By Holly Fesperman LeeSalisbury PostEast Rowan High School parents and coaches are planning a fundraiser Thursday to help raise money for a sophomore athlete with a neurological disorder similar to multiple sclerosis.
Coleton Boone, a sophomore, recently ran the 1,600- and 3,200-meter events for East Rowan in the conference track meet.
“And then a week later, he’s paralyzed from the rib cage down,” said Rick Roseman, Coleton’s track and cross country coach.
Boone has been diagnosed with acute disseminated enchepalomyelitis ó a brief but intense attack that causes inflammation in the brian and spinal cord.
The disorder can be fatal in severe cases.
About 50 percent of patients have some lasting disability. Others recover fully, but that process can take three months to three years.
According to Lisa Holshouser, parent of an East Rowan student, doctors told Coleton he wouldn’t walk for at least three months. But he was up and moving, however slowly, last Sunday.
Roseman attributes the quicker than expected progress to Coleton’s incredible determination.
“He is determined to run cross country next fall,” Roseman said. “It’s unbelievable. He’s never complained or asked why. … That’s just the kind of kid he is.”
Holshouser said medicine Coleton received to stop the progression of the symptoms was expensive ó about $25,000.
Barry Justus, Coleton’s wrestling coach, said he and others are just trying to do something to help Coleton’s parents, Robin and Scott Boone, with medical costs.
“We don’t know how badly in debt the parents are going to be,” Justus said.
When Holshouser asked Coleton if she could call the Post to try to get an article in about the fundraiser he told her, “Yeah you can do that, but I just don’t want anybody feeling sorry for me because I’ve got a lot to be thankful for.”
Justus added that Coleton wanted the fundraiser atmosphere to be positive.
It will be Thursday at East Rowan High School from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Community members are asked to get sponsors and come out and walk to raise money for Coleton.
The East Rowan Cafe will have hamburgers and hot dogs and organizers will hold a raffle. The East Rowan High School Student Council will provide drinks.
Donations will also be accepted. Checks can be made out to East Rowan High School.
For more information, call Lisa Holshouser at 704-223-4504 or Rick Roseman at 704-279-7334.
Contact Holly Lee at 704-797-7683 or hlee@salisburypost.com.