The Greatest I Never Met

Dalton Rashad Criss was a true great.

Rich "Ace" Akullian

Posted by
Rich "Ace" Akullian on

Jul 18, 2021


Dalton’s Story

Dalton Rashad Criss worked hard to become a modern day renaissance man by the time he was 18…then he gave his heart to the world. 

In “Dalton’s Story” you’ll be inspired as the Organ Donor Hero quotes Muhammed Ali’s saying “if they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, they surely can make something out of you…” This mini-documentary featuring Dalton’s remarkable story was shown at the Center for Donation & Transplant Donor Memorial Ceremony.

Dalton knew at an early age that he wanted to “be a great”. He was curious about the world, and how he could make it better. He had these qualities instilled in him by his loving, resilient, and extremely talented family. We were blessed to meet Dexter, Danielle, and Barbara Criss at the beautiful Hartman Theatre at SUNY Plattsburgh last month and learn more about Dalton’s Story.

He tried to find the bigger purpose in his actions, and while preparing for his driving license he asked his father Dexter, “Dad are you an organ donor?” While most new drivers are mainly concerned with getting the car keys, he was excited to join the (only) 41% of New Yorkers on the donor registry.

The incredible teen was ready to become the big man on campus at SUNY Plattsburgh when tragedy struck, and Dalton was in a serious single car accident. 

When it became apparent that he wasn’t going to make it, his family found the strength to give Dalton’s heart a new home, and a new life.

To learn more about the legacy that Dalton built on his way to becoming a true great check out his story.

*Special Thanks to The Center for Donation & Transplant New York-Vermont for bringing us in on this project. We were fortunate to reconnect with them following my note about my cousin Thomas.

Thomas & Dalton would have gotten along really well…
Check Yes to Organ Donation.

Today and everyday, we commemorate those with the courage and kindness to become organ donors. The need for donors has been rising significantly over the years, and families all over the world desperately await for their chance at a new life. Everyday, there are approximately 107,035 people on the national waiting list for an organ donor. Becoming a donor is easy – when you renew your license, simply check the box that asks if you’d like to be an organ donor.