Carry On

Book excerpt: “An incredible life-affirming story” about an unexpected, lifechanging relationship between an ESPN producer and two disabled, inner-city athletes (Family Circle). When award-winning ESPN producer Lisa Fenn returned to her hometown for a story about two wrestlers at one of Cleveland’s toughest public high schools, she had no idea that the trip would change her life. Both young men were disadvantaged students with significant physical disabilities. Dartanyon Crockett was legally blind as a result of Leber’s disease; Leroy Sutton lost both his legs at eleven, when he was run over by a train. Brought together by wrestling, they had developed a brother-like bond as they worked to overcome their disabilities. After forming a profound connection with Dartanyon and Leroy, Fenn realized she couldn't just walk away when filming ended; these boys had had to overcome the odds too many times. Instead, Fenn dedicated herself to ensuring their success long after the reporting was finished and the story aired—and an unlikely family of three was formed. The years ahead would be fraught with complex challenges, but Fenn stayed with the boys every step of the way—teaching them essential life skills, helping them heal old wounds and traumatic pasts, and providing the first steady and consistent support system they’d ever had. This powerful memoir is one of love, hope, faith, and strength—a story about an unusual family and the courage to carry on, even in the most extraordinary circumstances. “A poignant memoir.” —Sports Illustrated “A profoundly moving memoir about two boys who become men in the face of life’s toughest challenges:. We see the many ways in which one person can carry another, and we are inspired to do the same.” —Tim Howard, New York Times–bestselling author of The Keeper “‘An astonishingly beautiful tale . . . like The Blind Side or Same Kind of Different As Me, Lisa Fenn’s work forces us to reframe our definition of family.” —Kevin Salwen, author of The Power of Half “A heartfelt memoir that grips you from the first page and pulls at your soul until the end” —Steve Eubanks, New York Times–bestselling author of All American