Written by Tiffiny Carlson, Communications Manager for SPINALpedia, December 22, 2025
Terique Collins, a proud father and musician from Harlem, New York, had his life completely change after a shooting in 2019, but he wasn’t about to stop pursuing his goals after becoming paralyzed. Instead, Collins used his accident to find inner-strength he hadn’t yet tapped into and is now thriving six years later. Read on to discover exactly how this survivor was able to make that happen.
Why He’s Fearless
Music was one of the first loves of Collins, who’s now 37 years old. “I started creating music long before my injury — music has always been my therapy and my voice,” he says. After starting his career in music (he’s known as “Guap Mula”), as well as other businesses, his life was briefly put on hold when he was involved in a shooting that left him paralyzed in 2019. “I sustained a spinal cord injury due to a gunshot that permanently changed my mobility. It was a life-altering moment that forced me to stop, reflect, and rebuild my life from a completely new perspective.”
At the time of his injury, he was a father to young children, which weighed heavily on his mind. “At first, it was disbelief, fear, and frustration. I thought about my kids, my future, and whether I would still be able to live the life I worked so hard to build. But after that initial shock, something clicked — I told myself this wasn’t the end of my story.”
After completing his inpatient rehabilitation at Gaylord Rehabilitation Center in Connecticut, Collins transferred to Mount Sinai where he learned how to adapt physically and mentally to his new reality, as well as regain independence and build confidence. “Giving up was never an option,” says Collins. “I knew my kids were watching, my community was watching, and I had already built too much to walk away from it all. I was determined to continue my music, my businesses, and my purpose, just in a different way.”
What’s Next?
Like many people who’ve experienced a traumatic spinal cord injury, going home is when everything becomes real. “Your kids don’t need perfection — they need presence. Stay involved, stay mentally strong, and don’t let guilt or fear stop you from being the father your children need. You’re still their hero.”
He was also on a mission to maintain his businesses after his injury, including his music career, which had changed. “Post-injury, my music became deeper and more intentional. The pain, resilience, and growth are all reflected in my sound. What changed is the perspective — I’m speaking from lived experience now. As far as adaptations, I focus more on studio accessibility, pacing my sessions, and working smarter, not harder.”
Collins runs several businesses that align with his interests. “I’m involved in multiple ventures, including PGM Visuals, PGM Music Page, ShoeDocNYC, DreamRich Frenchies, and PGM Gives Back, which focuses on community support and youth empowerment. Everything I do ties back to creativity, ownership, and giving back.”
“After my injury, I expanded my creative and entrepreneurial footprint — strengthening PGM Visuals, growing ShoeDocNYC, and launching more community-driven initiatives under PGM Gives Back. My injury pushed me to think bigger and create opportunities beyond myself,” says Collins.
Being busy professionally was one of the number one goals of Collins’ after his injury. “Purpose keeps you alive,” he says. “A spinal cord injury can take your mobility, but it doesn’t have to take your identity, ambition, or dreams. Staying professionally active gave me structure, motivation, and self-worth.”
Looking towards the future, Collins has fierce goals. “I want to continue growing my brands, expanding my music reach, creating jobs, mentoring youth, and turning my story into a platform that inspires others facing adversity.”
And for anyone interested in checking out his music, it is available on all major streaming platforms. “Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more Under The Name Gwap Mula. You can also follow me on Instagram at @gwapgetthemula.”
“I want people to know that a spinal cord injury doesn’t end your life,” says Collins, hoping his story helps others. “A spinal cord injury challenges you to redefine your life. If my story helps even one person keep going, then everything I’ve been through has purpose.”
— Follow Terique: https://www.instagram.com/gwapgetthemula