Jaiden Picot, a 22-year-old Virginia Union University student thanked God as he walked across the graduation stage just nine months after an accident left him paralyzed from the chest down.
We all face moments that test our faith and strength. When life knocks us down, God provides what we need to stand again.
He works through medical technology, caring professionals, and loving family to help us overcome what seems impossible.
The Life-Changing Accident
Last August, Picot was riding an e-scooter to work when a truck hit him. The crash caused a C4 spinal cord injury that paralyzed him from the chest down.
Doctors told him he might never walk again.
“I want to say it’s a dream come true. I know at some point of my injury, I didn’t think I would be walking the stage right now,” Picot told CBS 6. “I had pretty serious injuries.”
This moment meant even more to Picot because COVID had canceled his high school graduation. He missed that chance to walk across the stage.
This time, he was determined to stand and receive his diploma.
“I’m just grateful I have literally the opportunity to walk across the stage,” he said before the ceremony.
The Journey of Rehabilitation and Faith
For months, Picot worked with therapists at Sheltering Arms Institute. He fought to regain strength while keeping up with his college studies.
Each day brought small victories and tough challenges.
“Graduating college is not easy, and going through rehabilitation after a spinal cord injury is not easy,” said Eli Haag, his physical therapist.
A Miraculous Moment of Triumph
On May 10, with two therapists at his side and wearing a robotic exoskeleton, Picot achieved what many thought impossible.
He walked across the stage at Virginia Union University to receive his business degree.
The crowd stood and cheered. Many wiped away tears as they watched months of hard work pay off in that powerful moment.
Through his recovery, Picot kept his faith strong. “Either you’re going to give up, or you’re going to keep going. That’s something I really, truly believe. I just thank God for giving me the strength and the support system around me,” Picot said.
He credits his mother, girlfriend and care team for supporting him when things got tough.
Now with his business degree complete, Picot plans to focus on recovery before starting graduate studies in pharmaceutical sciences.
Picot hopes others find inspiration in his story. “Just to motivate people not to give up,” he said.
“We live in a world now where there’s a lot of technology out there to help us do the things we think we can’t.”
When challenges come our way, we have a choice to make. We can stay down or rise up with God’s help.
Jaiden shows us that faith, hard work, and support can overcome what seems impossible.
Please keep Jaiden in your prayers as he continues healing and pursues his education.
WATCH: Jaiden Picot Walks Across Graduation Stage 9 Months After Being Paralyzed
@cbs6_rva AMAZING! ❤️ Jaiden Picot, 22, was hit by a truck while riding an e-scooter on his way to work in 2024, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. On Saturday, with the help of robotic technology, he walked the stage at Virginia Union University's graduation to receive his diploma. Read more about his story at WTVR.com.
