Columbia Football Player Triumphs Over Major Health Challenge
In the heart of Columbia, S.C., a remarkable story of resilience is unfolding that’s capturing the hearts of the community. Drevon Dopson, a dedicated football player from Brookland Cayce High School, is feeling especially grateful this season as he makes an inspiring comeback after facing a serious health battle. After undergoing emergency surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC) in July, Drevon is back on the field and ready to seize every opportunity.
A Frightening Diagnosis
For Drevon’s family, the journey began when his mother, Octivious Dopson, noticed alarming changes in her son’s health. “What I saw in the hospital, it was frightening,” she recalled. Drevon, who is in high school but facing a challenge that commonly affects young adults aged 15 to 30, started experiencing severe symptoms that kept him in and out of the hospital.
Feeling weak and dizzy, with noticeable weight loss, Drevon’s condition raised concerns not just for his family but also for his football coach, Rusty Charpia. “He doesn’t look the same,” the coach said, worried about his star player’s wellbeing.
A Sudden Turn
After a summer filled with football camps and regular workouts, everything changed for Drevon when he collapsed during a hospital visit. Doctors quickly stepped in, performing emergency surgery to remove 90% of his large intestine and leaving him with a colostomy bag.
“It was rough, man. It was rough seeing him go through it,” said his father, Andre Dopson. But amidst the uncertainty, there was a ray of hope. Surprisingly, instead of the usual recovery time of a year, Drevon started healing at an astounding rate and was back on his feet in just two months.
Returning to the Field
As he eased back into football practice, Drevon had to don his protective gear while adjusting to life with a colostomy bag. Allen Knotts, a board member for Lexington School District Two and assistant coach, shared, “His protective PPE on. Everything was wrapped. He also had his flack jacket on.”
September marked a significant milestone when Drevon returned to the football field. “My first game back, I was kind of nervous. But then after the first few plays, I was doing pretty good,” Drevon recounted. Excitedly, he added, “I completed passes and felt fine.” The team, despite a rocky start to the season, celebrated a win that day – a sweet reminder of resilience and teamwork.
Gratitude in the Face of Adversity
Reflecting on their emotional rollercoaster of a year, the Dopsons have found profound reasons to be thankful. “I’m thankful to God…He’s still got me here,” Drevon expressed, emphasizing the importance of faith in his recovery. Andre echoed that sentiment, affirming, “God has blessed me, and he’s blessed my son as well.”
Octivious added, “To be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with the family, with everybody together…It’s just a blessing from the grace of God.” Their strong family bonds and unwavering support have been crucial in navigating through the tough times.
Looking to the Future
As Drevon continues to reclaim his life on and off the field, he anticipates the removal of his colostomy bag in December, with plans to be back to full health by next year when he’ll enter his senior year. His journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the power of community support.
As Drevon and his family embrace this upcoming season of thanksgiving, they do so with full hearts and a newfound appreciation for every moment spent together. This young athlete is not just surviving but thriving, ready to tackle whatever challenges come next.
