Austin Sisk was honored April 27 as the Atrium Health Floyd Good Samaritan Volunteer of the Year, marking a remarkable milestone in his recovery journey following a life-threatening accident in 2022.

Just months after graduating high school, Sisk suffered a traumatic brain injury in a crash that left him in a coma and on a ventilator. After weeks in intensive care and months of rehabilitation, he regained the ability to walk and speak, continuing therapy through Atrium Health Floyd Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation.

Although his goal of becoming a physical therapy assistant was impacted by his injuries, Sisk chose to return to the rehab gym as a volunteer. Therapists say he now plays a vital role encouraging patients, offering support, and motivating others by sharing his own experience overcoming a traumatic brain injury.

Hospital leaders say Sisk’s recognition represents a “full-circle moment,” highlighting his resilience, compassion, and ability to inspire others facing similar challenges.

Sisk is joined by three other 2026 Good Samaritans of the Year: Christine Barham, who volunteers with therapy dogs at Cherokee Medical Center; Garry Fisher, a cancer survivor who volunteers with Cancer Navigators and the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center; and Wanda Hilyer, a volunteer at the Polk Medical Center gift shop.