Hi, my name is Tricia McClung, Doug Patterson’s sister, and I want to share a story of hope, faith and determination with you.

When Everything Changed in an Instant

Over Labor Day weekend 2025, Doug went to swim with his youngest daughter, Alaina. Having been a competitive swimmer for more than 16 years of his life, he could never have imagined the events that would transpire. When Doug dove into the pool, he hit his head, resulting in a C-5 Incomplete spinal cord injury and paralysis from the neck down.

Eleven-year-old Alaina was the only one home at the time and acted with incredible courage and heroism. She swam her dad to safety and got help.

We received the phone call none of us could have ever imagined.

Doug was airlifted to Columbia, SC, and later transferred to the Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta, where he spent 8 weeks receiving therapy and training so he could return home.

Doug’s Daily Battle and Inspiring Strength

Doug is now home, but recovery is far from over. He travels nearly four hours round-trip to outpatient spinal rehab in Charlotte, NC, and works tirelessly at home every day to regain strength, mobility, and independence.

To know Doug is to love him. He doesn't know a stranger. He is a devoted, loving husband and father of 4. He is one of those rare people who always seemed to know how to fix or figure out just about anything.

Doug is deeply loved and respected by his coworkers at the railroad and by everyone who knows him. He is giving, kind, and deeply rooted in his faith in God. For years, Doug has been the person others turned to when they needed help. Now, he is the one who needs our help.

Throughout this recovery, Doug has remained positive, hardworking, and incredibly strong—most of all rooted and unshakable in his faith in God. While the road ahead is still long, he continues to make steady progress each day through determination, perseverance, and a faith that inspires everyone around him.

Simple Dreams That Mean the World

Doug’s greatest motivations are simple but deeply meaningful. His dream is to one day use his arms and hands to hold and read his Bible again. And even more than that, he longs for the moment he can wrap his arms around his wife and children and hug them.

The Financial Challenges Doug Faces

Doug’s recovery has already required incredible effort and resources, but the financial burden continues to grow.

He and his family have faced unimaginable challenges: installing ramps and concrete sidewalks, purchasing a handicap-accessible van, and power wheelchair, traveling hours each week for essential therapy, and covering medical co-pays and deductibles—all while coping with the loss of income.

His home still needs critical modifications, including a wheelchair-accessible bathroom and shower, to ensure transfers are safe and allow him the dignity of independence. These changes are not just upgrades—they are essential for Doug’s safety and daily functioning.

On top of that, some of the therapies crucial for his recovery are not fully covered by insurance. Each session, each piece of adaptive equipment, each trip to therapy brings Doug one step closer to the life he dreams of hugging his wife and children again and holding his bible.

How You Can Make a Difference

Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward home modifications, medical needs, transportation, and therapies. Every gift makes a tangible difference and helps Doug reclaim independence, hope, and dignity.

Doug has spent a lifetime helping others. Now, we can help him rebuild his life and independence.

If you feel moved to help, please consider donating. No gift is too small, and every contribution brings Doug one step closer to safety, mobility, and the simple joys of family life.

If you are unable to donate, you can still make a huge impact by sharing Doug’s story with your friends and community.

Most importantly, we ask for your prayers and continued support, as faith and hope remain Doug’s greatest sources of strength.

Thank you for standing beside Doug and our family during this journey of hope, healing, and faith.

With deepest gratitude,

Tricia McClung