Post by Admin on Nov 8, 2014 19:39:25 GMT -4
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still had one very special fan cheering for him during Thursday night's game. His daughter, 4-year-old Leah Still, flew from Philadelphia to Cincinnati to watch her dad play pro football for the first time ever, after starting treatment for cancer earlier this year.
Many fans in the crowd showed their support for Leah with signs and banners.
In June, Leah was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma after a mass was discovered growing in her abdomen. Doctors gave Leah a 50/50 chance at survival, according to report from ESPN.
After receiving surgery to remove the tumor in September, Leah has finally recovered enough to watch her father play – and Still has shared that, as of now, the tumor has been completely removed.
The NFL has been supporting Devon, Leah and their family all the way.
The pro athlete was set to be cut by the Bengals before the regular season began after suffering a hamstring injury, but the team decided to keep Devon on so that he could retain his insurance and be able to pay for Leah's mounting medical costs.
Still was later added to the team's active roster, and played in his third game of the season on Thursday.
According to Still, hospital and treatment bills could amount to over $1 million, and the NFL has already assured Still they will cover any of those costs.
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The 25-year-old defensive tackle has also recently made it his mission to raise awareness and money for pediatric cancer research. The Bengals announced they would support Still's efforts by selling his No. 75 jersey in their pro shop and donating all proceeds to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
The team has raised over $1 million since sales of Still's jersey began.
Even coaches from rival teams have been showing their support for the cause. Sean Payton, head coach of the New Orleans Saints, reportedly bought 100 No. 75 jerseys and donated them to the local Boys & Girls Club, as well as the Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft also reportedly donated $25,000 to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital in Leah's name.
At the game, Leah participated in a ceremony in which the team presented the Cincinnati Children's Hospital with a check for over $1 million. The money will go towards pediatric cancer research and treatment.
God bless her and her family and the fact there are still good dads out there who care and he does.
C
