Columbia’s Drevon Dopson Defies Odds After Life-Changing Surgery
In the bustling city of Columbia, S.C., one young football player’s triumph against daunting health challenges has caught the hearts of many. Drevon Dopson, a dedicated athlete from Brookland Cayce High School, has shown strength, resilience, and an undeniable love for the game, even after facing a significant medical hurdle.
From Field to Hospital: Drevon’s Journey
Drevon’s story took a sharp turn last July when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC), a disease that wreaks havoc on the large intestine, often leaving those affected feeling weak and fatigued. “What I saw in the hospital, it was frightening,” recalls Drevon’s mother, Octivious Dopson. It wasn’t just a passing illness; it was an awakening for the family—one that stirred concern among those who loved him.
Coach Rusty Charpia voiced his worries: “I noticed he was losing weight. He doesn’t look the same,” he said, as he watched Drevon’s condition unfold. The young athlete had been battling severe symptoms, yet he persisted through summer football camps, pushing through discomfort, unaware that a significant medical crisis was on the horizon.
The situation escalated after attending a training camp. “In July… we took him to the hospital. That’s when we realized everything was starting to turn,” shared Octivious. Tragically, Drevon’s health reached a critical point, leading to emergency surgery where doctors had to remove an astounding 90% of his large intestine.
Conquering Adversity
What followed was a tough ten-day hospital stay, including feeding tubes and the addition of a colostomy bag. “It was rough man. It was rough seeing him go through it,” said Drevon’s father, Andre Dopson. As Drevon lay in the hospital, he began to wrestle with fears that he might never step onto the football field again.
However, in a twist of hope, doctors provided encouraging news—Drevon was healing remarkably quickly, far faster than what is typically expected. “It usually takes a year to recover from such surgery, but he did it in about two months,” Octivious said, her voice tinged with disbelief and relief.
Back in the Game
With determination fueling him, Drevon made his way back to football practice donning protective gear and his colostomy bag. “His protective PPE on. Everything was wrapped,” described coach’s assistant Allen Knotts. The day finally arrived when Drevon stepped back onto the field in September, ready to reclaim his spot as a player.
“My first game back, I was kind of nervous. But then after the first few plays, I was doing pretty good,” Drevon shared, the excitement of returning palpable in his voice. The team was fighting their battles, and with Drevon’s spirit, they braved the rocky start to the season.
A Grateful Heart
As Thanksgiving approaches, the Dopson family reflects on their journey with a heart full of gratitude. “I’m thankful to God… He’s still got me here,” said Drevon, recognizing the miracle of his recovery. His father echoed similar sentiments, stating, “God has blessed me, and he’s blessed my son as well.”
With the colostomy bag scheduled for removal in December, Drevon is optimistic about next year—looking forward to his senior season feeling 100% healthy. “To be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with the family, with everybody together… It’s just a blessing from the grace of God,” Octivious shared, embodying the elation and relief of their family’s ordeal.
Heroes in Their Own Right
Drevon’s story is more than just a comeback; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the endless support of family and friends. As a new season approaches, the community is not just celebrating his return to football but the incredible journey that brought him back to the game he loves.
