Teen Schuyler Jenkins Paralyzed in Crash Vows to Walk Again

ATLANTA, Ga. - A serious accident last November nearly took the life of a Henry County teenager. Schuyler Jenkins was left paralyzed, but with the help of his mom and some very special caretakers, he has vowed to walk again.

Buffy Bray and her son, Schuyler, decided to share their story for two reasons. They want parents and teens to think about the dangers of being behind the wheel, and they don't want others in their shoes to give up hope.

Schuyler’s life changed in an instant. He was just a normal teen last November. He worked, hung out with friends and was looking forward to a career as a firefighter. But then, he and some friends decided to take a ride.

Schuyler, 19, was riding in the front seat and he says he knew right away that his life was in danger. He and the other passengers tried to get the driver to slow down, but he ended up losing control. The car crashed and flipped several times.

Bray rushed to the scene and was by her son’s side. Before he was loaded onto the helicopter to go to Grady Memorial Hospital, Schuyler told his mom, ‘Momma, I’m okay.’ But when they arrived at the hospital, doctors realized he was paralyzed from the neck down.

Since then, Schuyler has vowed to walk again. With hard work and help from the staff at the Shepherd Spinal Center, he’s almost there. In fact, he’s scheduled to be released next Monday.

Bray wants other parents to lea from her experience. She says no one should have to watch their child relea how to walk.

Charges are pending against the driver. Schuyler's mom was unemployed before the accident took place.

The family has set up a fund at help offset his medical bills. Donations can be made at Wells Fargo Bank to the Buffy Bray/Schuyler Jenkins Donation Fund.