Watch: Devon Still, Leah celebrate after receiving OK to leave hospital
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still and his daughter, Leah, celebrated in an Instagram video on Friday after learning that Leah received the OK to leave the hospital.
The 5-year-old Leah was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma in June 2014 and initially given a 50/50 chance to survive. Still announced in March that Leah’s cancer was in remission, but that she would have to undergo stem cell transplants to ensure the cancer cells did not return.
Late last month, Leah hit a “pretty serious” complication with one of the stem cell transplants, Still said.
Weeks later, ESPN announced that Still and Leah would be honored with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at The 2015 ESPYS in Los Angeles on July 15.
In the video posted Friday night, Devon says to Leah, “Hey boo, how do you feel about the doctor coming in here and telling you you can leave Monday?” A dancing Leah starts chanting, “I’m going home! I’m going home!”
Earlier this week, Still said he was unsure whether Leah would be able to make the trip to Los Angeles for The ESPYS. He nevertheless maintained his perspective and shared his inspiration upon hearing that Leah was turning the corner in her treatments.
“You watch these kids fight for their life: They keep a smile on their face,” he said. “They never give up. They’re resilient.”
- Mike Fiammetta
