Members and Unified Partners of the Florida Special Arts Center

Drew Solomon

THINK POSITIVE...BELIEVE IN YOURSELF...NEVER GIVE UP
(Drew Solomon's Bio Written by Cheryl Solomon)

The above phrase has become the "mantra" of both The Florida Special Arts Center and the Solomon family due to the experience of Drew Solomon. The following is his story.....

In October, 2007, Drew was taken to the emergency room at Coral Springs Medical Center after complaining of a pain in his side. After ruling out appendicitis, a chest X-Ray was taken to see if he had pneumonia. The X-Ray revealed a mass on his liver. After this shocking discovery, Drew was immediately transferred by ambuance to Jackson Memorial Hospital. Within one week, he had a liver resection to remove the cancerous tumor. After numerous serious infections, chemotherapy, studies, etc., Drew has spent more time in the hospital in the year 2007-2008 than at home.

Anyone who knows Drew is aware that he loves basketball and is a big Miami Heat fan. Last Christmas, during one of his hospital stays, he was visited by Heat players Dwayne Wade and Durell Wright. Visits like this, and from family and friends, helped to elevate Drew's spirit, determination and bravery in the face of tremendous adversity. In addition, music lessons from Special Arts Center Music Director and dear friend, Jerry Cohn, proved to be therapeutic in helping Drew maintain his positive attidtude. Drew has become a true inspiration to his family, friends and physicians who have all become part of "Team Drew."

Although Drew's cancer is in remission, everyday is like "walking on eggshells", due to the medical management complications incurred from Drew's very extensive and serious surgery. This past December, he has finally spent his 22nd birthday, doing what he loves--being with his friends at the Special Arts Center, singing the National Anthem, and enjoying a much anticipated fun-filled weekend vacation with his family in Disney World. Drew keeps telling me that he wants to "get his life back." What he means by this is returning to school, playing basketball, being with his friends at the arts center, riding his bike and doing all the things he participated in and loved before this horrific "detour."

In conclusion, Drew's "ordeal" has affected and taught our family, friends, teachers, and all who have come in contact with Drew, what is truly important in life. Certain life situaitons that we may have perceived as being "so monumental"

Drew Sings National Anthem

are nothing more than "mere inconveniences to be dealt with." Drew's situation has put life in perspective for many of us and as a result, our priorities have changed.

As Drew's Mom, my message to all is this: Appreciate your good health, appreciate and be kind to each other, and enjoy and appreciate each and every day of your life, by treating each day like it is a "very special gift."