Playing hospital hoops wasn’t in Dalton Brown’s game plan for this spring.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Slipping on jersey Number 23.  Lacing up his sneakers.  Gunning through his favorite shot; the three-pointer.  It’s all second nature to budding high school basketball star Dalton Brown.  But since the first of the month, he’s been wearing shorts and a shirt without a number, slipping on house shoes, and gunning for a most unfamiliar opponent; leukemia.

“My lymph nodes swelled, and my energy level was low.  When my labs came back abnormal, we knew something was up,” said Brown who’s mother is Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Amanda Brown of Cumberland Gap Medical.  On May 1, he was diagnosed with leukemia, and treatments soon began.

Even though Dalton’s computer is on the fritz, he’s able to play games in his hospital room.  His favorite game is Fortnite, a game he’s pretty good at.

Dalton’s best friend, Josh, was the first person he told.  “Josh let me know that he was there for me and for me to keep him updated,” said Brown.

Since his diagnosis of less than three weeks ago, Brown is up against a most un-teenage-like challenge.  However, Number 23 is up for the challenge and has the attitude to boot.  He confidently said on Tuesday, “I know I’m going to get over it.”

He’s been a bit taken with all the support and is certainly happy to have it.  “My J. Frank White Academy varsity basketball coach, Alan Wright, told me to hang in there while my golf coach Travis Muncy has stayed in touch,” Dalton said.  Coach Muncy and his wife have even delivered care packages to Dalton.  His logo (below) is starting to show up around town on T-shirts and even on WLAF TV 12’s Green Screen.

WLAF’s Aaron Hopkins designed Dalton’s logo using the color for leukemia, orange, and the J. Frank White Academy Knights colors of blue and gray.

When asked what’s been the toughest thing so far, Dalton said, “Having to stay in the hospital that first week.”  His most recent treatment was on Monday with the next round this coming Monday 18.  Dalton’s team of doctors is encouraged by his progress.  “I think that’s cool,” exclaimed the soon-to-be 15-year- old.

For now, basketball is on hold for the five-seven sharp shooter.  Instead of a basket, Dalton Brown’s put a bullseye on leukemia.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/13/2020-6AM)

5 Replies to “Brown stares down his toughest opponent; leukemia.”

  1. My prayers are with Dalton. No one understands why God allows things like this to happen; however, I claim Romans chapter 8, verse 28: “For we know all things work together for the good to them that love God who are the called according to His purpose.” Our ways are not His ways and His ways are not our ways. God gave us the promise in Hebrews chapter 13 and verse 5: “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” God bless you Dalton. We are all there with you all the way. Proverbs chapter 3, verse 5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, lean not unto thine own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths. My prayers are with you and your family always. Have a safe and blessed day. My prayers are with the doctors and nurses that care for you.

  2. Dalton, God has got U in HIS hands. HE loves you and we may not understand everything, but we must TRUST HIM. We love You ❤️ and are praying for you and your family ❤️.

  3. Hey Dalton, I hope you are having a good day. Tomorrow sunshine is coming. My grandchildren the Robards and Troutman’s go to school with you at JFWA. Just to let you know lots of prayers are going up for you from us on a daily bases. We just know you are going to beat this and there is nothing that you and God can’t handel together. Please tell your parents prayers are going up for them as well. You are going to come through this with flying colors. Love Ms Vicki

  4. Dalton everyone is praying for you and you will beat it. God has this under control. I am praying for you’re family too.🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️🧸

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