Teen cancer survivor from Raleigh suits up
The last home football game Friday night at Athens Drive High School in Raleigh took on special meaning for the school and one of its student athletes.
Seventeen-year-old Coby Weston could not play football this season because he had been undergoing cancer treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma. But Friday night the senior was suited up and ready to play.
"I'd say it is probably the best feeling in my life to be with my brothers again," said Weston.
Weston was diagnosed with cancer after coughing incessantly and feeling fatigued during training camp, but the senior says the volume of love and support from his school is a source of strength for him.
"The first thing you go from oh my gosh, horrible thoughts, to wow we can beat this and his attitude, unbelievable," said Dan Weston, Coby's father.
In a symbolic gesture during the first offensive play for Athens, the coaches called Weston's number.
The quarterback took a knee and Weston's high school football career ended exactly the way he wanted, surrounded by his brothers.
"It was emotional, really emotional," Weston said. "I'm done playing football, now I need my teammates to win."
Weston is in remission. He is set to graduate with the class of 2014 next June.