Fund in Memory of Javon Corey Craddock

Javon came into my family at the age of 10. It seemed he was destined to be our son and big brother to our two young children. He had a swagger and cool confidence that was palpable upon meeting hiim. But he was also a quiet, reserved child that possessed a genuine kindness and humility that can only be described as extraordinary. He was gifted with an athleticism that undeniable, even at ten years of age. He excelled at football, gymnastics, and basketball. But as he grew, he left other sports behind to focus on his true love, basketball.

Javon had a phenomenal high school basketball career, starting on varsity as a freshman the the number 2 team in his school conference. As a sophomore, he was averaging 21 points a game as a shooting guard and was ranked as a top shooter in the East Tennessee division. His sophomore team went on to compete for the state title. On May 16, 2018, at 6:30 pm, I received a call that Javon had collapsed at the Boys and Girls club while playing a pick up game of basketball. He was prounounced dead at 8:00 pm. Javon had one episode of fainting a year prior. But his doctor found no cause for alarm. His autopsy results showed he had an extremely diseased heart, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. His death is surreal, given he was essentially asymyptomatic his entire life, except the one fainting episode and his seemingly superior athletic prowess. No words can ever express the shock, sorrow and dismay his passing has caused our family and the community at large. He was a bright light in the dark places.... he was rising above circumstances that most young people cannot. He brought hope to so many young people and old, alike. His smile could light a million candles and hearts. I love you Javon Corey Craddock. You own a piece of my heart that cannot be replaced. I am so grateful you took a part of me with you.