Shepherd Teens Enjoy the Limelight in Project Rollway

Ben Kerbo, an 18-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee, used the stage at this year’s Project Rollway to do more than model clothing. He also took it as an opportunity to make a special delivery, handing a peach Chick-fil-A milkshake to Shepherd Center co-founder Alana Shepherd in the front row. Like any dedicated Chick-fil-A employee, he answered her thank you with a genuine “My pleasure.” 

Ben was one of 28 participants in the 11th Project Rollway this past June. The event celebrates current and former Shepherd Center patients from the Adolescent Rehabilitation Program, which focuses on returning teenagers to the highest level of independence possible after spinal cord (SCI) or brain injury (ABI). 

“It brings the SCI and ABI programs into one unique event,” says event co-chair Ashley Kim, MPT, ATC, who led colleagues from throughout Shepherd Center in organizing the event. “It gives current patient models an opportunity to see the progress of graduated patients and see their own possibilities.” 

Participants wore clothes from Patagonia, Elk Head, London Trading Company, Onward Reserve, and Megan Huntz, and a team of stylists offered hair and makeup services. Each model had a moment in the spotlight while event emcee Cheryl Linden, LPC, OT, shared their stories and favorite Shepherd memories, and family and friends cheered in support. 

“Even though this is something I would not normally do or enjoy, my therapists encouraged me to participate, and I ended up having a great time,” Ben says. “My favorite part was giving Mrs. Shepherd the Chick-fil-A milkshake.” 

It wasn’t just adolescents who hit the stage — facility dogs and therapists also accompanied some models. Linden even modeled an outfit designed by 17-year-old Dominique Ross, one of this year’s Project Rollway participants. Another participant, 18-year-old Leovie Lopez, was joined on stage by her nephew, who had been cheering her on from the front row. 

After the show was over, the excitement carried into the hallways and elevators at Shepherd Center, where participants and attendees talked about their favorite parts of the night. For former and current patients, Project Rollway was a reminder that no matter where they go, they’ll always have their Shepherd Center community. 

“In the end, this is not about modeling. It is about a community. The participants are sharing their story with a community always willing to listen,” Kim says. 

Written by Erin Kenney