Devon Still and his daughter Leah’s fight against cancer is inspiration

It’s great that Leah gets to go home. Hopefully much more good news is on the way.

Bengals player Devon Still and his daughter Leah have gained the support of the entire country over the past year during Leah’s battle with cancer. On Monday, Devon relayed the news that Leah is beginning to make some progress:

Last Friday, Devon put out a call for prayers as he shared some discouraging news regarding his daughter’s ongoing treatment.

The Bengals defensive tackle broke the news on Wednesday, via Instagram:

For those who have followed along, this is amazing news.

The New Orleans head coach purchased 100 of Still’s jerseys earlier in the year and donated them to Boys and Girls Clubs in Cincinnati. All of the proceeds from the jersey sales went towards the nearly $1.3 million raised that went to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center’s pediatric cancer research efforts.

Still was inactive for the game Sunday, but has played in eight games for the Bengals in 2014. He and his family are currently waiting for the results of a radiation treatment focused on targeting cancerous cells in Leah’s chest and legs.

If you’re unfamiliar with 4-year-old Leah and her fight against cancer, here’s her story. The little girl is finally healthy enough to watch her dad play tonight, and hung out with Bengals cheerleaders before the game. The Cincinnati Children’s Hospital will receive a check for over $1.25 million at tonight’s game, much of which was raised through sales of Still’s jersey -- that sale is over, but if seeing how ridiculously adorable Leah is has reminded you how unfortunate pediatric cancer is, the link to donate is here.

Thursday night’s Browns vs. Bengals game will be the first time 4-year-old Leah Still will be able to watch her dad, Bengals DT Devon Still, play in person. So the little girl, whose fight against pediatric cancer has captured the nation, got some pregame tips on how to cheer:

Still told ESPN that he had been hoping Leah would be healthy enough to attend this game in particular. The Bengals will be presenting a check for more than $1.25 million to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Leah’s name at the game.

For some time, it appeared that Leah would not be able to attend. She reportedly began to lose weight last week after an adverse reaction to the feeding tubes used by her doctors. She appears to be much better now, however. After dropping down to 34 pounds, she is up to 36 now and gaining.

Devon Still appeared on Ellen to discuss his daughter Leah, her cancer and his family’s personal journey.

We learned one new thing about Leah: she wants to be a nurse when she grows up, so she can help children who have cancer.