On
April 22, 2011 Andy Hoffman's life was turned completely
upside down. Andy, a small town attorney, along with
his wife Brianna, who was head pharmacist at Atkinson’s
West Holt Pharmacy, at the time, were about to embark
on one of the most challenging journeys of their life.
On this day, their son Jack, would suffer a nearly
fatal seizure, resulting in a lifesaving helicopter
flight to Omaha. Weeks later, the family learned that
what caused the seizure was a cancerous brain tumor.
Two
brain tumor removal surgeries and 60-weeks of chemotherapy
later, and Andy and his family’s faith, hope and love
would be tested. Medical complexities challenged Jack’s
young life.
Determined
to see their son defeat the disease, Andy and his
wife put their careers on hold and pursued treatment
at the world’s most renowned pediatric brain tumor
treatment center in the world–Boston Children’s Hospital.
On
April 6, 2013, Jack Hoffman, while undergoing chemotherapy
treatment for his brain tumor, was asked by the Nebraska
Football team to play in the team’s annual Red-White
Spring Scrimmage. Jack, dressed in a red jersey bearing
his favorite player’s number – #22 – dashed 69-yards
for a touchdown. The touchdown became a national news
story overnight. The play also earned Jack the prestigious
ESPY Award for 2013 Best Moment.
As
a result of all of the blessings in Jack’s life, including
“The Run” and his relationship with former Husker
and current Cincinnati Bengals running back Rex Burkhead,
in conjunction with his family’s passion for the cause,
Jack’s story has been in the national media. As a
result, Jack and his family have appeared and been
interviewed live by several national outlets.
Through
it all, the Hoffman family continues its battle against
pediatric brain cancer through the Team Jack Foundation.
Having just committed over $1,000,000 to research,
the Team Jack Foundation is quickly becoming one of
the foremost pediatric brain cancer Foundation’s in
the Country. Andy and his wife Brianna are volunteers
for the organization and have dedicated their lives
to a cause they feel passionate about. For the Hoffmans,
defeating pediatric brain cancer is a “Calling”.
Andy
has a very conversational speaking style. Andy focuses
on entertaining his listeners, while maintaining the
humility that has defined the Team Jack movement.
Andy does not fancy himself as a professional speaker.
Instead, he is a father who is passionate about a
disease that his son has, with a vast array of experiences.
He is willing to share his passion for the disease
and his family’s remarkable experiences.
