Driver's Biggest Fan

One year ago, Christopher Schraufnagel was diagnosed with brain cancer. To make matters worse, doctors discovered the cancer had spread to his spinal cord. Doctors told the Schraufnagel family it was a form of brain cancer that offered the slimmest possibility for survival. Christopher was seven years old.

Doctors immediately put Christopher on an intense treatment program. The treatment for this type of tumor is five days a week of full brain and spinal column radiation and chemotherapy for six weeks. Christopher then got a 6 week break from treatment before starting on a chemotherapy regimen of once every four weeks for 6 months. During chemo, he encountered many side effects.  He spent a large amount time of each month in a hospital bed, lost the strength to walk, suffered hearing loss (some of it likely to be permanent), had a tracheotomy and experienced all the other typical pains of cancer treatment.  Throughout all this, Christopher has been an inspiration with his amazingly selfless and optimistic views.

While Christopher continues to serve as an inspiration to everyone he meets, he dreamed to meet one of his biggest inspirations: Donald Driver. Christopher got that chance last week when his favorite Packer was in Milwaukee to speak at a Boy Scouts’ Leadership Breakfast.

Doanld Driver meets with Christopher, a child with brain cancer

The two hit it off immediately and, as you can see, there were lots of smiles. As much as Christopher thinks it was Donald doing him a favor by meeting with him, Donald made it clear that it’s people like Christopher that give him the inspiration to continue the charity work he’s done off the field.

Christopher recently finished up his chemo and is waiting to find out how successful the treatments were.
 

Comments

Vicki Schmeling (not verified)

Mon, 02/13/2012 - 17:34

This child is just another reason I am walking in the Cellcom half-marathon in May up in Green Bay. We are raising money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society...all cancers are horrendous! Way to go, guys!

Ruth Wussow (not verified)

Mon, 02/13/2012 - 17:52

Christopher is an amazing example to everyone!! Not all people can deal with his illness with the same optimistic attitude. I am glad he got to meet his hero Donald Driver, who himself is amazing!! His many charities are a great example of his caring for everyone. My prayers are with Christopher and his family, I hope and pray the treatments worked and will allow him to live a long and happy life.

Judy Sokol (not verified)

Mon, 02/13/2012 - 18:22

I just read about 2 very courageous individuals. Makes me want to do better.

Dan Fritsch (not verified)

Mon, 02/13/2012 - 19:17

For some of the bad examples in the NFL Donald Driver is a great role model, from where he came from to the awesome human being he turned into. If anyone wants to be a wide receiver in the NFL, this guy is the total package, player and just a good human being.

rock (not verified)

Mon, 02/13/2012 - 20:39

what a brave and strong young man.. and people complain about the common cold. Donald Driver still continues to build bridges in life! He is the example of a human being that should be modeled. Thanks Donald!

Diane (not verified)

Mon, 02/13/2012 - 21:44

Thanks for people who give of themselves for the happiness of others, like Donald Driver, and to those like Christopher who can look beyond their circumstances to inspire others. May God bless.

S. Doemel (not verified)

Mon, 02/13/2012 - 22:17

Oh my god. That poor little boy. Having gone through chemotherapy I just can't imagine a little boy having to do it and have everything else he's going through too. My prayers are with him. And his family. And Donald driver
who so obviously gave him something to smile about.

Laura (not verified)

Tue, 02/14/2012 - 08:33

Christopher, You are truly an inspiriation to all! I myself have been through cancer treatments but not to the extent of yours! You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the treatments have worked out for you! Happy Valentine's Day and many many more to come!!

Molly (not verified)

Tue, 02/14/2012 - 14:14

Christopher,
You've been through so much. What a strong, courageous, brave boy you are. Keep it up. We continue to send our prayers your way for healing and health.

Diana (not verified)

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 08:58

I am praying that God will heal you, Christopher. He loves you and you are a wonderful little boy.
How nice you got to meet Donald Driver.

Amy (not verified)

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 21:36

Christopher, you are a very brave young man, and Donald, you are a wonderful human being.

Charlotte L Brunner (not verified)

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 14:44

We need to say Thank you God for giving us so many inspirational men and women like Donald Driver. God Bless you in your inspirational and courageous young man you are. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless

Charlotte L Brunner (not verified)

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 14:47

Thank you for the inspiration you give to everyone around. May God be with you & bless you. Thank God for people like Donald Driver who give so much inspiration to others, too. Prayers are being sent heavenward for you.

Charlotte L Brunner (not verified)

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 14:53

My prayers are that you will be safe and heal soon. Thank you for the inspiration you give to all around you. God Bless

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