Teen Practicing Back Flip Breaks Neck

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - He was practicing a back flip for an upcoming school musical when the unthinkable happened. A 15-year-old student at Walled Lake Central High School broke his neck, but his determination and spirit are as strong as ever.

"Talking about doing the back flip... then preparing to do it, and then I was out," said Drew Clayborn. "I didn't wake up for like three days."

He does not remember what happened on March 26 when he tried to do a back flip he had been practicing for an upcoming Dr. Seuss musical at Walled Lake Central. One of his teachers and a school liaison officer saved his life by performed CPR. Now, he is paralyzed, but his attitude is incredible positive.

"Seeing... how much support I have from my church, my school and my whole community, really, I can't be anything but positive," Drew Clayborn said.

Beat boxing with his sister and brother, learning to maneuver in his wheelchair, he is surrounded by his supportive family. They call themselves "The Drew Crew," and they are incredible proud of him.

"I know that his spirits are probably greater than mine and his mom's. It's real hard for us, I think, to see him have to go through what he goes through, but he does it in stride and... he does well," said Ledon Clayborn, Drew's father.

However, it is hard on everybody emotionally and financially. They are trying to raise $200,000 to make their home handicap accessible and get transportation for Drew. They have a series of fundraisers set up, including one on Saturday, May 15 at the Bayside Sports Grill, located at Pontiac Trial and North Shore Drive in Walled Lake, from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. There will be bands, an auction and lots of fun.

"It takes moments like this to notice how many people actually love you. I was surprised. It's shocking, really," said Drew Clayborn.

Donations can also be made to the Drew Clayborn Fund at any Citizens Bank branch location.