In a league that has had some pretty egregious off-the-field issues recently, stories like these are a welcomed breath of fresh air.
Sen’Derrick Marks, a 6’2”, 300 lb. defensive tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars partnered with the Dreams Come True program to make a difference in someone’s life. And no one needed a pick-me-up more than Khameyea Jennings.
The 18-year-old student at Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology in Jacksonville, Florida was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2013. Last year, she had surgery to remove a tumor from her lung, but the cancer has since returned. She is now undergoing natural treatments because her tumor is resistant to chemotherapy.
Last week, Marks visited Khameyea at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville with a bouquet of flowers to pop the question:
#Jaguars DT @SenMarks surprises 18-year old cancer patient Khameyea Jennings of @DCTJAX by asking her to the prom. https://t.co/V3bQkKBJnd
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) April 29, 2015
“”It must be a good feeling for a girl to say ‘yes’ to go to prom with you, RIGHT KIMBERLY HENDERSON!? I digress…
“All I want to do is make sure she continues to smile and make sure she has a good time tonight,” the NFL star told WJAX-TV.
On Saturday evening, Marks showed up to the teen’s house bearing gifts, including a tiara and a diamond necklace. Together, they rode to the prom in Marks’ Lamborghini Gallardo #ballin. “”
When Jennings walked to the entrance of the event, she was given a wheelchair that Marks draped his jacket over, like a true bro.
Spectacular RT @thebiglead Sen’Derrick Marks of the Jags Took a Teen w/ Liver Cancer to Prom http://t.co/tULogNl2Q1 pic.twitter.com/LzpMLDma5V
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) May 4, 2015
“”“She said this is a day to be normal, not to have to worry about needles, chemo, potassium levels,” the Khameyea’s mom told the Florida Times-Union, “Just a day to be a teenager and enjoy the prom.”
After the prom, Marks took to Twitter to continue his gentlemanly ways.
Continue to fight and show others the Strenght and faith u have Khameyea. #angelonearth #khameyeajennings pic.twitter.com/dQauCcfkIs
— Sen’Derrick Marks (@senmarks) May 3, 2015
Props to Sen’Derrick, well wishes to Khameyea, and remember to count your blessings, bros.
[H/T Huffington Post]