How my life changed forever in the Fall of 2016:
My name is William Parker, and on September 10, 2016, I suffered a traumatic brain injury while playing in my 8th grade football game. I was rushed to Grady Hospital where I underwent an emergency craniectomy to relieve the pressure building up inside my skull, due to a massive brain hemorrhage. After surgery, it was established that I was completely paralyzed on my right side and was placed in an induced coma. I was left with less than 10% chance of survival following the surgery.
In this critical crossroads of life, any chance of recovery required that rehab begin immediately. With many healthcare options to chose from nationwide, my parents put their faith in Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. My battle of survival continued upon arrival at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The team of medical professionals and rehabilitation specialist had a customized program in place and worked tirelessly around the clock. The journey was long and arduous, but the team at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta never lost hope. With strong faith, medicine, and the Rehabilitation Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, I made what has been characterized by my medical team as a miraculous recovery.
I am currently a junior in college and have the distinct opportunity to intern with CGP. Together with CGP, we are in a unique position to support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. If I am able to give back just a fraction of what Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta gave to me, I’m all in and I hope you are too!
