the infinite power in asking for help

“Can you spare a few dollars?” Davyan Irving asks me as I walk to my car. It’s 8am and he’s carrying a cardboard box full of assorted candy bars around the grocery store parking lot. Taped to the box is the headshot of young man in a football jersey.

It’s a picture of his younger brother, Lucas.

“He’s one of the fastest running backs in the state. 
Me and my brothers are trying to keep him in college.”

Davyan says his brother:
- exercises and practices four+ hours a day,
- studies kinesiology,
- sells candy six days a week to keep his college career alive.

I ask how much they need → $8,000 dollars a semester.

I say I want to share his story to see if I can help.
I have friends who have raised millions using media.
They were brave enough to ask.

We swap numbers and I tell Dayvion,
“I want to double whatever you raise today.”
He texts me later → $211

Challenge accepted: Now I’m asking you for help raising $211 for Lucas.

A week later, Lucas and I meet at Davyan’s apartment.
When I pull up, six police cars are parked out front.
I walk past a huddle of officers to get into the building.

The apartment is immaculate. Davyan introduces Lucas.
We shake hands. His are huge.

I record some of Lucas’s story and he shows me his football highlights.
He was one of the fastest players in state before his lung collapsed.
Now he’s working his way back to the starting lineup.

I ask about the candy hustle.
The brothers go out nearly every day.
So far, they’ve raised $4,000.

I give Lucas $100.
He’s stunned.
He thinks I’m kidding, offering me the money back multiple times.

Then there’s commotion outside.
Davyan asks what I know about gang culture. It’s not much.
He tells me this is gang territory.

There was a shooting in the building an hour before I got there.
One of the residents shot at someone from the building.
That explains the cops.

Now I’m asking for help raising $211 to keep Lucas in school.

They come from a musical family.
We spend an hour singing and rapping.
It’s a beautiful evening.

Then someone comes to the complex and shatters a window.
Revenge for the shooting perhaps?

It’s finally time to go.
I drive home and think bout the night.
I’m looking forward to going to a football game and watching Lucas soon.

If any of this story moved you, please consider donating a few bucks to the Irvings.

Thank you for listening,
O