During the Nebraska football season, its easy to get caught up in the wins and losses. Its human nature but Rex Burkhead has developed a new perspective of human nature. Jack Hoffman, a six year old boy from Atkinson, Neb., was diagnosed with HSV Encephalitis which is a life threatening brain virus but that changed to a brain tumor. Burkhead plays each game for Jack.
Jack first met Burkhead on September 25. Burkhead showed Jack the stadium, locker room, weight room, player’s lounge and many other places and then took the family to lunch at the Husker Training Table. They even raced each other on the field at Memorial Stadium. Jack also got to meet Jared Crick, LaVonte David and other players.
“Rex is a complete gentleman and is deserving of the role model status he has achieved,” Jack’s dad, Andy Hoffman said.
Jack gave Burkhead a “Team Jack” t-shirt and “Team Jack” bracelets that Burkhead wears at every game.
Jack had his second brain surgery October 10 to remove most of the brain tumor that is left. Burkhead called Jack the day before to wish him well and to let him know he was praying. He also told Jack he would call on the day of surgery to see how he was doing.
Today at lunch Burkhead called Jack to see how he was doing. Andy updated Burkhead on Jack’s status and the excellent prognosis that they expected for Jack. Burkhead, who was unable to speak to Jack directly, told his little buddy that he and the team drew inspiration from Jack’s courage.
The family said they were very appreciative of all the prayers they had been receiving as a result of the bond formed between Rex and Jack. The family thanks Rex for helping recruit those prayers.
“Our respect and admiration for Rex continues to grow,” Andy said.
The first five words in the update after the surgery Monday was encouraging words for Team Jack fans across Nebraska: “We are smiling in Boston.” Jack’s dad, Andy, said on Jack’s journal site that the “neurosurgeon is very happy with the result and that 90 percent or more of the tumor has been removed. He also said the seizure foci are gone and he shouldn’t have anymore episodes and Dr. G feels very good about Jack’s long-term future.
Jack’s parents continue to be amazed and overwhelmed by all of the support and prayers they have been receiving.
“We do not have words to describe our appreciation to everyone that has been there for Team Jack,” Andy said. “We believe in the power of prayer. We have seen it first hand. Jack’s prayer team is the best in the world. Thank you!”
If you would like to keep up to date on Jack’s progress visit his journal site at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jackhoffman .
If you would like to be a part of Team Jack or find out what you can do go to Facebook and like “Team Jack” at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Jack/130253380409979 .