Drake has had back pain since childhood due to scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves.
When he was young, he had a 27-degree curve in his spine. While it didn’t cause him immense pain during the first 14 years of his life, his back pain has greatly increased over the past two years, with his spine now at an 87-degree curve.
Unfortunately, in Texas, Drake’s doctor at a local hospital dismissed him when he sought treatment for his scoliosis, and as a result, his curve continued to progress. For years, Drake was unsure about undergoing spinal surgery to correct the curvature, but now, with the constant pain he feels while playing sports and being active, he knew it was time.
Drake and his family heard about Shriners Children’s in a unique way. Scott, Drake’s father, is a charter captain of fishing boats and owns his own business in Texas. On one fishing trip, Scott had a conversation with a man, and they started discussing Drake’s scoliosis. It turns out that Scott was speaking to a Shriner, who introduced him to Shriners Children’s. He detailed our world-class scoliosis care, and after this conversation, Scott knew Shriners Children’s was the solution to his son’s back pain.
After more research, Scott learned that Shriners Children’s Philadelphia tackles tough scoliosis cases head-on and embraces challenges, which is why they traveled almost 1,500 miles to Philadelphia for treatment. As Drake’s spinal curve is severe, he will be undergoing spinal fusion surgery performed by Terrence Ishmael, M.D.
Drake has been a model patient since arriving at the hospital.
In preparation for his spinal fusion surgery, Drake is in halo traction – a surgically placed metal ring (halo) attached to the skull with screws. It is connected to a pulley system (traction), with gradual weights added to slowly straighten the head and spine before surgery. When discussing halo traction, Drake said, “The pain has relieved, and I am not in constant pain anymore since being in traction.”
Dr. Ishmael said, “Drake has been a model patient since arriving at the hospital. He has a wonderful attitude and has been making friends left and right. He will spend a total of six weeks in halo gravity traction to help loosen up his curve prior to undergoing surgery. He does have a difficult problem, but we are confident that he will do well.”
After surgery, Drake will be able to return to his favorite activities of playing basketball, baseball and football with his friends. Scott said, “Drake has always persevered through the pain to continue doing what he loves. He is even learning to play the guitar and write a song with music therapist Becky!” Drake will perform his original song for the other inpatients and parents in the near future. Drake said of his care at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, “It’s been great!”
Drake is now a Patient Ambassador and hopes to host his own fundraisers to support Shriners Children’s and help more patients like him. He has truly become a leader around the hospital, and other patients look up to him for strength and guidance. He spends his free time with younger patients on the inpatient floor, despite such a large age gap between them. Drake is a source of comfort for these patients, supporting them in any way he can – even while undergoing his own medical treatment. Drake is empathetic and a true bright light for patients and staff.
Drake dribbles a basketball during one of his games.
Drake and his family smile for a photo.
Drake runs during his football game.
Drake runs during his track meet.
Drake plays guitar with Becky, a music therapist at Shriners Children's Philadelphia.
A young Drake smiles in a tuxedo.
Drake smiles with his dad.
Drake laughs as a little boy.
