Pray4Gray Foundation
We provide support, resources, prayer & education to families of young adults recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injury.
About the Pray4Gray Foundation
Our Mission
The Pray4Gray Foundation was created to honor Grayson Pope’s courageous journey following a traumatic brain injury sustained under circumstances beyond his control. Grayson’s resilience, optimism, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire all who know him.
As Grayson works toward recovery with a smile and a strong heart, our mission is to provide prayer, support, resources, and education to families of young people facing similar challenges. We aim to build a community rooted in hope, faith, and resilience—empowering youth and their families to navigate brain injury recovery with strength and purpose.
Grayson looks forward to giving back as others did for him—sharing his story and spirit to help others heal. Through our programs and services, we are committed to walking alongside families in crisis and helping young people thrive beyond adversity.
Grayson's Story: A Journey of Strength, Faith & Determination
On June 6, 2023, Grayson Pope’s life changed in an instant. A 16-year-old rising junior and standout baseball player committed to the University of Tennessee, Grayson was enjoying a sunny afternoon golfing with friends when a sudden pop-up storm brought strong winds and rain. In a tragic twist of fate, a tree was uprooted and fell onto the golf cart Grayson was driving, knocking him unconscious.
Thanks to the quick actions of his four incredible friends, Grayson received immediate help and was transported to UAB Hospital.
He was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, a fractured skull, brain bleeding and swelling, bruised lungs, and multiple other injuries. He underwent an emergency craniotomy to relieve pressure on his brain, followed by a tracheostomy a week later.
On July 11, 2023, Grayson received a cranioplasty to replace the portion of his skull that had been removed. Just one week later, he was transferred to the renowned Shepherd Center in Atlanta to begin the next phase of his recovery.
At Shepherd, Grayson poured himself into therapy—working on his voice, strength, coordination, and cognitive skills. He played games, shared laughs with visitors, and inspired everyone around him with his grit and spirit.
On September 22, 2023, surrounded by loved ones, Grayson brought the room to tears as he walked out of the Shepherd Center—an unforgettable moment of triumph.
The Pope family remained in Atlanta while Grayson continued therapy at Pathways, where he once again exceeded expectations. In November 2023, they returned home, and Grayson resumed therapy focused on vision, voice, and strength. He rejoined his Hewitt-Trussville baseball team for workouts and returned to school in January 2024.
Grayson’s progress has been nothing short of remarkable. He works tirelessly every day—whether it’s in therapy, at D1 with his trainers, or in the classroom—to become the best version of himself. His determination is unmatched, his loyalty to friends and family unwavering, and his faith in God a constant source of strength.
In May 2025, Grayson walked across the stage as a proud graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School. That summer, he moved to Knoxville to begin his freshman year at the University of Tennessee—living out his dream as a Tennessee Vol and joining the baseball program while enrolled full-time.
Grayson is our miracle. His journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the healing power of love, community, and faith. We are honored to share his story as part of our foundation’s mission to support families walking similar paths.
Your support and contributions will enable us to support the Pope Family and assist other families during the Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Journey.