Sen. Rick Scott Announces Senate Salary Donation to the Shepherd Center in Honor of Floridian Jacob “Jake” Danwood Rogers

Sen. Rick Scott Announces Senate Salary Donation to the Shepherd Center in Honor of Floridian Jacob “Jake” Danwood Rogers June 30, 2026 NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Senator Rick Scott and Mrs. Anne Scott announced the donation of his Senate Salary to the Shepherd Center, a nationally recognized rehabilitation hospital specializing in spinal cord and brain injuries in honor of Jacob “Jake” Danwood Rogers.  Jake was a lifelong Floridian and University of Florida student who passed away suddenly in May while he was studying abroad.  Last year, while visiting Japan, Jake was in a severe accident that resulted in a serious spinal cord injury.  He was diagnosed quadriplegic and flown to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta where after months of rehabilitation, miraculous healing took place, and he was able to return to study at University of Florida. Senator Rick Scott said, “Jake was a lifelong Floridian who had an incredible passion to live life to its fullest.  I had the opportunity to know Jake and watch him grow up.  His mom, Rachel Perrin Rogers, was a longtime staffer in state government while I was Florida Governor and his stepdad, Brian Hughes, worked for me in Tallahassee.  I remember seeing him visit the Governor’s mansion for events and seeing how proud Rachel and Brian were of his many accomplishments.  Last summer, after he experienced a horrific accident where he nearly died, he fought with the most unbelievable strength to recover. Most people didn’t think it was possible – but Jake was a special young man who did what most couldn’t see as possible.  It was because of his determination to recover that he went back to UF, ran a 5K and travelled the world this summer – and most importantly, gave his family 10 more months of being with him. “Jake lived a beautiful life well lived and I am grateful to have known him and to call his family my friends.  I know that Brian, Rachel, his father Steve, stepmom Jenna, little sister Caroline, and his entire family have been shattered, but I hope they can take comfort in the memories they had with him and the lasting impact Jake had while he was on earth.  I know how grateful Jake’s family is to the Shepherd Center for the unbelievable care they gave Jake and I am proud to donate this quarter’s salary and highlight the important work they do for their patients each day.” “It is our honor and privilege to care for people like Jake who persevere and live life to the fullest beyond injury or illness,” said Jamie Shepherd , President and CEO of Shepherd Center. “We appreciate the generous support of Senator Rick Scott and all of those in the community who help us restore lives with hope and dignity.” Please click here to read the beautiful obituary on Jake’s life. Please click here to learn more about the Shepherd Center. ### https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/6/sen-rick-scott-announces-senate-salary-donation-to-the-shepherd-center-in-honor-of-floridian-jacob-jake-danwood-rogers