Boy Who Won Over College Football World Battling Cancer Again
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Official White House Photo by Pete Souza(ATKINSON, Neb.) — The 8-year-old boy who won over fans everywhere after running a 69-yard touchdown for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers is again fighting for his life after doctors found his brain tumor is growing, despite being declared in remission.
Jack Hoffman of Atkinson, Nebraska, has spent the past few years fighting brain cancer and raising awareness about pediatric brain cancer, along with his family, as part of the Team Jack Foundation.
The pint-size football fan won over the hearts of millions last year after he made a 69-yard touchdown during a scrimmage game at the University of Nebraska.
Hoffman donned a specially sized uniform with the number of his favorite player, Rex Burkhead, and ran with the entire team for 69 yards to “score” the game’s final touchdown. The moment earned Hoffman an ESPY award for “Best Moment” and a chance to meet President Obama in the Oval Office.
While Hoffman was found to be in remission in October, his family confirmed on Thursday that the 8-year-old’s tumor was growing again.
Hoffman’s brain tumor had been declared stable or in remission after he underwent numerous operations and chemotherapy treatments. But new MRI scans revealed this week that the tumor had again started to grow.
“This is a mild setback and everyone remains optimistic for Jack, including and especially his Mom and Dad,” Jack’s parents, Andy and Brianna Hoffman, wrote online. “We love you all and can’t thank you enough for your support.“
Jack Hoffman will have to undergo treatment again, including chemotherapy and possibly another operation, according to the family statement. The 8-year-old was first diagnosed after suffering a seizure in 2011.
His parents have started the Team Jack Foundation in his honor, which aims to raise money for pediatric brain cancer research.
In spite of the bad news, Hoffman and his family managed to salvage the day by going out for a special treat.
“After getting some crummy news, about the only thing a person can do is go and eat a hot fudge brownie sundae,” the family wrote on the Team Jack Foundation Facebook page. “So that’s what we did.”
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