Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still's daughter Leah had good news for fans after battling a setback from her cancer treatments.
According to ESPN, Devon posted a video of him and Leah announcing she would be free to leave the hospital on Monday. "I get to go home!" the 5-year-old said with her father in a colorful get up. Leah has been battling Stage 4 neuroblastoma since last year. Things were looking up for the family when it was announced her cancer was gone but a stem cell complication led the toddler to return to the hospital for more treatments.
Still has received support from family, friends and his Bengals family. The team re-signed the player as an unrestricted free agent in March and has helped him pay for Leah's treatments. During the season, fans showed their gratitude by raising more than $1.2 million in sales of the player's No. 75 jersey. Despite gaining weight and missing games, the player is determined to rejoin the team officially next season.
Devon says his daughter inspired him to be the best person he can be.
"The question is, how hasn't she motivated me," Still said. "You watch these kids fight for their life and they keep a smile on their face. They never give up. They're resilient. And if you ever watch that -- like I've watched that for a year -- it changes everything about you. It lets you know that you have to make the most of every opportunity that you have."
After sticking by Leah's side, he says he has a whole new perspective on fatherhood and other children who battle life threatening diseases.
"I feel like I'm a different person," he said. "I have a totally different perspective on life," It will do that when you're watching your kid fight for their life. You understand what's most important to you. For me, that's just being there and being a father for my daughter and letting her know I was going to stick by her side during this fight and that she wasn't going to fight alone."
Source: ESPN | Photo Credit: Instagram
Source: profootballtalk.nbcsports.com
