UNIVERSITY PARK
Former Nittany Lion Devon Still will introduce a new charitable effort to the Penn State community on the day of next month’s Blue-White game.
The Still Strong Foundation, created in 2015, was inspired by Still’s daughter, Leah, and her fight with cancer after being diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma at the age of 4.
Her battle became widely known, especially after Still’s NFL team, the Cincinnati Bengals, cut him after two years with the team but then signed him to a practice contract the next day so that he could pay for Leah’s treatment (Still has since signed a futures contract with the Houston Texans).
Leah underwent a year of treatment and intensive surgery, and is now in remission. Over the course of her illness, Still said per a release from the foundation that he met many families who had to juggle working to pay for their child’s treatment and caring for the child.
“No one should have to choose between paying rent or their child’s treatment,” said the release, citing that it was after meeting these families that Still decided to create a charitable effort that would give grants to families affected by childhood cancers and “allow 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.”
Still plans to present his foundation to the Penn State community at a reception at the Nittany Lion Inn on April 16, after attending the Blue-White game scheduled that day. He will also host a contingent of former Penn State players, including Tamba Hali, Derrick Williams, NaVorro Bowman, Jordan Norwood, Gerald Hodges and Jack Crawford.
More information about the foundation can be found online atwww.stillstrongfoundation.org.