Support Pours In For Devon Still’s Daughter Who’s Tackling Cancer
Your child has cancer. Words no parent wants to hear. For Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still, it's a reality. His 4-year-old daughter Leah was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma. Their story, although tragic, is toughing lives around the world.
More than a Game
For Still, football is more than a game. It's a family that is standing by him and his daughter. After being cut from the Bengals before the regular season, he was hired on the practice squad so he could keep his insurance and a steady paycheck. It also allowed him more time to spend with his daughter during her treatments. A few weeks later he was promoted back to the team's 53 player roster.
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More than just a game #BeatCancer #PediatricCancerAwareness #prayforleah #WhoDey
Jersey Sales
Still's game jersey is one hot ticket and all the proceeds are going to cancer research. In the first 24 hours of Still being put on the roster, his jersey was the fastest selling jersey in Bengals history. New Orleans Saints coach Sean Peyton even bought 100 himself.
Still is seeing support from players and fans all over the world, in all sports, which he says is allowing him to better cope with his daughter's diagnosis.
Yankee Stadium Staff
Awesome pic of the Yankees ticket staff wearing my jersey at Yankee Stadium in support of my … http://t.co/icDNsoP4wK pic.twitter.com/7E2S3KbXwZ
— Devon Still (@Dev_Still71) October 16, 2014
NHL-Philadelphia Flyers
Sorry you couldn't make it to tonight's game, Leah! #Flyers Nation is behind you. #LeahStrong #HockeyFightsCancer pic.twitter.com/blyicfQYKW
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 14, 2014
Penn State University
Nice! Thanks RT @brittysmiles13: @Dev_Still71 got the new banner on the field for homecoming pic.twitter.com/fB9wMCn1Kt
— Devon Still (@Dev_Still71) September 28, 2014
It was the moment in New England that really touched Still, who was brought to tears. All the cheerleaders donned Still jerseys during the Patriots game against the Bengals.
This is a perfect example for a picture worth a million words @Dev_Still71 #LeahStrong #LeahStill #StillStrong pic.twitter.com/UPB7OupR6Z
— Ashlyn Gibson (@ashlyngibson) October 6, 2014
No matter how scared Still gets, he always stays strong for Leah, giving her pep-talks before surgery.
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Pre-surgery pep talk...I might be nervous and scared beyond words but I'll never let her see it...let's get this done!
Leah's fight and Still's strength to carry her through it is inspiring others. From buying jerseys and can drives to charity walks and large donations. The support pours in, financially and emotionally.
We're all @Bengals today! @Dev_Still71 http://t.co/UATBjL8684
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) October 17, 2014
#Colts Owner & CEO Jim Irsay has donated $10,000 to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in honor of @Dev_Still71's daughter Leah.
— Steve Andress (@ColtsReporter) October 17, 2014
@Dev_Still71 @Bengals Couldnt be more proud to be a Cincinnati Bengal! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/p01rlY1kPd
— Michelle Murrell (@vader513momma) October 18, 2014
To learn more about child cancer visit the American Cancer Society.