Auburn, AL — It has been nearly eight weeks since former Daphne High School baseball player Cleighton Strickland suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident in Auburn, Alabama. After initial treatment, Cleighton was transferred to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, one of the world’s leading rehabilitation hospitals for brain and spinal cord injuries.
This morning, Cleighton’s mother, Amy Strickland, shared an encouraging update from Atlanta. “Cleighton is making some progress here. They have a few things to fix medically, but he is getting better,” she said.
Amy detailed the improvements that have brought hope to the family: “He has been turning his head, legs, and hands on command and tracking with his head and eyes. He will be moved out of the ICU any day, but he is still receiving rehab and services here in the ICU. This is the place to be.”
While the past weeks have been emotionally challenging for Cleighton, his family, and his girlfriend Mary Claire, Amy says they are encouraged by the visible progress. The Stricklands remain hopeful and focused on the next steps in Cleighton’s recovery as they head into the new year.
Friends, supporters, and the community are asked to keep Cleighton in their thoughts and prayers as he continues his journey toward recovery.
