Embrace Your Struggle with Devon Still and Lewis Howes

Cancer Battle

Devon Still recounts the intense journey of his daughter's cancer treatment, which lasted a year and a half. He describes the grueling process, including high-dosage chemotherapy and MIBG radiation, which isolated his daughter in a plastic-covered room for five days at a time. Despite the harsh treatments, Devon emphasizes the importance of understanding medical terminology to make informed decisions.

It was a roller coaster because I didn't know anything about this world. When the doctors are speaking to me, I feel like they're speaking to me in a foreign language.

--- Devon Still

The treatments had lasting effects on Leah's body, but the primary goal was her survival, regardless of the long-term consequences. Devon shares the emotional toll of seeing the cancer spread and the fear of losing his daughter, highlighting the resilience required to face such a battle 1 2.

   

Finding Joy

Finding joy amid adversity was crucial for Devon and his daughter. He recalls a lesson from his Little League coach about the importance of having fun, which he applied during Leah's treatment. Devon made sure to create joyful moments, like dancing and painting nails, to keep their spirits high despite the circumstances.

If I allow myself to keep this same mentality, there's no way in hell that my daughter is going to beat this disease. I'm going to make sure we have fun regardless of the circumstances.

--- Devon Still

Fatherhood gave Devon the motivation to provide a better life for Leah, ensuring she didn't grow up in the same environment he did. Their close relationship, strengthened by the cancer battle, allowed them to face life's challenges together 3 4.

   

Strength

Devon emphasizes the importance of embracing failure and maintaining a positive outlook. He shares how his struggles, both personal and professional, prepared him to support Leah through her battle with cancer. Devon's philosophy is to accept failure but never accept defeat, a mindset that has helped him navigate life's challenges.

Failing in life doesn't make you a failure. It's important for people to understand that you have to learn to accept failure, but never accept defeat.

--- Devon Still

He also discusses his dreams for Leah, hoping she lives her dreams and understands her strength. Devon's own goal is to live with purpose and teach others that struggles are meant to build, not break, us 5 6.