Walled Lake

‘Band’ together: Drew Clayborn gets ready for senior year

By Eric Czarnik
C & G Staff Writer

WALLED LAKE — Being in a wheelchair won’t stop Drew Clayborn of Commerce Township from making some music as he heads back to Walled Lake Central High School for his senior year.

Using a mouthpiece-activated synthesizer attached to his wheelchair, the 16-year-old has spent the summer practicing for marching band at a camp near Charlevoix. Now that he’s back, he’s getting ready for tournament season, according to his father, LeDon Clayborn.

“I’m very proud of the fact that instead of him looking for every reason not to participate … that he is still excited about something that was dear to him before his injury,” LeDon said. “He loves being part of the band and is very comfortable with his new role.”

Drew’s family said he has made progress in recovering since his sophomore year in 2010, when he became a quadriplegic after an accident in which he practiced a back flip for a high school musical.

Since then, Drew has learned to adapt to his mobility level. He returned to school the next fall, and he remained in the marching band.

Meanwhile, a support group called The Drew Crew has worked together to help pay for Drew’s medical and living expenses. LeDon said each fundraiser has a specific goal, such as home environmental controls that will help Drew open and shut doors.

On Sept. 25, The Drew Crew will hold a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the teen. According to organizers, all of the proceeds raised will go toward COBRA health care costs, as well as physical therapy equipment. LeDon said the goal is to earn $50,000 or more from the spaghetti dinner.

LeDon said Drew’s insurance cannot fund all the therapy he needs to stay in shape. Tracie Nichols, LeDon’s fiancée and director of The Drew Crew, said this fundraiser will aim to pay for a special stationary bike that forces the muscles of normally immobile legs to pedal. She said the Clayborns are also looking at equipping Drew with a therapeutic suit that would stimulate and exercise his muscles.

“The most important things for quads is to keep their muscle mass, so they don’t lose too much bone density,” she explained. “It’s to help him bring his muscle mass (back). We can actually start seeing calf muscles being built back.”

LeDon said that if Drew recovers his bone density and muscle mass, he could be eligible for future treatments that might enable him to walk again. In the meantime, the father said he is thankful for the people who have rallied to help his son out.

“Everybody still seems to be a phone call away,” he said. “Overall, it’s there. You just have to ask.”

The Drew Crew will hold the Spaghetti Dinner and Family Fun Day fundraiser from 2-8 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Multi-Lake Conservation Center, 3860 Newton Road, in Commerce Township.

The fundraiser will include food, an auction, a DJ, a live band and more. It is sponsored by Alekos Carry Out and Catering of Commerce Township.

Admission is $10. To learn more about the organization, visit www.thedrewcrew.org.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at eczarnik@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1058.