Jason Schoo, who died Aug. 19 at the age of 46, will long be remembered at Nebraska Medicine/UNMC for his work with head and neck cancer patients.
From 2003-2018, Schoo worked as a certified medical assistant in the Specialty Care Clinic at the Nebraska Medical Center.
His expertise in head and neck cancer came from personal experience. In 1995, he was diagnosed with olfactory neuroblastoma, a tumor involving the smelling nerve. It developed into a more aggressive form of cancer called adenocarcinoma.
He lost much of the middle of his face, including the nasal bone, the nasal septum and the left side of his hard palate. His makeshift nose was topped with a couple of band-aid strips that basically covered a hole in his face that couldn’t be closed.
In a UNMC Today story from 2006, Schoo talked about how he interacted with the head and neck cancer patients coming through clinic.
“I love to get patients talking to one another to get them laughing,” he said. “I’m there as a friend. I’m there to listen to what their problems are and to be someone they can reach out and tell their inner thoughts to.
“I know how isolated they feel. I tell them, ‘Don’t be bitter. You didn’t do anything to deserve this.’ I can find out instantly who is depressed, then I try to get them to open up and help them work through their problems.”
He was known for his great sense of humor — usually at his own expense.
“It’s only natural for people to stare when they see my face, but I have to keep laughing,” Schoo said. “I have a T-shirt that I sometimes wear. It says, ‘Keep staring. I may do a trick.'”
Schoo was a three-sport athlete (golf, basketball and baseball) in high school and won the Nebraska Class B state golf championship. He played basketball in the Junior Olympics competing against NBA great Shaquille O’Neal. In recent years, he has been one of the top golfers in the Nebraska Medicine/UNMC Golf League at Elmwood Park, and he helped lead his team to several championships.
“He made a huge impact on all the lives that he touched throughout his years here and within the Omaha community,” said Kim Waszgis-Vaca, a clinical research data senior associate in the blood and marrow transplantation program for Nebraska Medicine. “I knew him very well and know the day-to-day challenges he faced, but he always continued to go on.
“He never had a ‘pity me’ or ‘why me’ attitude, he just accepted what he was dealt with and tried to make everyone he came in contact with realize that their life could always be worse. But, more importantly, he made them feel that they can and will get through anything. He was living proof of this.”
In reflecting on his work with head and neck cancer patients, Schoo said, “I know this is what I’m supposed to be doing. The greatest thing is to get a hug from a patient. They say, ‘This hug is good until I see you again.'”
A memorial service for Schoo will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd.
Thanks Tom for this lovely tribute to Jason. He was so kind to me when I first visited Omaha, and it was a privilege to work with him in many different capacities over the years, and witness his care and compassion for others.
Jason was a fighter. He inspired me from the minute I met him. He will be greatly missed.
Jason made the most out of the lousy hand he was dealt. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He truly made a difference in people's lives. I loved playing golf with him — he was outstanding and always kept it fun. RIP, Jason, and thank you for making the world a better place.
Jason was an important ambassador for the mission of UNMC. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
Jason made such an impact on my grandmother while she was in treatment for her cancer. He was her absolute favorite and I remember her telling me that he was her favorite part of her cancer treatment. He truly made a difference in the lives of many.
I didn't know Jason well but I always enjoyed his smile and his humor when I worked in the cancer clinic. Deepest sympathies to his family, friends and co-workers.
He was a wonderful guy! I was training him at one of our offsite locations ! He was almost there! Rest up Jason! You will be missed!!!!
Much Respect to a wonderful co-worker at Charles Drew.
He was wonderful! Always had kind words when I brought my husband into the clinic. He will be truly missed by all that knew him. R.I.P. Jason.
Fly high Jason! Your spirit and compassion was never ending. You were a positive glimmer of light in my mother's appointments. You will be missed!
He was amazing in so many ways. He made my now husband, and I, feel so much more comfortable with what we were going through. Along with Dr Swindell, he helped so much in his recovery. He could have been miserable the rest of his life, seeped with anger and bitterness; he instead chose to be a shining star and a beacon of light. He will be so missed!
Oh so sorry to hear of Jason's death. Jason was such a dear friend. I fell in love with him the first day met him. I saw him often and then Dr. Bill went to Methodist and I did too. Lost track of him but did stay in contact with him. Love you Jason and will be with you in heaven some day. Love you with all my heart my dear friend!!!!
Jason was a wonderful caring person who always cared about others even though he was dealing with his own problems. He could always make me smile when I came into the clinic at UNMC. He always inspired me to hang in there and keep on going. You will truly be missed Jason. R.I.P. Jason
I remember working with Jason years ago at UNMC. He had such a great attitude and was so wonderful with the patients he worked with in the Cancer Center. He made an impact on so many lives as an example of strength.
My daughter, Kristin Griess, always commented on how she revered Jason, marveling at his attitude for life and for helping others cope … a true angel here on earth for 46 years !