ATKINSON, Neb.  — Andy Hoffman, a northeast Nebraska dad who fought as an advocate for patients of pediatric brain cancer, has passed away from cancer himself. He was 42.

Hoffman, a former attorney, served as the board chair and co-founder of the Team Jack Foundation, named after Hoffman’s son who has battled pediatric brain cancer. The foundation came to be after then-7-year-old Jack, two years removed from brain surgery, ran for a touchdown in the 2013 Nebraska football spring game.

Jack’s run, as well as his fight against cancer, became an inspiration for Husker fans and the rest of the nation, with Jack winning an ESPY award for “Best Moment.” In working with the Huskers, Jack and the Hoffman family developed a close bond with former Husker running back Rex Burkhead, and Burkhead eventually became a board member for Team Jack.

After initially beating cancer, Jack went into treatment again in 2018 after discovery of a brain tumor. After a successful drug treatment, he was able to join the West Holt High School football team.

But the Hoffman family was dealt another blow when Andy was diagnosed with his own brain tumor in the summer of 2020 at the age of 41. He retired from his law firm in October. Andy’s condition was further complicated by a positive COVID-19 test at the end of January of this year.

Andy, who had been writing consistent blog updates, turned the duties over to his wife, Brianna, in February as his health declined.