ATHENS, Ga. --- University of Georgia freshman infielder Chance Veazey is aiming to spend the Christmas holidays back home in Tifton before returning to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta to continue his rehabilitation.

On Thursday, Dr. Donald Peck Leslie, medical director of Shepherd Center, which is one of the nation’s leading facilities specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries, provided a medical update on Veazey. Veazey was involved in a motor vehicle accident shortly after leaving the Miller Learning Center on October 28. He underwent successful back surgery on Oct. 30 at St. Mary’s Hospital.  On Nov. 4, he was transferred to the Shepherd Center.

Dr. Leslie explained that Veazey had sustained a spinal cord injury, a “T-10 injury” (at the level of the 10th thoracic vertebra, which is in the lower middle back). His upper extremities are perfectly fine, he is breathing on his own, he is able to get himself in and out of bed, however, currently there is paralysis from the waist down.

“Chance is an unbelievable young man, he is progressing well in his daily therapy,” said Leslie. “He is a star and is going to be an even bigger star, I think he’s going to get through here in pretty much record time. We always hope for a full recovery. At this point, what the future may bring, what technology may bring to the table to help him, remains to be seen.”

 “We’re going to give him a day pass for Thanksgiving, it’s not a discharge, but he will be able to go home for a day,” Leslie added. “His goal, and the goal of his team right now is to have him in our Day Program by mid-to-late December.”

In the Day Program, Veazey would live in the Woodruff Family Residence Center located next to the Shepherd Center, and each day he would come over and continue his therapy.

Georgia baseball coach David Perno said Veazey is a unique student-athlete who continues to prove he’s an amazing individual.

“The way Chance has responded to everything shows how tough and how special he really is because he is inspiring everybody,” said Perno. “He’s part of our family and will always be. We’re wishing the best for him, praying for a miracle, and I hope things will turn out the way they need to. He made an impact on the team in a short time and is one of the most beloved guys on the team.”

In lieu of flowers and food, the family has set up a “Prayers for Chance” fund to help offset medical expenses through Athens First Bank and Trust Company (AFB&T). Donations may be sent to AFB&T, attention Phil Bettendorf, Senior Vice President, P.O. Box 1747, Athens, Ga., 30603. Donations can also be dropped off at any Athens First Bank location.

A website where individuals can send Chance messages and check for updates has been set up by the family. To send a note to Chance and the family, please visit: www.caringbridge.org/visit/chanceveazey.

The son of Todd and Darby Veazey, the 5-9, 175-pound infielder arrived at Georgia this fall as an Honor student out of Tift County High School. He is a Pre-Business major. By the end of Georgia's fall baseball workouts, Veazey was projected to be the starter at second base.