Husker Football Provides Strength for Family During Daughter’s Cancer Battle
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Amidst a challenging journey withโฃ their 5-year-old daughter, Aiyla “Bean”โข Schonlau, the Schonlau family is finding solace and strength in their shared love for Nebraska Husker โฃfootball. Bean isโฃ currently undergoing treatment at the Children’sโ Hospital of Philadelphia for an inoperable tumor on her brain stem.
The Schonlau โฃfamily, originally from Denver, is navigating long periods of separation as โคDrew Schonlau commutes from their โhome every other week to beโฃ with their son, while Nicole Schonlau remains in Philadelphia with Bean at the Ronald McDonald House. “I was supposed to go back this past week, and Iโ just told him ‘I can’t do โฃit. I want to stay here โขwith our daughter. She needs her mom,'” Nicoleโฃ shared.
Drew, a native of Omaha, credits his passion for Husker football with helpingโ him maintain a positive outlook. “I thinkโ staying grounded has really helped me focusโ on the positive and knowing that we’re gonna be okay and we’re โขgonna get through this,” he said. He ensures both children are by his side during games, win or lose, finding a sense of normalcy in the tradition. “it reminds me of being at homeโฆ you know, where life โคisโ normal,” drew explained.
A important milestone is approaching: Bean will complete proton therapy on December 3rd – which also happens to be Drew’s birthday – and will ring the bell signifying the end of her treatment.
Inspired by her husband’s unwaveringโ support, Nicole reached out to Nebraska fans via social media, hoping to arrange a special gesture from the Huskers for Drew. while Drew doesn’t anticipate anything from the team, he expressed gratitudeโข for his wife’s thoughtfulness.He eagerlyโ anticipates celebrating his birthday withโฃ Bean โขas she rings the โbell.
Those wishing to โfollow Bean’s journey or contribute to the Schonlau family can โfind updates and donation information on โคtheir Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/thebravestbean/?igsh=MW5mZ2Nmb2VoOTBndw%3D%3D#.