POPE COUNTY, Ark. (KTHV) - The power of community was on full display in Pope County Saturday, August 18 -- more than two months after Drake Maness injured his spinal cord while diving into a swimming pool.
His friends, family and classmates came together for a benefit concert and barbecue dinner outside Atkins.
As Drake continues recovering in a Baltimore, MD hospital, his classmates started their senior year at Pottsville High School last week.
"Not having him the first day, not seeing his car pull up in the parking lot before the bell rings, it's just tough," friend Rylee Huie said.
As tough as his absence has been, Drake's classmates find hope in his progress.
"Knowing that he'll be back soon is always a plus," Huie said.
Last week, Drake's family posted a video of him walking down the hallway at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore. According to family, Drake has gone from sitting up, to standing with help, to standing without help, to walking while in a harness, to walking with just a walker in the span of two weeks. His lungs have also improved as he is starting to break off from his ventilator, they said.
"You hear a lot of bad in the world but right now in our world there's so much good," said family friend Andrea James, who organized the benefit concert.
Jason Campbell, Robby Deal, Rockey Don Jones, Jamie Jones, and others performed at Sunday's concert. It's an outpouring of love the Maness families saw for themselves via Facetime.
"I wanted to work my tail off to make sure that they never had to stress over money," said James. "Just take care of Drake. Go do what you need to do for your son. We're going to take care of the rest here."
Doctors are tentatively planning Drake's discharge for October 18.
An account has been 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.
There is also going to be a benefit shooting 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.
Follow Drake’s journey here.
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