Aurum Donates Toward New Van for Family Affected by Spinal Cord Injury

Drew Clayborn isn't one to let anything slow him down and through the help of a Rochester jeweler, it'll soon become even easier for him to go places. 

Drew, who became paralyzed from the shoulders down after an accident while attempting a backflip during rehearsal for a Dr. Seuss school musical while a sophomore at Walled Lake Central, is now in his second year at the University of Michigan. He studies bioinformatics and remains active and energetic in spite of any physical limitations.

"He's basically a 19-year-old kid, living like any other kid and getting his education," Drew's father, LeDon, said. "He just has a unique obstacle, that he's a quadriplegic paralyzed from shoulders down."

Aurum Design Jewelry, 400 S. Main St. in downtown Rochester, heard of Drew's story and his family's need of a specialized, handicap-accessible van through customer Lori Lesperence, a friend of the Commerce Township-based Clayborn family. 

Inspired by Drew's story, the jeweler agreed to donate a sum toward the family's van purchase and will present the family with the gift on Saturday. The amount of the contribution has not been disclosed. 

"We donate to several other causes and thought this was worthwhile place to put some money," Daren Schurman, owner of Aurum, said. "It's heart-touching."

By helping the family fund the purchase of the van, Schurman says he hopes Drew can continue to thrive in life.

"We are so pleased to be able to help Drew get the transportation he needs to have to improve his mobility and fulfill his commitment to going to college," Schurman said. 

"His mind works," LeDon said. "He's very sharp and has a great personality and  we firmly believe he'll get out of his chair."

The new van, LeDon said, is built from the ground up to accommodate quadriplegic passengers such as Drew.

The Clayborns have started a nonprofit in Drew's name, the Drew Crew, to raise funds for his unique living expenses, and to help other families facing similar challenges. Those wishing to donate to the cause can find more information at thedrewcrew.org.