NFL player Devon Still shared some miraculous news this week. On Tuesday, Jan. 12, the defensive tackle rejoiced via social media, over the news that his 5-year-old daughter, Leah Still, had beaten cancer after a long, 18-month battle. He tweeted:
It’s crazy to sit here in the hospital know that after leah gets discharged tomorrow we are really done with this chapter in our lives
— Devon Still (@Dev_Still71) January 12, 2016
She really beat cancer! Beyond thankful for all the support y’all showed us
— Devon Still (@Dev_Still71) January 12, 2016
In June 2014, Leah was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma, a cancer that is commonly found in the adrenal glands and distant lymph nodes. At the time, doctors said Leah only had a 50 percent chance of surviving. She received an outpouring of support from sports fans, who dubbed her “Leah Strong” as her Houston Texan dad documented her fight against cancer. Still elaborated via Instagram writing, “With Leah finishing her last treatment last night, I can really say my daughter BEAT CANCER! Words can’t describe how proud I am of this girl. No matter how hard it got or how painful the treatments were (and it was pretty bad a lot of the times) she never gave up!”wrote the proud papa.
“I want to thank everyone who followed us as I documented her fight on social media. The amount of support we received was beyond amazing! I can honestly say that you all made a big difference. Every time we received bad news or felt like it was coming to a point were we couldn’t fight anymore, I would go to the comments you all wrote cheering us on and it would make us fight so much harder. I ask that since Leah’s fight is at the end that you follow other families journeys and cheer them on just as you did us!”
He also shared some words of encouragement and invaluable advice for parents and families of children facing pediatric cancer. “No matter how hard it gets, no matter what the doctors tell you, always remain positive! Speak victory into existence. Give your child’s fight with cancer a purpose. Use it to raise awareness so that you can help all kids fighting this disease. No matter how big or small your platform/following is, you will reach that one family that just needs to know they’re not alone in the fight so they don’t give up. Drop to your knees every day and pray. I was never a big spiritual person but I always believed in God and knew who to turn to in the time of need. #LEAHSTRONG #STILLSTRONG”
What a wonderful miracle to start off the year right. Here’s to wishing little Leah continued good health!
