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Devon Still's daughter is officially cancer-free, and social media helped in a big way.
As Devon Still's 5-year-old daughter battled cancer, his social media followers offered amazing support.
01.13.16
This is Devon Still, a player in the NFL who recently signed with the Houston Texans.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images Entertainment.
Sure, the dude has big muscles, but his biggest and strongest muscle is his heart.
Just ask Devon's 5-year-old daughter Leah.
In the summer of 2014, Leah was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, a diagnosis that gave her a 50% chance of survival.
Leah, pictured at the 2015 ESPY Awards. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images Entertainment.
That's a nightmare for any parent.
Nobody would fault Devon if he chose to keep his hopes, dreams, and fears about this to himself, but he decided to do something completely different.
He documented his journey with Leah on social media so he could have a support system for his daughter, while also helping others who are going through the same thing.
The outpouring of love Devon and Leah received was pretty awesome to see, and the #LeahStrong hashtag was born as a universal sign of support as they embarked into the unknown.
Here are just some of the heartwarming photos and messages Devon shared during the tumultuous year:
1. During one of many trips to the hospital, Devon wished his daughter could live a stress-free life.
A photo posted by Devon Still (@man_of_still75) on
2. There were bad days, but Devon always offered his comfort and love.
A photo posted by Devon Still (@man_of_still75) on
3. Devon pulled out all the stops to make her smile.
Her beatbox game is CRAZZYY! 😂😂😂
A video posted by Devon Still (@man_of_still75) on
4. Sometimes Devon had to leave on business, and that was heartbreaking for him.
5. But, over the course of time, a beautiful thing happened: Leah got stronger.
A photo posted by Devon Still (@man_of_still75) on
6. Then the best news arrived. There was no evidence of the cancer in Leah's body.
A photo posted by Devon Still (@man_of_still75) on
7. Leah was all smiles as she got ready for her last round of treatment.
A photo posted by Devon Still (@man_of_still75) on
8. And now, Leah's cancer-free!
It's wonderful to see the immense powers of social media being put to good use.
As we admire Devon for his love and dedication to his daughter, he wanted to show his admiration for his followers on social media who helped him along the way.
Every time we received bad news or felt like it was coming to a point were we couldn't fight anymore, I would go to the comments you all wrote cheering us on and it would make us fight so much harder.
He also gives great advice to other parents who are experiencing similar challenges.
My advice to any family going through this battle: no matter how hard it gets, no matter what the doctors tell you, always remain positive! Speak victory into existence. Give your child's fight with cancer a purpose. Use it to raise awareness so that you can help all kids fighting this disease. No matter how big or small your platform/following is, you will reach that one family that just needs to know they're not alone in the fight so they don't give up.
Not everyone is as fortunate as Devon and Leah were, and cancer continues to wreak havoc on families all over the world.
But having a support system helps to demonstrate that there are people on our side. Even when those people are cheering us on from their laptops or smartphones.
Devon and his daughter Leah endured a tough road together. Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images Entertainment.
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