Meet Austin Blake

Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Blake.

Hi Austin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am originally from Dacula, Georgia, and attended Buford High School, where I was fortunate to participate in football, basketball, and track. My athletic journey led to several Division I FCS offers, and I chose to continue both my education and football career at Campbell University.

I began my studies as a mathematics major, but in 2020, I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome—a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. This condition can severely disrupt communication between the brain and body, often resulting in muscle weakness, tingling, and in some cases, paralysis.

Due to the seriousness of the diagnosis, I had to temporarily withdraw from school and undergo intensive rehabilitation therapy at the Shepherd Center, Gainesville Hospital, and Emory. During this time, I was also diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), a chronic form of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Thanks to the grace of God and the expert care of the medical team at Duke Hospital—where I continue annual follow-up visits—I am believed to be in remission.

Despite the physical and emotional challenges, I decided to return to Campbell in the spring of 2021 and resume playing football. I also changed my major from mathematics to healthcare management, inspired by the desire to support others as I had been supported throughout my recovery. I had to relearn basic life skills such as walking, writing, eating, dressing, and bathing—an experience that gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of effective, high-quality, comprehensive care.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I remained on the football team as a graduate assistant for the offensive line—a position I had played throughout my life—while earning my master’s degree in public health. During this time, I collaborated with several organizations committed to improving health outcomes in North Carolina, particularly in Harnett County.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
During the 2019–2020 football season, I sustained a torn labrum in my left shoulder during a game against Gardner-Webb. Despite the injury, I completed the remainder of the season before undergoing surgery on Valentine’s Day in 2020 to repair the damage.

Shortly after, while home for spring break, I began experiencing alarming symptoms. I was unable to move or stand, and I lost sensation from the stomach down. I was rushed to Braselton Hospital in Georgia, where I underwent a series of tests. However, due to the absence of a neurology department, I was transferred to Gainesville Hospital just minutes away. After two weeks of evaluation and treatment, I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system.

Following my hospital stay, I was admitted to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta for intensive inpatient rehabilitation, where I remained for approximately three to four months. Unfortunately, this was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant strict visitation restrictions. I was unable to see my family or friends in person—only through FaceTime or brief visits from a distance outside the facility fence.

After my initial recovery, I returned home to continue rehabilitation. However, about six weeks later, I experienced a severe relapse. I lost mobility in my arms and legs, and my vision began to fade as the disease started affecting my optic nerves. I was immediately transferred to Emory Hospital in Atlanta, where I received advanced care and worked closely with a team of neurologists to establish a treatment plan tailored to my condition.

After several weeks of treatment and ongoing outpatient rehabilitation, I was able to return to Campbell University in January of 2021 to resume both my academic and athletic journey.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system throughout my personal journey and professional development. First and foremost, I give credit to God, whose grace has carried me through some of the most difficult trials in my life and opened doors I never imagined possible.

My family has been a constant source of love, strength, and encouragement. Their unwavering support has grounded me and kept me motivated through every challenge. I’m also thankful for my teammates and friends, who have consistently lifted my spirits, challenged me to grow, and reminded me to find joy even during the toughest times.

At Campbell University, I was blessed with mentors, coaches, and faculty members who poured into me both professionally and personally. Their guidance gave me the tools, insight, and confidence to pursue a meaningful career in healthcare—focusing not just on treatment, but on improving patient outcomes and long-term well-being. I’m also deeply grateful to the medical professionals who cared for me during my health journey. Their dedication and expertise not only helped me recover, but also inspired me to shift my career toward helping others reclaim their health.