Jacksonville

Jaguars Player Takes Teen Cancer Patient to Prom

Khameyea Jennings, 18, was diagnosed with liver cancer on Mother's Day two years ago.

A Florida teen who is battling cancer attended prom on Saturday with Jacksonville Jaguars' defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks as her date.

NBC affiliate FCN reported that 18-year-old Khameyea Jennings, of Jacksonville, almost didn't attend her senior prom. It was her grandmother, who recently passed away from cancer herself, who had convinced her to go.

Local non-profit organization Dreams Come True teamed up with local businesses - including the Jacksonville Jaguars organization - to surprise Khameyea with her dress, shoes, accessories, hair and makeup — and of course, her date.

Marks surprised Khameyea with roses for a bedside promposal in her hospital room last Wednesday.

"I talked with your mom, and she said it was okay," he said before asking if he could be her date. The teen accepted his offer, and suggested he wear white and gold and wear his hair down.

Marks made good on his offer, picking Khameyea up in his Lamborghini Gallardo Saturday wearing a white and gold tuxedo to match Khameyea's gold and white gown. The pair arrived in style to the Franklin H. Peterson High School prom held at the Jacksonville Zoo, appropriately right next to the jaguar exhibit.

"I look good, I think my date looks good, we'll have a great night," Marks told FCN. "I always want to be there for her here on out."

 
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Khameyea and Sen'Derrick is ready for prom! #whiteandgold 󾮟🏾 #perfect

Posted by Sen'Derrick Marks on Saturday, May 2, 2015

At the beginning of last year, Khameyea had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. The tumor recently came back and it's not shrinking, the teen's mother told FCN.

"We're trying to make it, we're trying to get there," said her great-aunt Susan Philpot. "We've been praying for her, she's been strong. She's been a brilliant young lady going through what she's going through."

Khameyea's high school held an early graduation just for her at the beginning of the year.

Her family says that while Khameyea may be physically weakened by the cancer, her attitude and smile touched everyone at prom. Her famous date agreed.

"We get a lot of bumps and bruises from tackling, but nothing like she's going through," Marks said. "Tonight I just want make sure she has fun and keeps that smile on her face."

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