“Tiger Tiger,” what a miracle you are.

On March 23rd, Nathanael, an Air Force ROTC Cadet and Tennis Scholar at Marion Military Institute, experienced a tragic car accident. He sustained multiple severe injuries, including brain bleeds, spinal fractures, dislocations, broken ribs, a fractured collarbone, and punctured lungs. It took 24 hours for Nathanael’s family to learn of his fate. Nathanael was flown to UAB as a John Doe, then given the code name “Tiger Tiger” due to his association with Marion Military Institute and their mascot. Initially placed in a medically induced coma and ventilated, Nathanael’s condition was critical but stable.

Nathanael’s family, close-knit yet spread across multiple continents, faced added hardship as his mother, Lee-Anne, had undergone major surgery just 11 days before his accident, preventing her and his father, Ralph, from leaving the UK immediately. Nathanael’s sister from Barbados and his godmother from New York rushed to be by his side, showcasing the multinational family’s strong support network. Ralph managed to arrive on April 3rd, just in time for Nathanael’s spinal surgery, followed by multiple orthopedic surgeries the next day.

Nathanael’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. His first miracle was his escape from the accident. Despite being properly restrained with a seatbelt, he was ejected from the vehicle, catapulted over 60 yards, his fall broken by a cedar tree, narrowly missing the road, a barbed wire fence, and power lines. His survival is completely astounding, and we are deeply grateful to the first responders and his fellow passenger, who ensured he was found and attended to swiftly. Had she not spoken up, first responders would not have known to search for him. The search alone was difficult as it was nighttime, and Nathanael was wearing dark colors that blended with the terrain where he landed.

Nathanael’s journey from the ICU to the Acute Trauma ward and then the Spain Rehab Unit has been a whirlwind. A few weeks ago, they left the hospital for a Red Mountain Grace apartment, which is just a few minutes away from the hospital. This proximity has been crucial, as Nathanael faces numerous medical appointments and surgeries due to the severity of his injuries.

“Without you guys, we couldn’t be doing what we’re doing because we’d be still in a hotel somewhere spending $80-100 a night. It just piles on and gets up to $5,000 a month. We were very, very fortunate to find Red Mountain Grace. Without you guys, we wouldn’t be in the position we’re in. We wouldn’t be anywhere near as relaxed as we are now. It’s taken the weight off our minds.”

On July 10th, Nathanael celebrated his 19th birthday, recovering from his fourth surgery in as many months. Despite the challenges ahead, Nathanael’s courage, humor, and determination shine through. When asked if they had a takeaway from this experience, Ralph shared this: “I don’t think anybody could have been prepared to be in this situation. I think it’s how you react. I think it’s how you react as a person to people that are in peril. At different times, we’re all in peril. If we just all helped each other and paid it forward, I think that’s the most important thing. What a humbling experience it is to be in this situation, for him and for us.”

The family is incredibly thankful for the support they’ve received from their community and the Red Mountain Grace community. The apartment provided by Red Mountain Grace has been a sanctuary, allowing the family to stay close to Nathanael during his extensive recovery process without the added burden of hotel expenses or long commutes. This support has been invaluable, making a significant difference in their ability to focus on Nathanael’s healing.

Nathanael has many more PT and OT appointments to go. He aims to return to Marion Military Institute in August, repeat his sophomore year, and eventually transfer to the University of Alabama to continue on his Air Force ROTC path. Although his dream of becoming an Air Force Pilot has unfortunately changed due to his injuries, the family believes that even in the face of adversity, Nathanael’s life remains a testament to resilience and hope. “Tiger Tiger” will undoubtedly go on to achieve many amazing things.