Carry On

A Story or Resilience, Redemption, and an Unlikely Family

By: Lisa Fenn

Narrated by: Lisa Fenn

In the spirit of The Blind Side and Friday Night Lights comes a tender and profoundly moving memoir about an ESPN producer’s unexpected relationship with two disabled wrestlers from inner city Cleveland, and how these bonds—blossoming, ultimately, into a most unorthodox family—would transform their lives.

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.

Need a little inspiration?

I heard about this book on an NPR show called Only a Game, and I rushed to Audible to see if it was available. This story will renew your faith in humanity, but it is also a very honest depiction of how challenging it can be sometimes to help someone – even if they want your help.

Totally inspirational!!!

This heartwarming story brought tears to my eyes! Listening to Lisa tell the story of her own voice took the story to a whole other level...You can hear the pride and joy in every word!

This book is both entertaining and inspirational.

This book drew me in as few books have especially as I get older. If you are looking at reading/listening to this book, pause no longer.

True Excellence

Parallel lines are not supposed to converge, but these lives of poverty and wealth, tragedy and triumph do intersect, with extensively unforseen and beautiful results. This is a well written, absorbing story that will pin you to the mat, or the earbuds, as the case may be. Listen and learn!

Story of hope and resilance!

This story will change the way you see others and the world around you and for that, it is worth the read!