STILL STRONG: Devon and Leah Still are dedicating their lives to a bigger purpose

Pooja Lodhia Image
Monday, October 1, 2018
STILL STRONG: Devon and Leah Still are dedicating their lives to a bigger purpose
Former Texans DE Devon Still wants to help other children suffering from childhood cancer, now that Leah is in remission.

Former Texans player Devon Still has retired from the NFL and is now dedicating his life to something bigger than himself.

"I just felt like I had a bigger purpose off the field, which is fighting for these families who are battling childhood cancer," Devon explained.

Back in 2014, Devon's now 8-year-old daughter Leah was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer that affects nerve cells. After chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and several surgeries, the cancer is finally in remission.

"I don't know exactly what the doctor said, but he hung up the phone and I was like, 'Am I in remission? Am I in remission?' He said, 'Yes,' and then we just started hugging and we were all so happy," Leah said.

"There was a point in time when the doctors told us she only had a 50 percent chance of surviving," Devon said. "That means I had a 50 percent chance of never being able to watch my child grow up. I had a 50 percent chance of never being able to be called 'Dad' again."

Devon's new purpose has him visiting patients in the hospital and raising money for families dealing with cancer.

For Leah, the career change means getting to help out other kids and spend more time with her father.

"I never knew I would learn this much ever," Leah said. "Don't focus on the cancer. Just fight it as much as you can and you'll just get through it."

If you would like to help Devon and Leah on their mission, the Still Strong Foundation will be hosting the Still Strong Is Going Sky High Gala on Oct. 23 at the Post Oak Hotel.

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