Korey’s Krew
An Inspiring Group
By Krista Martinelli
After a few challenges in getting out and getting to his favorite concerts and events, young Korey Soderman got organized about having fun. As a differently-abled, extremely-bright teenager, Korey gets around using a motor wheelchair, communicates using hand gestures and a voice computer, and succeeds in doing so much more than he was ever expected to do as a young child diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
“Getting out and meeting new people who are differently-abled is what it’s all about,” explains Korey. Korey’s Krew is a non-profit, charitable organization with the mission of providing children and adults with special needs the opportunity to attend local fairs, festivals, concerts and sporting events. Korey’s Krew provides tickets to such events, as well as any meals or other services needed. All Krew members and companions wear Korey’s Krew t-shirts and hats, supplied by Korey’s Krew. It’s a great way for differently-abled teens and young adults to meet and have fun together at amazing events. The group was founded in the spring of 2007 by Tom Shea, a friend of the Soderman family.
Korey’s twin brother Kyle attends college on the west coast of Florida. They are the sons of Wendy and Kris Soderman, founders of the highly-acclaimed Ideal Elementary and Dream Middle School in Royal Palm Beach. But that’s another story, a good one (see the August, 2007 edition of Around Wellington Magazine).
Founder Tom Shea organizes an annual golf tournament at Bear Lakes, which includes music and food afterwards for all participants to enjoy. However, due to the challenges of the economy, they skipped the past year. 
Korey’s love for music and entertainment started early in life. In fact, according to his family, he is on this earth because of a Kenny Loggins song. The song “This is it” by Kenny Loggins inspired the Sodermans to make the choice to save Korey by performing an emergency C-section when Korey went into distress in the womb at just 32-weeks gestation. The decision was not an easy one, as it put the life of his otherwise healthy twin brother at risk. This inspirational story was presented on national TV in an A&E documentary in 2004. The documentary (with an introduction by actor Robert Downey, Jr.) can now be viewed on the Ideal and Dream School website, www.dreamideal.com.
What are other things that Korey likes to do? Most importantly, he is a big fan of live shows. He loves a wide variety of musical artists, with Three Doors Down and Simple Plan being a couple of his favorites. As long it’s live, whether it’s sporting events, plays, music, Korey loves to be there. He stays active and rides a tricycle. He always looks forward to competing in the Special Olympics. He’s also been a DJ for various events, putting his musical taste and talents to work. And like most teens, he is on his computer a great deal of the time – emailing, instant messaging, Skyping and just surfing the Web.
According to Korey, the biggest misconception people have about disabilities is simple, but frustrating. “People don’t think you’re smart, just because you’re disabled.”
Korey’s Krew offers a way for differently-abled teens and young adults to get together, see live shows and overcome those misconceptions that people sometimes have about disabilities.
Korey’s Krew accepts donations, large or small, and all proceeds go to the kids. If you would like to support Korey’s mission, please send a check to: Korey’s Krew, 13833 Wellington Trace E4 – 171, Wellington, FL, 33414, with tax exempt ID number 20-8869999. For more information, visit www.koreyskrew.com.