Supporting an Angel: We Can Do This!
- Camp Goldston Publishing, LLC
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
Nearly every day, I come across an insightful message from Angel Dawn Gatrey on social media. Her posts amaze me, and I marvel at how someone with such physical challenges can maintain such a positive attitude. Although I have supported Angel since her accident, I believe Garden Spices should hear her story and learn from her perspective. Gate open. - Victorine
The style of Angel before the accidentt
Angel Dawn Gatrey
The moment...the change
On May 20, 2025, Gatrey was out running errands with her little brother and her son as passengers. While on her way home, she faced a violent storm that caused a tree to fall on her car. "I was completely aware when it happened," Gatrey recalled. "A voice said, 'Not yet.'"
Pedestrians assisted the boys in getting out of the car, but unfortunately, the tree landed on the passenger side of the vehicle. Angel had to be extracted from the car and was promptly taken to Helen Keller Hospital in Sheffield, AL. Keller then referred her to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN, and they traveled through the storm to reach there.
At Vanderbilt, Gatrey underwent surgery immediately and was later informed that her neck was broken due to spinal cord injury, leaving her with a one percent chance of walking again. She is paralyzed from the neck down. She is a c7 quadriplegic.
While Gatrey's spirituality called for miraculous intervention, her surgeon noted, "When you realize how serious (your injury) was, the miracle is that you are still alive."
Processing the Realization
Gatrey has been on a journey of processing her "new me." She noted, "Recovery isn't me getting back to walking." She realzes that even if she walks, she will still be a "brand new person." And this recognition is what Gatrey lives with and gains insight from.
Relying on her faith , Gatrey yields to "Be Still and Know...Psalm 46:10 and understands God is within her and in control. "I surrender layer by layer to my process."
Day to Day
"Having a injury or illness that affects every aspect of life is eye-opening. No amount of praying & fasting can prevent or prepare us for the trials of life.
My whole world has been turned upside down due to this injury. I have to depend upon others for everything. My relationship dynamics have all shifted. I don’t feel like I belong anywhere. All the things that used to bring me joy— now I feel numbness:
Being outside, playing with my children, teaching the youth, & learning about the world just feels hollow without my mobility.
My main priority is my dignity and independence.
I miss long showers & bubble baths after a long day. Now have turned to bed baths & nurse assistants. (zero privacy)
I miss writing in my journal without having to use two hands.
I miss going on long walks every evening with my babies & my neighbors.
Spontaneity without having to constantly worry about passing out, accessibility, & transportation.
Gatrey's children, Knowledge and Nailah, currently reside with their father and stepmother, visiting on weekends and more frequently during the summer. Gatrey expresses, "I'm glad they have a place to go to" She also acknowledges, "I miss being involved in their activities, but they are strong and their spirits are joyful."
Granted, Gatrey needs a space that gives more wheelchair accessibility. "I need space for my new reality,"she explains. "A place where kids can play and hold events." However, more than anything, Gatrey needs to be able to get around. She needs mobility.
"We found a van!"
Gatrey uses resources like Home Health and Alabama Vocational Center, but services are all contingent upon waiting lists for service. "Patience is a big thing," she notes. "During hard times, I have to trust God and know It's going to be okay."
While Gatrey gains strength from trusting, we can put trust into action by providing Angel with the transportation she needs to become mobile. Her words:
"Since my spinal cord injury, every day has looked different. I’ve learned to adapt, stay hopeful, and keep moving forward—even when the road is hard. One of the biggest challenges I face now is transportation.
I’m currently in need of a wheelchair-accessible van so I can get to medical appointments, therapy, run ee had to be veryday errands, and regain some independence. A wheelchair van isn’t just a vehicle—it’s freedom, dignity, and the ability to fully participate in life again.
If you’re able to help, whether by sharing this post, pointing me toward resources, or contributing in any way, I would be deeply grateful. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, makes a difference."
Angel's prayer for the possibility of an affordable van has been realized. Here it is!
All she needs is the $14,000 to buy it. Garden Spices is part of the choir asking for donations.
You can read her story and take part in her fundraiser on Angels Wings Up
or DONATE through her GO FUND ME.
We can do this!!
My message to the world would be to be grateful for what we are blessed with— no matter how small or big every moment matters. Supporting me is like supporting a part of yourself because disability can happen at any time to anyone and charity will always come back 10 fold. So, do what feels right in your heart." Angel Dawn Gatrey
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