Tennessee State University’s Christion Abercrombie transferred to Shepherd Center in Atlanta for rehabilitation

Nashville Voice

Injured Tennessee State University football player Christion Abercrombie, 20, of Smyrna, Georgia, was transferred on Oct. 17 from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville to Shepherd Center in Atlanta for brain injury treatment and rehabilitation.

Abercrombie sustained a brain injury during Tennessee State’s football game against crosstown rival Vanderbilt University on Sept. 29.

He has been admitted to Shepherd Center’s Intensive Care Unit for evaluation, care and observation. Soon, he will move into the hospital’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program, where he will begin therapy under the guidance of a full team of medical and rehabilitation specialists.

Medical and rehabilitation teams at Shepherd Center typically include the following: an attending physician, nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, recreation therapist, case manager, peer support specialist, dietitian and psychologist.

Shepherd Center specializes in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury or brain injury. Founded in 1975, Shepherd Center is a private, not-for-profit hospital and is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the nation.

TSU President Glenda Glover said Christion’s improving health is “an example of what the power of prayer can do.”

“The TSU Family is extremely happy to hear that football player Christion Abercrombie is continuing to improve,” she said. “The news couldn’t have come at a better time than during our homecoming week. The entire TSU Family has had Christion on our minds throughout the entire planning process of the last few weeks.

“Again, this is great news. We ask that everyone keep praying for Christion, and his family, as he moves to the next phase of care and ultimately makes a full recovery.”

TSU head football coach Rod Reed expressed similar sentiment.

“This is, in my opinion, a miracle that he’s being discharged after such a traumatic experience,” he said. “We’re looking forward to a speedy recovery.”

Abercrombie’s parents said they are grateful for the excellent care he received while at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and they look forward to seeing continued improvement in their son while he is at Shepherd Center.

“We truly appreciate all of the love, support and prayers from everyone,” said Staci Abercrombie, Christion’s mother. “This has given the family the strength needed to be able to care for Christion. This injury was not expected, but God has prepared us and will continue to provide us with his healing power.

“We know that it’s a miracle that our son is here today,” she continued. “All honor and glory goes to God. Please continue to pray for Christion’s full recovery. ‘Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.’ (Psalm 9:10)”

For those who want to donate online to help support the medical-related expenses for Abercrombie, a GoFundMe account is available at gofundme.com/tennessee-state-univ-athletics-dept