Former NFL Star Alex Smith Reveals Daughter, 8, Used Dance as 'Therapy' After Her Third 10-Hour Brain Surgery

The former NFL star's daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May 2022

Alex Smith is giving fans a rare update on his daughter's health.

The former NFL quarterback, 40, has been opening up about his daughter Sloane, 8, and her difficult journey as a cancer patient since her diagnosis in May 2022. On Monday, July 1, the proud dad revealed on Instagram that despite her cancer's return in February, Sloane's love for dance "is what keeps her going."

"We just arrived in LA for @ladancemagic nationals. Sloane through all of her adversity has continued her love of dance. It truly is what keeps her going," Smith wrote in the caption. "She has never stopped dancing no matter the challenge. It is her therapy not only physical but emotional and mental. Not to mention the bonds she forges with her teammates are ones you can’t replace."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Related: Former NFL Quarterback Alex Smith Recalls Learning Daughter Sloane, 7, Had a Brain Tumor: 'Helpless'

He recalled a moment from just before her third brain surgery that highlights just how much his daughter loves the sport.

"Right as Sloane was prepping for the season, we were given the horrible news that the cancer had returned. Our fear after every scan. Sloane had to endure her 3rd 10 hour brain surgery in February," he explained. "Going into her surgery all Sloane would ask is 'How much dance am I going to miss?'”

Luckily, Sloane recovered "like a rockstar," and was able to perform in her dance competition just two weeks after the surgery. "You never know what deficits your child may have post resection. We feared more than anything it would take away the thing she loves most. After the surgery, in true Sloane form she bounced back like a rockstar. Against our better judgment (Dr. cleared her) we allowed Sloane to compete 2 weeks after her surgery."

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

"She lit that stage up like we had never seen. It may not have been technically perfect but she gives every ounce of her soul to the thing she loves most. So we wanted to take a moment to say how proud we are and eternally grateful. We know not all parents in our position have these opportunities."

Smith ended the post with a message to his little girl, writing, "So Sloane, go out there this week and kick some butt. We love you and couldn’t be more proud. ILYSM."

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.