Post by Shepherd Center

David Tillem had a stroke when he was just 30 years old. He participated in inpatient rehabilitation at Shepherd Center, followed by outpatient care at Shepherd Pathways and later therapy closer to home. Now, seven years later, he has started a Substack, “The Second First Step,” in which he reflects on how the stroke and rehabilitation at Shepherd Center changed his perspective. With his permission, we’re sharing two small excerpts of David’s Substack entries below. He said he is glad that sharing his experiences might help someone else. The 40-Year-Old Head Start: Why My Stroke Was an Unfair Advantage But here is the “uncomfortable truth” I’ve discovered: that trauma gave me an unfair advantage. While others are just now packing their bags for the challenges of getting older, I am already well-equipped and incredibly prepared for that “second first step”. When that first colonoscopy rolls around, that procedure will be child’s play to me, who has had two open heart surgeries and was once a frequent flier around the Atlanta hospital system. I skipped the “uncomfortable part of life” where you slowly realize you aren’t invincible because that realization was forced on me in an instant. I have already mourned the loss of my “peak” self, and in that mourning, I found a much more resilient version of who I am. The "Happiest Place on Earth" Is Actually a Rehab Hospital But looking back with the crystal clarity of 20/20 hindsight, I realize how profoundly fortunate I was that the worst day of my life happened just a few miles from a sanctuary: Shepherd Center. It’s no wonder people travel from every corner of the Earth, begging for one of the few available spots at this neuro and spinal rehabilitation facility. If you’ve done even surface-level research, you know Shepherd consistently ranks among the global elite. But what truly inspires this post isn’t just their world-class ranking—it’s the deep debt of gratitude I owe to the people there, and the palpable, unforgettable feeling you get the moment you step inside. For David's full entries, click the link below. https://lnkd.in/eNKi-3_y #Substack #PatientStory #BrainInjury #Rehabilitation #ShepherdCenter #Atlanta