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Sep. 23, 2022
Brett Coomer/Staff photographer
Texans
running back Rex Burkhead smiled at the memory. It’s been almost 10 years since
Jack Hoffman, a survivor of pediatric brain cancer, ran for a touchdown in
Nebraska’s annual spring game. It’s been almost 10 years that Burkhead’s been involved in “Team Jack,”
a fundraising organization that’s raised almost $10 million toward pediatric
brain cancer research.
Burkhead
first met Jack while playing for the Cornhuskers. Jack had just been diagnosed
at age 6, had just undergone the first of two surgeries, had just no idea how
much longer he’d live. Their interaction blossomed into a friendship, into an
invitation to practice, then a game, then his spring game touchdown, then a
2013 visit to the White House.
Burkhead
and his Nebraska teammates still host events raising money for The Team Jack
Foundation. They hosted a golf tournament in Lincoln this past summer.
On Oct. 10, Burkhead will host a fundraising
event at Top Golf in Katy.
Burkhead, 32, has been a board member of the foundation for most of the
organization’s history. His role has increased since Jack’s father, Andy, died last
year after his own bout with brain cancer.
“He
was the backbone of it,” Burkhead said. “Did so much for the foundation, and
we’re just trying to carry on his legacy.”
The
foundation raises money for new research and modern methods for children who’d
otherwise not have access.
“That
was a big thing,” Burkhead said. “Some of these treatments were 30, 40 years
old that they were doing, and they were having many side effects because of
that, of course. Just wanted to help them out in their every day lives if they
do have to go through trials, do some treatments that they’re not having these
side effects from those.”
Donations
at October’s event will directly fund pediatric brain cancer research.
“It’s
a joy to be a part of,” Burkhead said. “Just trying to do as much we can.”
