Counted Out By Man, Chosen By God

My name is Craig Johnson and I have played since the age of 4. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the youngest of six, in a household of Student Athletes; I learned very early the importance of education, academics, and dedication. In 2008, just beginning 10th grade, after a season of being the only Freshman to start Varsity, on my McKinley Senior High Soccer team. August 26th, during soccer practice with my youth team, I suffered a Sports Hernia. The very next day, while examining the Hernia, my Urologist noticed a tear in my Spleen; I was then admitted to the hospital and given a blood transfusion. Less than 24 hours later, the transfusion results began to show signs of my body healing itself. On August 28, 2008, my Pediatrician and Urologist came in to discuss possible surgeries that needed to be performed within the next 12-24 hours. However, a lab technician, Thankfully, overheard this conversation and began to run tests on my blood. From those RANDOM tests doctors discovered I had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia cells in almost 30% of my body.  I knew then, this was the beginning of a journey that God had planned for me. The very Next Day my Mom and I were in Memphis, TN. Also my brother Cee met us in Memphis that morning, thanks to our sister Cyra working at Delta during that time. That day a “Port” was surgically put in my chest and I began receiving Chemotherapy treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Despite my circumstances I focused on completing my remaining requirements in order to graduate high school early. I also maintained focus on playing soccer my Senior year at McKinley. After graduating high school, I earned opportunities to attend all the schools I applied to including Harvard, Duke, Morehouse, Baylor, FAMU, and  Xavier. However, I felt Howard University was the place for me after visited for Accepted Students’ Day. Once I arrived in DC my Freshman year, I was a 17-year-old  Pre-Med Biology Cancer patient, thousands of miles away from home. To ease some stress I developed a "system" for going to the Howard University Hospital, somewhat undercover. I walked to back of HUH twice a week, in order to get blood cultures drawn and receive Chemotherapy. To add to my new list of obstructions, during this time, I was not medically cleared to play Division 1 College Soccer for the Howard Bison, sadly. Admittedly, I was down and confused about what I was supposed to do with life moving forward. I thoroughly missed being "normal", my home, playing soccer and was feeling really Counted Out. Thankfully at some point end freshman year/beginning Sophomore year, an RA invited me to Ebenezer AME Church. Soon I began to feel myself becoming more in tune with my purpose over the years, and being Covered and Collected by God. While taking a required Physical Education class, Soccer, I scored a goal every day, and was directed to attempt and walk-on to the Howard Men’s team by my class instructor. By this time my “Port” was removed and I clearly was physically active again. Faithfully in the rain, I made the Howard University Men’s Soccer team my Senior year. Truthfully, besides graduating, making the Men's Soccer team had been my main reason for attending Howard in the first place. Next, while completing my Master’s program, I, over the years have played in multiple Adult Soccer Leagues including the GUS League (Houston, TX), BRSC (Baton Rouge, LA) and District Sports (Washington, DC).  

NOW This why I need your help!

THIS July, I have the opportunity to showcase my soccer skills at a Licensed Professional Soccer Combine in Latvia, Europe. My spot at the combine has already been confirmed RESERVED with the PSC Group!! However, I still need assistance with paying for Flights and my last Installment to the Pro Soccer Combine registration. These are essentially the Last Steps for me to reach my Lifelong Dream!

Last, and most importantly, in September I will be celebrating my 5th year in REMISSION!!!
The 8-year journey at Howard through to Now has by no means been easy, but my faith never died. Additionally, my attitude may have been ruffled at times, yet, I labored to remain positive as possible, Always. 

Thank you to Everyone that spent the time to Read this, Shared this, Donated to this, Prayed for me and/or Assisted in ANY way along my journey. Truly, I have SO much Love for y’all and I hope you continue to strive to achieve YOUR dreams as well. 

MANY Blessings!

DONATE ALSO WITH  

Cash App: $CraigCJohnson

Venmo: @craigthelegend

Zelle: [email redacted]