Devon and Leah Still Will Be Honored with Jimmy V Award at 2015 ESPYs

Nearly a year after doctors diagnosed her with cancer, Leah Still and her father, Devon, will be honored with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the 2015 ESPYs in July. 

For The Win’s Nina Mandell reports that Connor Schell, senior vice president of ESPN Films and original content, confirmed the selection in a statement. 

“The perseverance that Devon and Leah have shown throughout this unfortunate process is incredibly moving,” Schell said. “Each day that she fights, her father is by her side and their love and strength has captivated all of us in the sports world and beyond.”

The honor couldn’t come at a more appropriate time for the Still family.

The Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman posted a picture to Instagram Friday explaining that Leah had been diagnosed with VOD—veno-occlusive hepatic disease—an illness of the liver that often comes as a complication caused by stem-cell treatment:

Leah, five, having undergone extensive chemo and stem-cell therapy to combat her illness, now faces further battles. On the bright side, Tuesday will mark the one-year anniversary of her diagnosis, and her cancer remains in remission. 

Devon celebrated Leah’s first year of battling by getting a back tattoo of Leah’s face. It is precious:

The ESPYs will take place at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on July 15. It’s unclear if Devon and Leah will be able to make the ceremony, but the late Jim Valvano couldn’t have picked better recipients himself.