Devon Still
Devon's early life
Devon still was born July 11, 1989 in Camden, New Jersey. He attended Howard High School of Technology, where he was a standout lineman for the Howard Wildcats school football team. During his senior year at Howard he was voted team captain with a recorded 60 tackles. Still was also recognized as lineman of the year. After high school Still played college football at Pennsylvania State University, where he earned consensus All-American Honors. Later, in 2012 Still got drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals.
The way Leah's cancer effected his career
In June 2014 Devon's daughter Leah was diagnosed with cancer. Due to Leah's cancer Devon made the right choice of leaving football so he could be by Leah in her battle against cancer. To show even more support he shaved his head. "I'm not going to grow out my hair until Leah can too." Devon said. Unfortunately, he would be able to fully quit football because when the medical bills added up to about 1 million he knew he would have to play football again, so the coaches let him be on the practice squad. Later, in September when Leah was in remission Devon moved back to the active roster.
Leah's story
At the age of 4, Leah was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma Cancer with only a 50/50 chance of living. Her harsh battle against the disease led her to some great honors too, Leah got her face on the cover of the Wheaties cereal box and during New Yorks fashion week Leah got to walk the runway. Leah just recently became cancer free and now she's in remission. Now she is a powerful and inspirational face for other kids with cancer.
Where Devon is now
Now that Leah is cancer free, Devon will remain playing football with the Cincinnati, Bengals. Devon just recently became a free agent in the NFL. Leah's cancer taught Devon a valuable lesson he will never forget, "it's crazy how one moment your life can be perfect, but the next you can be in the hospital finding out your daughter has cancer and a 50/50 chance of living.
Devon and Leah
Both Devon and Leah are very courageous and inspiring people. From the day both their lives were turned upside down they stayed strong and fought hard. Leah stills not only had hope but she gave others with the same challenges hope. And it wasn't only Leah who showed courage but Devon did as well when he gave up his dream of professional football to be by his daughters side.
Bibliography
(n.d.). Retrieved November 19, 2015, from http://www.gosusports.com/
(n.d.). Retrieved November 19, 2015, from http://abcnews.go.com/
(n.d.). Retrieved November 19, 2015, from http://espn.go.com/