The Eric Schonhoff Story
Eric was diagnosed with Burkitts Lymphoma on June 5th, 2003. He had just completed Kindergarten and was anticipating a normal summer filled with fun activities he enjoyed such as swimming, fishing, playing tee ball and riding his bike. He displayed symptoms for only two weeks prior to diagnosis. Burkitts Lymphoma is the fastest growing cancer doubling in size every twenty-four hours. Upon diagnosis the cancer had attacked his kidneys, pancreas, bone, abdomen, and sinus above his left eye.
From Dubuque Eric was transferred to the University of Iowa Hospital to be treated by Pediatric Oncologists. We were told Eric’s type of cancer had a 90-95% cure rate, so of course we were hopeful. After five months of intense chemotherapy, bone marrow biopsies, spinal taps, severe mouth sores, and multiple infections, Eric’s cancer seemed to be diminishing until a cat scan revealed that the cancer had progressed onto his liver and kidneys. Doctors and nurses made every effort to try whatever chemo agents were available to try and decrease the cancer cells enough to attempt a bone marrow transplant. His last month was spent trying new medications. The cancer progressed despite their efforts. Eric was told that he would die. He had but two weeks to prepare for his destiny, and he did so in a way that most adults wouldn’t have been able to do.
Eric had tremendous pride, dignity, respect, and compassion for others. He was gifted not just intellectually, but spiritually and emotionally as well. Those who met him were impressed. Those who knew him felt honored. His maturity level was way beyond his years. His questions were so insightful that adults were challenged to find an appropriate answer for him. Despite his pain and suffering he was always so concerned about others. He was generous, making sure he kept a good supply of candy bars in his room to pass out to the hospital staff.
Eric developed some very close relationships with some of the hospital staff, as the hospital had become his new home. He felt safe there.
In the time Eric prepared for his death he made a few requests:
1. "Try not to put too much dirt on me when you bury me because I really don't like dirt very much"
2. "I want to take the blanket mom made me, my Gameboy, and my Pokemon game."
3. "I want to take my cross for Great Grandma".
4. "I want to take the plaque Father Seigel gave me for Jesus."
5. "I want to take my Guardian Angel as a gift for God."
About the guardian angel:
I remember when those with the Guardian Angel Project came to Eric’s room to present him with the guardian angel. It was so beautifully painted with love. I knew the guardian angel was special not only because they cared enough to bring it to Eric as a gift, but more so because it was a token of their empathy and compassion. I no longer have the angel that they gave to Eric that day. I can’t look at her or hold her. Eric carefully wrapped the guardian angel in Christmas paper and requested she be buried with him so that he could give her to God as a present when he got to heaven.
So you see, I may not be able to look at or hold the guardian angel they made, but I find great comfort in knowing that she is right beside him always, and I’m sure God is just as pleased with your angel that Eric gave to him as a gift. I hope that all the people involved in the Guardian Angel Project will also take comfort knowing that she now resides in heaven and is watching over all of them.
Eric's Mother,
Shelly Schonhoff
Eric's Dedication
When the Keokuk Police Department first learned of Eric's passing we were greatly saddened. When we learned of what Eric had chosen to do in his last days with his angel, we were greatly humbled.
On the night of the first Guardian Angel Project we advised the teens in the program to do their best work as the angels could become very special to the children receiving them, and their families. We advised them they could become so special the families might even display them in their homes for years to come. Now what we had advised the teens could happen became a reality.
What Eric did with his angel was powerful! He committed a thoughtful act of kindness for the Almighty God in Heaven in his last moments, and he used the angel this program gave to him to do it. Because of Eric Schonhoff we believe the Guardian Angel Project has touched Heaven.
We have forever dedicated
the Guardian Angel Project in memory of Eric John Schonhoff, and to
memorialize this we have incorporated his name around the seal of our badge
logo.
Impacting teens with the power of compassion, and uplifting the spirits of suffering children in the hospital have become Eric's legacy.
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