HERSHEY, Pa. — Twelve-year-old Deven Jackson from Perry County lives and breathes football. So when his legs were amputated because of bacterial meningitis, he asked his parents, “Does this mean I can’t play football now?”
Thanks to running blades, Deven’s determination and the care he received at Penn State Children’s Hospital, he did eventually return to the football field.
However, because he is still recovering from a surgery to shave his leg bone — a surgery he will need periodically as he grows — Deven was not able to play football this fall.
After hearing Deven’s story, the New York Giants planned an epic surprise for him: Watch this NFL Network video of Deven meeting his favorite football players in what he described as the best day of his life.
Deven fondly remembers the Child Life Program, which receives funding from Children’s Miracle Network. Child Life specialists helped Deven and his younger brother cope with life in the hospital after his surgeries.
Learn more about Deven in this story on the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals website.