COLUMBIA, S.C.: A Young Athlete’s Inspiring Comeback Story
In the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, one young football player is capturing hearts with his incredible story of resilience and determination. Drevon Dopson, a standout player from Brookland Cayce High School, faced life-changing challenges this past summer as he battled back from a major medical emergency.
Health Battle: What Happened?
Back in July, Drevon was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC), a tough inflammatory disease that hits many young adults between the ages of 15 and 30. The symptoms can be harsh, and in Drevon’s case, they escalated quickly. “What I saw in the hospital, it was frightening,” shared Drevon’s mother, Octivious Dopson.
From losing weight to feeling dizzy and lightheaded, Drevon’s struggle was apparent. His head football coach, Rusty Charpia, noticed some changes too, remarking, “I noticed he was losing weight. He doesn’t look the same.” Drevon’s family made the right move when they sought medical help after he fell ill following a football camp. Unfortunately, the situation took a dire turn when Drevon collapsed in his hospital room.
Doctors sprang into action, performing an emergency surgery that removed 90% of his large intestine. What followed was a ten-day hospital stay filled with challenges, including feeding tubes and the need for a colostomy bag. “It was rough man. It was rough seeing him go through it,” admitted his father, Andre Dopson.
A Light at the End of the Tunnel
The good news? Drevon was a fighter! After the surgery, doctors were amazed by his rapid recovery. While the typical healing process for such a major operation can take up to a year, Drevon was back on his feet in just two months. “At first, I thought I wasn’t going to be able to play again,” Drevon recalled, but determination fueled his spirit.
Slowly but surely, he eased back into the football scene, even practicing with his colostomy bag still in place. “His protective PPE on. Everything was wrapped. He also had his flack jacket on,” explained Allen Knotts, a board member for Lexington School District Two and assistant coach at Brookland Cayce.
Back on the Field
By September, Drevon was ready for action again. Nervous but excited, he stepped onto the field for the first game since his surgery. “My first game back, I was kind of nervous. But then after the first few plays, I was fine,” Drevon said. His hard work paid off; their team finally won after facing a rough start to the season.
Thankfulness and Family Time
Now that the season is being reflected upon, the Dopson family is overwhelmed with gratitude. “I’m thankful to God…He’s still got me here,” Drevon said, expressing his deep appreciation. Andre echoed his sentiment, stating, “God has blessed me, and he’s blessed my son as well.”
As Thanksgiving approaches, the family is particularly excited about spending time together. Octivious can’t help but beam with joy: “To be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with the family, with everybody together…It’s just a blessing from the grace of God.”
What’s Next for Drevon?
The young athlete’s road to recovery continues, with plans for his colostomy bag to be removed in December. He’s feeling positive and anticipates that by the time he becomes a senior next year, he will be back to 100% health.
Drevon Dopson’s story isn’t just one about overcoming health struggles; it’s about the power of family, faith, and an incredible comeback. Columbia has a new hero, and his name is Drevon Dopson!
