DeVonta Smith's Fiancée Surprises Cancer-Stricken Eagles Fan with Gift

A Heartwarming Gesture from the Philly Community

For many fans, football season is more than just a game—it’s a way to connect with their favorite players and teams. Whether it's the electrifying plays of Saquon Barkley, the inspiring words of Jalen Hurts, or the sharp wit of Brandon Graham, fans often find themselves drawn to specific athletes. For 66-year-old Pat Schmus from Mullica Hill, her favorite player has always been DeVonta Smith. And on a particularly tough day in January 2024, she received a gesture that would leave an unforgettable mark on her life.

Pat was first diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer in the spring of 2022. Since then, she has endured multiple rounds of aggressive chemotherapy, eventually achieving remission in 2023. However, the cancer returned in early 2024, leading to another round of treatment. On Monday, Pat had one of her longest chemo sessions, starting at 6:45 a.m. and ending at 7:30 p.m. It was a difficult day, but her daughter, Theresa, was determined to lift her spirits.

Theresa, who is 23 years old, came up with a plan to cheer her mom up. While scrolling through Facebook Reels, she noticed photos of Devonta Smith’s game-day outfits. Inspired by this, she decided to reach out to Smith’s fiancée, Mya Danielle, through a direct message on Instagram. What followed was a heartwarming chain of events that brought immense joy to Pat.

Danielle responded within minutes, asking for details about the hospital, Pat’s name, and the size of the jersey. Instead of sending a signed jersey through the mail, she decided to make a special trip to the hospital herself. When Theresa arrived at the hospital, she was overwhelmed with emotion. She described the moment as “floored” and admitted she was “shaking and sobbing” while going up the elevator to deliver the gift.

In a video that went viral on TikTok, Theresa surprised Pat with the signed jersey and a heartfelt card. Pat was initially skeptical, asking if it was a joke. But once she realized the truth, she was overwhelmed with gratitude. She even joked about not letting her daughter borrow the jersey, highlighting how much the gift meant to her.

This act of kindness was made possible by Pat’s roommate, Aidan Hopkins, who suggested reaching out to Danielle. “She’s super kind,” Aidan said. “She’s online all the time.” Theresa took the suggestion and, to her surprise, received an immediate response from Danielle.

The gesture was more than just a jersey—it was a symbol of support and connection. Pat, who has always been a devoted fan of Philadelphia sports, now has a new piece of memorabilia to cherish. From her Flyers mailbox to her loud cheers during Eagles games, her passion for local sports has never wavered. Now, she can proudly wear her new Eagles jersey during the upcoming season.

Theresa shared how proud she was of her mother’s reaction. “She’s very excited,” she said. “We decided as a family, she’s going to wear it this season, but we’re going to frame it afterwards.” She also expressed her gratitude for the kindness shown by Devonta Smith and Mya Danielle, calling it a testament to the strong sense of community in Philadelphia.

Pat’s story highlights the power of sports to bring people together. It shows how a simple gesture can have a lasting impact, especially during challenging times. As she continues her journey, the memory of receiving the jersey will remain a source of strength and inspiration.