The Huskers' hero

Childhood is a time for growing -- growing bodies, growing minds, and growing hearts. It is a special, brief time given to us by God to live without fear or physical pain, or the burdens of responsibility.

For too many children, though, childhood is very different. Many are forced to grow up too quickly and learn hard lessons of courage from the cruel, unyielding teacher of sickness.

Despite this premature transition from innocence to the harsh realities of life, these children remain beacons of hope. They challenge us to overcome our own seemingly trivial trials in comparison to the heavy burdens they shoulder. They prompt us all to believe in the power of miracles, because they have no other choice.

One such child is a friend and personal hero of mine, Jack Hoffman.

Many Nebraskans are familiar with Jack's story. Jack is a remarkable 7-year old boy born and raised in Atkinson, Nebraska.

He experienced a childhood like many children his age in Nebraska, but his life abruptly changed two years ago when Jack suffered a sudden, life-threatening seizure. Upon examination, doctors discovered heartbreaking news: Jack had brain cancer.

The two surgeries he endured to remove the cancerous mass on his brain did not bring about the ultimate results physicians hoped, and doctors determined the remaining cancerous mass was inoperable.

Jack quickly began 60 weeks of chemotherapy, employing an outdated regimen used by doctors for over 25 years. Unfortunately, reduced research funding for pediatric brain cancer has stunted medical advancements and treatment options remain limited.

However, Jack and his parents remained hopeful and determined to discover God's will in their hardships. The Hoffmans set out to raise awareness of pediatric brain cancer, a rare, devastating disease that poses unique health and developmental problems for the 3,000 child patients diagnosed each year.

Jack and other children suffering from brain cancer endure seizures, difficulty speaking, and trouble with their balance. The list, unfortunately, goes on.

Many Nebraskans have been inspired by Jack's story, but he was introduced to most Americans after becoming an overnight football star at the Huskers spring football game on April 6, 2013. Jack suited up with football pads and a Number 22 jersey and fearlessly ran 69 yards to score a touchdown in front of 60,000 screaming fans at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.

In a single dash across the gridiron, little Jack Hoffman touched the hearts of millions of Americans -- including 7.6 million YouTube viewers -- and increased awareness of pediatric brain cancer.

It didn't take a touchdown, though, to make Jack a hero. Jack's courage and resilience represent the very best of the human spirit -- and the very best in our nation.

Jack and the Hoffmans' have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to turn their personal trial into a force for good. The Hoffmans' fundraising efforts through the "Team Jack" campaign have yielded over $300,000 for pediatric brain cancer research.

Although there are countless worthy charities across America, my husband, Bruce, and I feel a special connection with Team Jack and have worked closely with the Hoffman family to increase awareness of pediatric brain cancer.

Last week, the Senate unanimously adopted a bipartisan resolution I offered with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) to recognize the unique struggles of pediatric brain cancer patients and their families. It commends the scientists, researchers, and healthcare providers working tirelessly to modernize and improve diagnosis and treatment options. And, importantly, it designates September 26, 2013, as "National Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day" to encourage efforts toward the early diagnosis and ultimate cure of the disease.

We hope and pray the efforts of medical researchers will someday lead to a cure for the thousands of children suffering from pediatric brain cancer and their families.

In the meantime, young heroes like Jack Hoffman press on in the face of their challenges with enduring courage and optimism, reminding us that in an often dark and frightening world, some of the brightest lights are often the smallest.

Thank you for taking part in our democratic process, and I'll visit with you again next week.