In June 2025, we were introduced to the Woods family from Ohio. Their 15-year-old son, Weston, had been a healthy, active teenager when a sudden diagnosis of a spinal cord tumor changed everything overnight. In an instant, Weston and his family were forced to navigate an entirely new way of life, and they did so with remarkable strength, courage, and grace.

After multiple surgeries and six weeks of radiation, the Woods family came to Shepherd Center in Atlanta for rehabilitation. Because their home had never needed to be an accessible space before, Weston’s sudden spinal cord injury meant it no longer supported the independence he had always known. Even simple tasks like turning on a light, adjusting the fan, or changing the temperature in his room could no longer be done on his own.

When we met Weston and his family, we immediately knew we wanted to help in any way we could, which is how the idea for the first-ever remote Champions Place@Home installation was born. Champions Place@Home brings the same smart technology used at Champions Place into the homes of individuals living with physical challenges, helping create spaces that are safer, more accessible, and more empowering.

Through the program, Weston received assistive technology including smart light switches, smart plugs, a smart ceiling fan, a smart heater, and Amazon Alexa devices that allow him to control his environment using only his voice. While these may seem like small things, they have given Weston back something incredibly meaningful: a greater sense of independence and agency in his own space.

Being able to play even a small part in helping Weston feel more comfortable and independent at home has meant so much to all of us. Weston’s story is a beautiful reminder of why Champions Place@Home matters. Accessibility is not just about technology; it is about helping people feel confident, independent, and capable at home. We are hopeful that this first remote installation is only the beginning, and that Champions Place@Home will continue reaching families like the Woods family across the country.