for educational and promotional purposes by the Shepherd Center.
Doctors and therapists are encouraged. They feel sure that with enough upper body strength training and the right therapy, Tyrell will be able to move himself in and out of the chair, from the bed to the chair and from the chair to the couch, without assistance. If Tyrell can build more muscle in his upper body, the Shepherd Center wants him to return in February of 2017. Tyrell is hoping to get into the USCA physical therapy program to build his upper strength while giving the students some real experience as well.
The cost of the Shepherd Center is $550 per day for a two-week stay. Insurance paid for Tyrell’s first visit and charity covered his second visit. If Tyrell is to have a third visit, it will have to be completely paid out-of-pocket. This is where “the village” comes in, as in: “it takes a village.”
The Staley family remains so very thankful to the many residents of Wagener, Perry, Salley, Windsor, Aiken and the surrounding area who have supported Tyrell in this journey. The fundraisers and donations have contributed tremendously to Tyrell’s miraculous improvements. Since our last update in which we mentioned the need of a generator, Mr. Jack Weltzer has donated a generator and the family wishes to express their gratitude to him. It is time for us to continue giving back to this former War Eagle athlete who used to so easily run the bases on the WSHS baseball diamond.
As the weather cools, you will see a few more fundraisers for Tyrell. Maybe some yard sales, dinners and raffles. Vicky Staley would love to see a drumline or step competition that would not only raise funds for Tyrell, but also offer awards and ceremony for the kids who compete. It would be a win/win fundraising event for Tyrell and for other young people. Vicky’s heart is for all young people and she is a living example of her belief: “love is an action word.” She thanks everyone who continues to pray and show their love and support for Tyrell and the family. “Prayers sustain me,” she whispers. “I need those prayers; it’s hard on a mom, you know.” Vicky freely admits that she has undergone a spiritual growth spurt during these past few years, and is still learning and growing.
Tyrell’s attitude is wonderful. He remains positive and still manages to smile through it all. Let’s pull together as a community and give Tyrell a third trip to the Shepherd Center on Valentine’s Day, 2017.