McCarron had "Team Starla" on his side

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Besides a stellar performance on the gridiron, it can also be said AJ McCarron kept his word. He promised a little girl battling cancer, he would wear a gift she gave him.  He kept that promise in front of a national audience at the BCS National Championship game.

Several of you contacted us about the little girl named Starla, today FOX10 spoke to her parents about her diagnosis, her will to live and what she needs most.

DeAndra and Korey Chapman's 3-year-old daughter is fighting for her life.

Starla was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on September 13. She started chemotherapy the next day.

While undergoing chemo, her parents say one of the drugs damaged her heart.

Little Starla is now in a medically induced coma at USA Children's and Women's Hospital.

"She's continued to be a fighter, fighter against leukemia, against heart condition. She is a fighter. Even after being told you may not make it 24 hours," said DeAndra Chapman, Starla's mother.

The Chapmans said their bright-eyed daughter with a contagious smile has known her fight would not be an easy one. They said Starla has taught them to put their trust in the almighty healer.

The phrase "Just Trust" became the mantra for "Team Starla." It's printed on the tie-dyed bracelet worn by her supporters.

Her supporters include Alabama Quarter back AJ McCarron.  

McCarron met the little girl on Christmas Eve and promised to wear her bracelet in the game. McCarron kept his promise and wore the band in a game.

He threw for nearly 200 yards, and the Tide shut down the LSU offense. It was the first shutout in the title game since the current bowl-game selection process was instituted in 1998.

The Chapmans like to think their little fighter had something to do with it.

"They do have a connection, and he was the first sophomore to win as starting QB, I do believe they have a connection," Korey Chapman said.

A connection that makes them all a part of "Team Starla," praying for a miracle and trusting the little girl who is in the fight of her life pulls through.

"No matter what, just trust and we reference Proverbs 3 and 5,'trust in the Lord.' We don't understand what is happening, but we know God has a plan, and this is his plan,” DeAndra Chapman said.

The Chapman's displayed incredible courage and strength talking about their daughter.

"Everyday she is breathing, I am thankful,"Korey Chapman said.

To find out more about Starla, visit her Team Starla facebook page .