Prepare yourself for a touching story of a little girl and her father
VIDEO: What you will hear and see will move you about a little girl’s struggles with cancer and her supporting father.
Leah had surgery last year to remove the tumor, followed by chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplants. On the way to the hospital for her surgery, Devon posted this heartwarming video that sums up Leah’s strength and sass in only a few seconds. Take a look!
About Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is the second most common solid tumor in childhood affecting about 7% of all children with Cancer. It is the most common solid cancer in infants. There are over 700 cases each year in the U.S. Neuroblastoma most often originates in the adrenal glands, which are located on top of each kidney. However, tumors can begin anywhere in the body. Other common sites are the chest, neck and pelvis. While neuroblastoma may be found in only one spot in the body at the time of diagnosis in some patients, in others the cancer may have spread (metastasized) from its primary location to the lymph nodes, bone marrow, or bones.
Many researchers believe that neuroblastoma develops when normal neuroblasts (the immature cells of the sympathetic nervous system) fail to mature into normal nerve cells. The sympathetic nervous system aids in the control of the body’s internal organs. The cells that make up neuroblastoma tumors are called neuroblasts. In this type of cancer, the neuroblasts grow and divide without the usual controls, leading to the growth of a cancerous mass of cells, also called a tumor.
In March, Leah and her family got the welcome news that the cancer was in remission! However, their joy was soon dampened when they found out that she had life-threatening complications in her liver as a result of her treatment. Leah went back to the hospital, where her medical team worked to bring her back to health.
When the anniversary of her cancer diagnosis rolled around in June, Devon got a tattoo on his back in honor of his little girl. It’s not finished yet, but what he’s done so far is incredible.
Then, just before the start of a mandatory mini-camp for the Bengals in mid-June, Devon got the fantastic news that the treatment for Leah’s condition is working! His darling girl would be able to leave the hospital in a few days.
If you know anyone with breast cancer, you have first hand knowledge of the pain,
the upset and the struggle that must be endured with today’s ways of treating this
kind of cancer. STORY AND INSPIRING VIDEO CONTINUED BELOW
