The Life of Daniel Yallah

Son, brother, friend, teammate--Daniel C. Yallah died peacefully of complications from liver cancer in his Philadelphia home on November 15, 2019, at the age of 19. Daniel was born in Gbarnga City, in the Republic of Liberia. He grew up in a place populated by refugees, and proudly received a scholarship for a private school that he attended from 6th-9th grade. In pursuit of educational opportunities, Daniel’s mother brought Daniel and his two younger siblings, Prosper Philip and Winner, to the United States in fall 2015.

When Daniel’s mother passed away unexpectedly on a solo trip back to Liberia in January of 2016, Daniel entered the foster care system. Difficult to place a 16-year-old, he was in and out of various homes, but continued to attend school and play soccer. Scouted by the Philadelphia Union, Daniel, then a high school junior, began attending YSC Academy, a school for elite soccer student-athletes with a passion for learning. During his junior year, he moved to a supportive new foster family and began playing soccer with FC Delco. He earned a full scholarship to Harcum College and was just two weeks from moving onto campus when he was diagnosed with cancer in late July.

With his foster father’s support, Daniel moved into his own apartment in August. Fulfilling a promise to his mother to take care of his younger siblings, Daniel created a home for them and assumed responsibility for their care as he was able. He continued playing soccer and was honored to sign a one-day professional contract with the Philadelphia Union in September. Daniel also played for his beloved Team Liberia in the PHL Unity Cup throughout the fall, helping the team earn their third consecutive championship.

Daniel will be remembered by those who loved him as endlessly positive, rarely seen without an effervescent spirit and a smile. He taught all who knew him about grace, love, perseverance in the face of life’s greatest obstacles, and the importance of faith in God.

While only in the United States for a few years, Daniel amassed a remarkable network of family and close friends who mourn his death and celebrate his life. In the United States, Daniel is survived by his younger brother, Prosper Philip; sister, Winner; foster father, Matt Grubman; his many brothers and the school family at YSC Academy; and his teammates on Team Liberia, Cavalla FC, Philadelphia Lone Star FC, Philadelphia Union Academy, and FC Delco. In Liberia and throughout Africa, he is survived by his father, Henry Willie Yallah; siblings: Norah, Florence, Giftlyn, Hilton, and Secret; and other family members. He is predeceased by his mother, Sarah Meemie Yallah.

Memorial contributions in Daniel’s name may be made to the Daniel Yallah Fund (www.gofundme.com/yallahtrustfund), which will support Prosper and Winner’s educational and personal expenses.