When Drew Carnes was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome in May 2025, it marked the start of a long and uncertain road for the longtime First Frontier Circuit contestant and board member.
Carnes has been a consistent presence in the tie-down and team roping events across ProRodeo’s First Frontier Circuit and beyond. Now, he’s hospitalized and facing serious health complications from the rare neurological disorder.
A Life on Hold
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack its own nervous system, leading to nerve damage, muscle weakness and in severe cases, paralysis. Carnes began experiencing symptoms in mid-May and has since been in and out of the hospital three times.
“He’s still in the hospital now and has been for more than 10 days this time,” First Frontier Circuit President Brock Hower said. “He’s regained a little bit of muscle strength but has a long way to go. It’s unpredictable—some people recover quickly, some take years, and some never fully do.”
Since the diagnosis, Carnes has lost the ability to perform daily tasks like walking or opening a water bottle. An electrician by trade, he’s currently unable to work or live independently and requires daily assistance with basic care and the upkeep of his animals.
Community Action
Carnes’ role as a First Frontier board member and longtime contestant made the need for support clear to circuit leadership.
“When he got sick, we knew we had to do something to help,” Hower said. “We set a goal to raise $10,000 to help with medical expenses and lost income.”
A benefit raffle was launched with minimal expectations—just a few hundred entries, they hoped. Instead, the response was overwhelming.
“We’ve sold over 450 slots already,” Hower said. “People from all over have donated. That’s the rodeo community. They show up when someone’s down.”
How to Help
Raffle Details:
- Drawing held: July 23
- Cost: $20 per slot or 2 for $35
- Venmo: @FirstFrontierCircuit (no logo, last 4 digits 2332)
- Venmo link: https://venmo.com/u/FirstFrontierCircuit
⚠️ Beware of scam accounts. Only use the direct link above to send payment. Include your name in the payment notes.
Most prizes in the raffle are location specific, so if you would prefer to donate without entering, you can simply send a monetary donation via Venmo using the same link.
Prizes Include:
- 3-night stay at the Penn Harris Hotel during the First Frontier Circuit Finals
- 3 American 40x felt hats (valued at $700 each)
- Season passes to Painted Pony Championship Rodeo
- Two tickets to the First Frontier Circuit Finals (night of your choice)
- Free equine dentistry session with TJ Smith at a First Frontier Circuit rodeo
- One free equine chiropractic session with Rob Wright (Wright Alignment)
- Cowtown Rodeo Family Four-Pack + Yeti Package
- One free MagnaWave session with Steph Dyer at a First Frontier Circuit rodeo
- $50 gift certificate to Love on a Hanger
- One free Equiscope session with Saige Miller (Rejuvenate Body Therapy)
- Custom hand-painted horse portrait
- Farmhouse Tack Rope Package (head, heel and calf ropes)
- Winner’s Choice Supply Package: B Free of Flies, Equi Breath Nasal Strips, leather tie-down and strap, headstall and rolled split reins
- Personalized Kelly Clover buckle ($325 value)
All proceeds go directly toward Carnes’ medical and living expenses.
Looking Ahead
There’s no firm timeline for Carnes’ recovery. The early treatment gives doctors hope, but there are no guarantees with Guillain-Barré. For now, the circuit is doing what it can to bridge the financial gap and keep him afloat while he battles the unknown.
