Packers surprise young fan living in Chicago

By Rich Palzewic

Staff Writer

CHICAGO – By his own admission, 6-year-old Michael Schenk is the world’s greatest Green Bay Packers fan.

Schenk, a kindergartener, lives in the suburbs of Chicago with his mom Amanda, dad Nick and sister Madison.

“My favorite players are quarterback Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver Davante Adams and running back Aaron Jones,” said Michael Schenk. “Sometimes, the Packers games aren’t on television down here, but I’ve watched some of them.”

Despite living in Chicago Bears territory, the Schenks are Packers fans because Randy Schenk, Nick’s dad, was born and raised in Green Bay.

“No, I am not a Bears fan,” said Michael.

When Amanda was 26 weeks pregnant with Michael, her water broke.

At the hospital, doctors administered her steroid injections to help Michael’s lungs develop more quickly and intravenous magnesium sulfate to help prevent his brain from bleeding.

“I was told if they needed to deliver Michael that night, his chances of survival were about 50 percent,” said Amanda. “After 48 hours had passed, the doctors said to celebrate every additional 12 hours because it resulted in about a 4-percent increase in Michael’s survival rate. When I reached 27 weeks, they told us his survival rate had increased to about 80 percent.”

When Amanda went into labor at 27 weeks and three days, Michael’s survival rate rose to roughly 85-90 percent.

“Babies who survive born at 27 weeks often face tough challenges – brain bleeding, cerebral palsy, eye damage, lung damage, underdeveloped intestines or kidneys and developmental issues,” Amanda said. “The doctors told us to prepare for lots of unknowns. Unfortunately, we saw lots of that with other families in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).”

The Schenks spent 99 days in the NICU.

“There were good days and some really hard days,” said Amanda. “We had many scares, but Michael has always been a strong and determined child. He’s always had God’s hands upon him. He’s truly a living miracle. Michael is now a bright, athletic, 6-year-old boy who loves his little sister, playing golf, hockey and football and watching sports.”

She said the only complication Michael had from his prematurity was increased muscle tone in his legs, which would sometimes cause nerve pain, decreased balance or tripping.

“Unfortunately, this increased tone could lead to long-term complications, including early-aging syndrome, hip and knee problems,” Amanda said.

Last fall, Michael traveled to St. Louis Children’s Hospital to undergo selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery with neurosurgeon Dr. T.S. Park.

“This specialized surgery involved taking a piece of bone out of his spine, isolating the nerve rootlets misfiring in his spinal column due to his prematurity and causing him to have tightness in his legs, and cutting those nerve rootlets,” said Amanda. “The surgery sounds scary, but we met with all of the specialists, obtained numerous opinions and did lots of research. We determined the surgery was the only permanent fix for Michael and the only way to prevent future long-term complications.”

Although the surgery was a success, the first few days after the surgery were extremely painful for Michael, Amanda said.

“He had nerve and muscle pain, muscle spasms and severe spinal headaches as his body healed,” she said. “They told us it would be approximately four weeks before he could walk again but eventually he would be running, jumping and playing better than before.”

Through numerous blood draws, evaluations and tests, Amanda said Michael has remained positive.

“His attitude has been amazing,” she said. “He has physical therapy five days per week but is constantly doing extra practice and exercises at home. We are proud to say he was walking independently within three days of being discharged from the hospital. He never quits and never gives up. When he took his first step after coming home, he did a fist pump and said, ‘Yes, I am living a great life.’”

The Schenk familly all supports the Green and Gold. Submitted Photo

With the Packers being Michael’s favorite team, Amanda reached out to the organization to see if a video could be sent.

“I knew it was a long shot,” she said. “We were completely blown away at the Packers organization’s response. We came home from the hospital to find the most thoughtful care package, including an autographed football, an autographed picture of Davante Adams and a card signed by Aaron Rodgers. They have become Michael’s most prized possessions. We are grateful to the Green Bay Packers organization for helping Michael feel special as he continues to work hard and come back better than ever.”

Michael said he also received a Packers pillow, a couple of books, a backpack, an NFL matching game and a T-shirt.

“I liked everything they gave me,” he said. “I would tell the Packers, ‘Thank you, Go, Pack, go and I love the Green Bay Packers.’”

Michael said when his back is fully healed and he grows up more, he’ll be ready to play back-up quarterback for Rodgers or back-up receiver for Adams.

He also said he can’t wait until “the virus is gone” so he can see another game at Lambeau Field.

“I went to one Packers game in 2019 against the Washington Redskins (now the Washington Football Team),” said Michael. “The Packers won, 20-15.”