Ava Hoffman, 5, and Reese, 2, join brother Jack in Washington, D.C. Sunday.

Little Jack Talks to President Obama

Who Else Showed Up at the White House?

Historical Close-Up of Two Husker Legends

By Randy York

So what does a 7-year-old pediatric brain cancer patient do after thrilling 60,000 fans at Nebraska’s Spring Football Game, plus nearly 8 million YouTube viewers, with an inspiring 69-yard touchdown run? After throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Saturday’s nationally televised Nebraska-Michigan softball game in Lincoln, Jack flew to Washington D.C. with his dad, Andy, mom, Bri and sisters Ava 5, and Reese, 2.

On Sunday, the Hoffmans took in the sights of our Nation’s Capital in advance of a Monday noontime scheduled visit with President Barack Obama at the White House. “We were thrilled to get invited, and we hope it all comes off,” Andy Hoffman, Jack’s dad, said Sunday night.

“There is no advance agenda. I am here simply as Jack’s dad, and Bri is here as Jack’s mom,“ Andy said. "Of course, we hope that the President wants to support a conversation about pediatric brain cancer, but no matter what might happen if we get to meet President Obama, we’re honored that he has followed Jack’s journey. We’re honored because Jack represents every kid who has gone through this horrific disease without any changes in the first-line protocol to treat his form of pediatric brain cancer in 25 years.”

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VOICES FROM HUSKER NATION



I am a Nebraska Alum (College of Law ‘93). It was just announced in our Sunday Press that the VanAndel Institute here in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is starting research on incurable pediatric brain cancer. We have followed the story of Jack Hoffman and pray daily for this young boy and his family. Following Jack brought extra meaning to what this research could mean, and I want to share this information with you and everyone interested in the beginning of this area of research. Thank you for all your stories and your updates concerning Jack. The Spring Game still brings tears to my eyes every time I see Jack’s run. I can’t even begin to imagine what this boy and his family go through on a daily basis. GBR. Tom Bont, Caledonia, Michigan

Jack meets the President today. He would trade all of his fame in a heartbeat for a healthy, normal, quiet childhood. Godspeed on your journey, Jack Hoffman. Chuck Sinclair, Kent, Ohio

It is alarming and mystifying to know that the line of treatment for pediatric brain cancer is the same as it was 25 years ago. Thank you, Jack, for bringing this disease to public attention. Thanks also to Jack’s parents for your tenacity and strength. God bless you all. Gwen Porter, Ceresco, Nebraska

We are shocked that the NFL Draft didn’t pick up Jack Hoffman. They missed a good one there. Val Riedel, Hadar, Nebraska