ORANGE PARK – A message that transcends tragedy and exemplifies the strength of unity, the “Isaiah Strong” fundraiser from Got Sneakers, a zero-waste sneaker recycling organization, allows users to raise money.

The fundraiser started in September in honor of 17-year-old Isaiah Carrasco as he fights daily toward recovery from a tragic accident. 

In a single-car accident 19 months ago, on June 12, 2022, Carrasco lost control of his vehicle. The car was crushed, and he was in critical condition after sustaining a diffuse axonal injury (DAI).

Carrasco regained consciousness after the accident, which is exceptionally rare for someone who suffers a coma from a DIA. After that victory, and as the months went by, he continued to learn mobility and communication, showing signs of improvement.

As Carrasco seeks to finish the course, the growing sneaker donation fundraising program serves a three-part purpose: helping pay medical expenses for his family, providing shoes to those in need and eliminating waste from local landfills.

Shoes are being collected at several businesses in Clay County, including Rock Star Nail Salon in Orange Park, Tony’s Pizza and Martial Arts in Middleburg, KinderCare on Fleming Island, Bargain Boutique in Orange Park, and Lakeside Junior High.

The Orange Park Campus of the Business Club of the St. Johns River State College also joined the effort.

“I think (the decision made by the OPC Business Club and St. Johns River State College) to put out the boxes builds community. It helps college kids (further) understand the importance of giving back and working hard for each other,” said DeAnn Burgess, advisor for Clay County Changemakers, who is playing a crucial role in heading the operation honoring Carrasco and his family.

Burgess said it’s easy to join the cause.

“When shoes enter the box, that location calls us, and we come to pick them up,” Burgess said.

She said they could continue to fight for Isaiah. If not, the volunteers will find another location in the Oakleaf area to donate.

Burgess said the initiative is significant.

“It just shows that a lot of people want to participate and give back. We’ve had a lot of people just say, ‘I’ve got a bag with a lot of sneakers in it. The sneakers don’t even have to make it to the box. You can call us, and we will go pick them up for you,” she said.

As a bonus, non-sneaker shoes people would like to give away will be donated to people in need.

“We’re just hoping and praying for Isaiah’s strong recovery. And we should all recognize the importance of helping one another because traumatic brain injuries can happen to anyone at any time,” Burgess said.

Burgess has big goals for the fundraiser this year.

“I believe the ‘Isaiah Strong’ fundraiser can grow even more, and a lot of people are already aware of (this fundraiser),” she said.

Burgess has already sent out more than 17 bags filled with used sneakers to GotSneakers, and she has six more that will also soon be given to the nonprofit.

“These boxes just continue to fill and fill,” she said.

If you would like to help Carrasco by participating in the initiative, please call Burgess at (904) 718-2062.

“Giving back to the county community is extremely important. There are a lot of needs and initiatives like the ‘Isaiah Strong’ GotSneakers fundraiser, which empowers people to give back. Also, people should be more aware of TBI and how it affects people’s lives in states like Florida. Several people had to leave the state to get care, including Isaiah,” she said.