by Shelly Schonhoff

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;

About the guardian angel:

I remember when you 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 you cared enough to bring it to Eric as a gift, but more so because it was a token of your empathy and compassion.  I don't have the guardian angel you gave to Eric.  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 you made, but I find great comfort knowing that she's 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 you.

---Shelly Schonhoff, Eric's mom