Meet Isaiah, a determined 19-year-old from Hampton, GA, whose resilience inspires everyone around him. On August 18, 2023, Isaiah’s life changed forever when he was tragically shot three times—in his arm, spine, and near his lungs—while waiting with his little brother after a high school football game. Rushed to Grady Hospital, Isaiah underwent life-saving surgery, blood transfusions, and a two-week stay before transferring to the Shepherd Center for intensive rehabilitation.
The injuries left Isaiah wheelchair-bound, but his determination to walk again remains steadfast. After two months of inpatient rehab and ongoing outpatient therapy, he has regained some feeling in his waist, ribs, legs, and feet. Every day, Isaiah works tirelessly to build strength, striving toward his first goal of walking again and his ultimate dream of dunking a basketball once more.
Despite the challenges, Isaiah has taught himself to live as independently as possible, mastering tasks like dressing, cooking, and cleaning. He graduated high school through online classes and received a standing ovation at his graduation ceremony. Now, he continues rehab twice a week, starts each day with a workout, and pushes himself relentlessly to achieve his goals.
A former shooting guard with an unwavering love for basketball, Isaiah’s ultimate sports dream is to meet his hero, Giannis Antetokounmpo, be a VIP at a Milwaukee Bucks game, and have the Greek Freak dunk a ball over him!
