Devon Still posts photo of daughter Leah with her ESPY award
Leah Still couldn't make it to the ESPYS Wednesday to accept the Jimmy V Perseverance Award because her doctors said her immune system was not strong enough.
The 5-year-old was all smiles, though, as she posed in a photo her father, Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still, posted to Instagram.
Still also posted a sweet message reflecting on the bittersweet award the pair received.
The post is one of many on Still's Instagram in which the young cancer patient seems upbeat despite her battle. Since she was diagnosed with a rare form of the disease in June 2014, Leah and her dad have captured the heart of the nation as he posted about her strength and positive attitude.
The Bengals asked Still to remain on the team while he cared for Leah, so he could receive the benefits needed for Leah's treatment.
In March 2015 her dad announced that Leah was in remission. Her struggle was not over, though. Leah is now battling Hepatic veno-occlusive disease, or VOD. The complication affects the liver and was caused by a stem cell transplant Leah received during her cancer treatment.
When he accepted the award for his daughter, Still thanked other children who are battling cancer for serving as an inspiration.
"On TV I look like the hero. I look like I'm saving the day. But honestly y'all are the real heroes," he said. "Y'all remain with a smile on your face. Y'all never give up."
