Left: Dalton has been brave throughout his fight against cancer. Above: The West Iredell High School football teams says a prayer before a game. Right: Dalton’s favorite place is on the soccer field.
support has been tremendous,” says Geri. “We turned to the community for that kind of support because we knew we couldn’t do it alone.” When Make-A-Wish got involved, Dalton joked that he would like to go to England to see his favorite soccer team, Manchester United, in person. He never expected it would really happen, and he certainly did not expect students at his rival high school, North Iredell, to be the sponsor and pay for the entire trip. But sure enough in May, Dalton; his father, Joe; and his older brother,
22 lake norman currents | December 2014 | www.lncurrents.com
Dillon, flew to England to watch Manchester United beat Hull City. “He was so shocked,” says Geri. “He couldn’t believe there were people out there who were that caring. …It was an awesome gift and something that Dalton will be able to remember for the rest of his life.” Throughout his medical procedures and treatments, Dalton was determined to get back on the football field, which brings us back to the final game and the final 12 seconds. Dalton made the point after, and West Iredell won the game.
“It was more than an extra point,” says Dalton. “It was just a special moment for me. There’s nothing really big enough to take me down. I learned that from my football coach.”