POTTSVILLE, Ark. (KTHV) – Multiple fundraisers are being held for a Pottsville High School senior who was severely injured in a swimming accident.
Drake Maness injured his spinal cord while diving into a swimming pool on June 15.
He has since been in treatment at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock however now he is being treated at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland.
While the road to recovery is never easy, Maness has had overwhelming support from not only his community, but also surrounding communities.
"The power of prayer has really worked with him," said Bryan Rust, Pottsville High School’s head coach. “Over the last month it’s really grown from extreme tragedy to unbelievable joy in a lot of ways seeing how the family has been supported and the communities have come together."
“I went on vacation and all I could think about was Drake," said Randy Adkins, president of the Russellville Football Booster Club. “We’ve grown up with a bunch of kids who go to school in Pottsville so when it came out everyone felt the need, the whole booster club felt we need to do something."
Meanwhile, his teammates are trying to keep his spirits high.
"He'll do anything for you. He'll take the shirt off his back just to give it to you," said Hayden Weatherall, a Pottsville teammate.
"When this tragedy happened I just tried to make him laugh as much as I could, the same he does for me," said Lance Ward, also a Pottsville teammate.
Maness is now talking and started to move. He still can’t walk, but recovery is going well.
The Russellville Cyclones football booster club hosted a fundraiser to benefit injured the Pottsville starting center at Brangus Steakhouse (1509 E. Main St., Russellville) on Tuesday, July 31 from 4-8:30 p.m. All the money raised goes toward medical bills for Maness.
What makes this story so great as well, is the community support from opposing football clubs. Arkansas, you are wonderful!
On August 18 is the #DrakeStrong Benefit Concert. It's from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Meadow on the Mountain located at 3940 Saint Joe Road, Atkins, Arkansas 72823. It's a fun-filled night of food, music and dancing! Admission is $10 per person at the gate, kids 12 and under get in free. They will be selling BBQ sandwich dinners for $5 each on a first come, first serve basis.
There is also going to be a benefit tournament on August 25. All participating shooters will meet at Lazy Earls, 3309 Sterlin Hurley Ind HWY, 72830. Four shooters per boat. Prizes include local business donations, and all boats are welcome to participate.
Questions/Sign up contact:
Mickel Gifford (479) 647-6145; Bryce Johnson (479) 567-4359; Cody Hern (479) 647-0661; Cora Alford (479) 857-2923
According to Drake’s father’s Facebook page, the Manesses have also had people ask for their address to send Drake cards. You can send a card to the address below:
Drake Maness
707 North Broadway
3rd Floor Nursing
Room 320 C
Baltimore, Maryland 21205
Amber said, “We can never thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for everything everyone has done for our family.”
There is also an account set up at Centennial Bank for donations for the Maness family to help with medical expenses. Donations can be taken into any Centennial Bank or mailed to Centennial Bank, 2701 West Main Street, Russellville, AR 72801.
Follow Drake’s journey here.