Nearly eight weeks ago, life changed in an instant for Cleighton Strickland.
A former Daphne High School baseball player with a bright future ahead, Cleighton suffered a traumatic brain injury in a devastating car accident in Auburn, Alabama. What followed were days filled with fear, uncertainty, and unanswered questions—moments no family ever expects to face.
Since that night, Cleighton has been fighting a quiet but powerful battle.
After receiving initial treatment, Cleighton was transferred to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, one of the top rehabilitation hospitals in the world, renowned for its care of patients with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. For his family, this move represented not only access to world-class medical expertise, but also a renewed sense of hope.
And today, there is good news.
According to his mother, Amy, Cleighton is beginning to show encouraging signs of progress.
“Cleighton is making some progress here,” Amy shared in an update from Atlanta. “They have a few things to fix medically, but he is getting better.”
For families walking through the long road of brain injury recovery, progress often comes in small, hard-won moments—moments that might seem insignificant to others, but mean everything to those waiting at the bedside. And Cleighton is delivering those moments.
He has begun turning his head, legs, and hands on command. He is tracking with both his head and eyes—clear signs that his brain is responding, reconnecting, and healing in its own time. Each movement, each response, is a reminder that Cleighton is still there, still fighting, still moving forward.
“He will be moved out of the ICU any day,” Amy added, “but he is still getting rehab and services in the ICU here. This is the place to be.”
Those words carry weight.
The ICU is often associated with fear and fragility, but at Shepherd Center, it is also a place of early rehabilitation, where therapy begins even before a patient leaves critical care. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech specialists, and neurologists work together every day, building the foundation for recovery one step at a time.
For Cleighton’s family, watching this process unfold has been both emotional and inspiring.
There have been tears—tears of exhaustion, fear, and heartbreak—but also tears of gratitude and cautious joy. Each small victory fuels their determination to remain hopeful, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
Cleighton’s girlfriend, Mary Claire, has been by his side throughout this journey, offering steady love and support during the most difficult weeks of their lives. For young couples, moments like these test strength in ways no one could prepare for. Yet, through the silence, the waiting, and the endless hospital days, love remains constant.
Traumatic brain injuries do not follow a predictable timeline. Recovery can be slow, uneven, and filled with setbacks. Some days bring visible improvement; others demand patience and faith. The Strickland family understands this reality, but they also understand something else just as powerful: progress is possible.
As the new year approaches, they are choosing hope.
Hope that Cleighton will continue responding to therapy.
Hope that each small movement will turn into a bigger milestone.
Hope that one day, the young man who once stood on a baseball field wearing a Daphne High School jersey will stand again, stronger than before.
The road ahead remains long, but no one walks it alone.
The family asks for continued prayers, encouragement, and support as Cleighton continues his rehabilitation in Atlanta. Whether through kind words, shared updates, or quiet moments of prayer, every gesture reminds them that they are surrounded by a community that cares deeply.
In times like these, hope becomes more than a feeling—it becomes a decision.
And today, thanks to progress, expert care, and unwavering love, hope is rising for Cleighton Strickland.
