I want to thank you all for your support and believing in me. When I first read the comments that people posted on espn.com, I was in disbelief as to how many individuals were touched and inspired by Leroy and me. One thing I learned through our friendship is to be grateful for what little that we do have, and to be especially grateful for true friends. A true friend is hard to come by these days, and I am so thankful for Leroy’s friendship.
I also want to say that I was completely awestruck when I was told that a trust fund was going to be put together for Leroy and me. I was at a total loss for words. It is still hard for me to believe most days.
I came a long way with the support from my coaches, friends and family. But now with your help, I will be able to excel even further, to go to college and someday reach my goal of becoming an attorney. It’s like God has sent me multiple guardian angels. I can’t thank you all enough for you help and support. What Leroy and I have been given is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We realize it, and neither of us will it pass up. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I can’t tell you how much all your help and support means to me. Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart.
Dartanyon Crockett
My son Karl first saw Carry On on ESPN, told me about it and one afternoon HOLLERED to find me to tell me it was airing once again. I am a pediatric neurologist, my passion being my faith and children. Your stories touched me as no other. Sorry Leroy, I had tears but they were out of pride for all you have accomplished. Within an hour, I had begun to make financial arrangements to find their way to your trust. Although still in the works, I hope to have added to your trust by month’s end. I emailed the link to ESPN, told your story to numerous others who didn’t see it and have at least two additional people quite likely to add to your trust. What remarkable young men you both are and will continue always to be; God has blessed US by have your lives shared with us. We will continue to watch you grow personally and professionally, all the while keeping you both in our prayers.
Your story impacted me so much because you are both so genuine, sincere not to mention you have a great attitude. I am a teacher and see many kids who have to cope with unthinkable situations at home. I know that standing in front of a class does not make you a great teacher. Setting an example for others, the way you both do, is the most powerful way to teach. Thanks for being a teacher and I hope to show your story to students in the upcoming year!
By the way what a fabulous director right?
God Bless.
I have shared your amazing journey with everyone I know. My two sons (both ahletes as well) have watched it and were encourage and inspired.. Yes thats right both of you have inspired them as well as others. I will continue to share this story as long as I am able. My hope is that schools will share your story with students accros the country, maybe even the world! God Bless you.
Darlene Johnson
Dartanyon,
Hello! I was one of the people who watched your story as I rode a stationary bicycle halfheartedly in the gym. By the end of my ride, I had tears streaming down my cheeks and knew that I had to reach out to you and your friend, Leroy. I used to be a high school biology teacher before I recently went back to school full time to become a nurse. I have seen so many teenagers who feel that they have nothing left, nowhere to go. I think that they don’t realize that there is a whole world out there to explore and conquer if only they had the slightest bit of support. If you are a good person, if you pay it forward, people will help you. You and Leroy will succeed. You are strong. You will ride this storm and come out on the other side even stronger. Please know that you have at least one friend (and I am fairly certain so many more) that will help you weather the storm. Call on me if you need me and I promise to be there. My only hope is that you share your struggle and eventual triumph with as many young people as you can so that they, too, know it is possible to succeed in a world that seems like it was built against you.
Best,
Brandi Clisham
Dartanyon and Leroy,
I’m so happy to have been a small part of this ESPN project and even happier that I got to know and work with the two of you! You are truly inspirations to many people all over the world now.
The response to the broadcast has been fantastic and I wish you both the best as you pursue your future goals!
As I have shared with Leroy after his message: When I saw your story, it brought me back to those days I spent grappling in the gym in HS. I want to thank you for uplifting my spirits and reminding me never to let life’s circumstances get in the way of my dreams. There will be more times in life as I have learned that will come back and test your resolve and faith in something. It is my hope that you continue to stay strong and maintain your profound positivity and maturity. It is also my great hope that this foundation creates more opportunities that you so very much deserve. I hope to hear more about your accomplishments in the future. May you two both be blessed and continue to share the many good things that your lives have and undoubtedly will bring to this world in the future. You inspire me.
Dartanyon, my son wrestles in college & sent me your story, which his coach had shared with him. I was hoping to find a way to help you and Leroy go beyond high school graduation, and was thrilled to learn a trust was set up. We’ve had a tough couple of years, but your stories put it in perspective. And that you excelled at the toughest sport there is made it even more inspiring. Good luck to you. I’ll make a donation & look forward to the updates to see how you’re doing.
All I have to say it that I am so touched and amazed by you. You have inspired me to never give up and I admire your stregnth and courage! I have shared this story with many people and hope that we could put as much as we can in this fund for both you and Leroy! Good luck and one day I know that you will be an attourney! Keep your dreams and never loose them. Love all the way from Colorado….
Natasha
Wow! I do not think I even have words to describe how I felt as I watched you and Leroy’s story. What an inspiration! So many young people would have resorted to resentment or self pity or at the very least apathy or excuses for not living life to your fullest potential! The strength, determination and love of life that you two posess is such a refreshing thing to see.
I am a director for an Upward Bound Program in Freeport, IL. We are a college preparation program for first generation/low income high school students. I will be sharing your story with our group and include a group discussion about overcoming obstacles and so many other lessons they can learn from hearing your story. I have no doubt that you two will be an inspiration to them as well.
I know that I do not even have to say this…that you both already know how fortunate that God has given the two of you each other!
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you both pursue your exciting and fullfilling future. May you continue to touch others with your lives!
JP