Becoming Unstoppable

When retired U.S. Army Specialist Rojean Sanders first heard about the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center from a fellow veteran, she was reluctant to participate despite his persistent efforts. 

But then Rojean saw how it benefitted him, and she changed her mind. Now she says that SHARE changed her life. 

In 2008, just months after joining the army, Rojean was injured when the butt stock of an M-16 rifle hit her in the face, causing a fracture in her orbital floor and skull. She underwent facial reconstructive surgery and jaw surgery. 

She says the injury kept her in “limbo,” with chronic memory and balance issues, necessitating a transfer to a unit where the duties were lighter. She tried treatments and programs to improve her physical and mental health, but she saw no progress. 

When she retired in 2012, things went from bad to worse. She experienced severe mood swings, bouts of anger, memory issues, feelings of isolation, and suicidal ideations. She was unable to work. 

“I was not in a good place,” Rojean remembers. “It affected my relationships with my friends and my family. I needed help.” 

When Rojean came to SHARE in 2015, she was impressed by the staff’s compassion. 

“You are surrounded by people who care about you,” she says. “But they also push and motivate you to pursue your hopes and dreams.” 

Rojean’s hope was to become a nurse. She’d tried school after her injury but couldn’t keep up with the classes. At SHARE, she focused on her physical health and learned to regulate her moods, establish boundaries, and advocate for herself. She also participated in recreation therapy. She believes this work set her up for success. 

“Shepherd helped me become an unstoppable version of myself,” Rojean says. With newfound confidence, she returned to college, earning two associate degrees and a bachelor’s degree while holding several leadership and volunteer positions while in school. She eventually enrolled in Emory University’s accelerated nursing program and graduated in May 2024. 

Now, Rojean works as a medical-surgical nurse at Emory University Hospital and is inspired to help people like the Shepherd Center staff helped her. 

“I am more mentally and physically sound and in such a better place,” she says. “SHARE is an amazing program. I want to impact people in my work like those at Shepherd impacted me.” 

By Sara Baxter

This story first appeared in the special 50th anniversary issue of Spinal Column magazine.