Brain cancer is the number 1 cause of cancer deaths in children. Nebraska ranks 7th nationally in incidence and among the top 10 in mortality rate for childhood brain cancer. On Thursday, September 25 KCNI will run the 13th annual Team Jack Radiothon to help raise funds to fight this disease on 1280 AM, 96.3 FM and online on the KBBN/KCNI website.
In 2013, Andy and Brianna Hoffman established the Team Jack Foundation after their son, Jack, was diagnosed with brain cancer. Since that time, Team Jack has raised over $15 million in support of childhood brain cancer research, funding over 20 research studies nationally.
After a 14 year battle with brain cancer, Jack passed away in January 2025 from the disease at just 19 years old. However, the Foundation remains committed to carrying on his legacy by funding impactful brain cancer research.
KCNI and KBBN have participated in the Team Jack Radiothon since its inception. The radiothon is an all-day event, running on KCNI from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, focused on raising funds and awareness for youth and families affected by pediatric brain cancer.
KCNI/KBBN Station Manger Dave Birnie spoke about the importance of participating in the Radiothon: “We never hesitated when they offered us to be a part of it because, well, it’s for kids, it’s to fight brain cancer, and it’s kind of one of those things you just know you should do,” said Birnie. “And we found that there were businesses who really wanted to make sure it stayed on, and they supported it. Without continued research, you’re just not going to solve the problem.”
Research dollars have become more challenging to come by with recent reductions to funding and reorganization at the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute. With federal funding shrinking or uncertain, many vital trials and earlier‐stage research risk stalling or stopping altogether.
Foundations like Team Jack work to fill funding gaps through direct funding to labs and clinical trials and supporting local programs such as the Nebraska Brain Tumor Program. This helps ensure families do not lose access to care because of geographical or institutional limitations.
During the radiothon, KCNI/KBBN will be directly soliciting donations from their listeners to support the critical research sponsored by the Team Jack Foundation. Donors of more than $20 during the event will be entered into a raffle for an “Ultimate Husker Fan Experience for Two” October 24 – 25, along-side hourly prize drawings.
