Devon Still took a pause for the cause of thanking the NFL for inadvertently shedding light on cancer awareness last week. The football player took to Instagram to give the league accolades for inspiring him to create pink cleats that bore the phrase, “Beat Cancer” in honor of his daughter’s journey to health and wellness.
“Big s/o to the @NFL for giving us a voice and dedicating a week for players to represent the things that mean most to us,” Devon shared in an Instagram post. “I won’t be able to wear them this year due to injury but happy Leah was able to help create this design! (GOLD for childhood cancer, PINK because she’s a princess).”
Leah battled a rare form of pediatric cancer called neuroblastoma during the latter part of 2014. Devon’s team, the Cincinnati Bengals, decided against releasing him so that the star player could keep his health insurance and continue treating his daughter. Leah was deemed cancer free by physicians last year and has since created a book and foundation that helps other kids make it through tough times.
“Leah and I created the Still Strong Foundation in 2015 to give grants to families affected by childhood cancers,” Devon said on the organization’s website. “We want them to spend less time worrying about non-medical bills, like mortgages and utilities, and more time supporting their child to a victorious fight against cancer.”
Leah is Devon Still’s only child. She served as flower girl in her father’s wedding to hairstylist Asha Joyce earlier this year. Leah celebrated her sixth birthday in May.
