kk.🚨 A REAL MIRACLE: 21-Year-Old Collin Long – From “Not Worth Surviving” to Walking Up and Down Stairs, Speaking Fluently, and Attending Online University in Just 3 Weeks!
Good morning, everyone.
This morning brought tears of joy to thousands following the incredible journey of 21-year-old Collin Long from Auburn, Alabama. After a full week at Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, Florida, Collin’s mother Amy Long (principal of South Smiths Station Elementary School) shared an update that has left doctors, therapists, family, and the entire community in awe.
Collin has gained weight. His face is rounder, fuller, and healthier-looking every single day. But the real miracle lies in what the medical team keeps repeating in disbelief:
“On paper, he shouldn’t have survived. On paper, he shouldn’t be walking up and down stairs. On paper, he shouldn’t be speaking coherently, remembering new information, regaining balance, coordination, and mobility this quickly… But Collin is doing it ALL.”
Amy’s words say it best: “My son is a true miracle. God is working wonders every single day.”
This Wednesday, Collin’s tracheostomy tube was successfully removed — a massive milestone. His vision remains perfect at 20/20 in both eyes, and the right-side facial weakness (caused by nerve and muscle damage during emergency skull surgery) is slowly but steadily recovering.
There are still hard days. Amy admits that Collin sometimes feels emotionally low — homesick for Auburn, for his brother Evan, for his own room and normal life. The separation from everything familiar weighs heavily on him. Yet Amy remains resolute: “Eat the elephant one bite at a time — one task, one decision, one step at a time.”
If she thinks too far ahead, the weight feels overwhelming. So she focuses only on the next right thing — and trusts that every small victory is part of a much bigger miracle still unfolding.
Collin’s story began with a devastating brain injury after falling from a gator at Auburn University’s golf club course. Doctors gave him less than 1% chance of survival. Yet here he is — gaining strength, relearning life, defying every medical expectation.
The Auburn community, friends, family, and thousands of strangers who have prayed, shared, donated, and cheered him on are now celebrating this chapter. Amy says every time a doctor or therapist comments on his progress, she simply replies: “He’s a miracle.” Some nod quietly. Others agree openly: Collin’s recovery isn’t just medical — it’s miraculous.
Today, we pause to give thanks. For every pound gained. For every step taken. For every word spoken. For every breath that proves hope is still alive.
Collin Long is living proof that miracles don’t always arrive with thunder — sometimes they arrive one small, stubborn step at a time.
Keep praying, Auburn. Keep believing, everyone. The best chapters are still being written.
We love you, Collin. We’re so proud of you — and we’re still right here with you. ❤️🙏
