7x Cancer Survivor & 15-Year Marine Vet Set to Sing National Anthem at 2021 EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl
by EasyPost
Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the singing of our national anthem.
These are the words that fuel Edward Schrank’s passion and give him the motivation to keep pushing forward. EasyPost is honored to be the title sponsor for the 2021 Hawai’i Bowl and we’re even more excited to announce that 15-year Marine Corps veteran and 6-time cancer survivor Edward Schrankopens in new tab will be singing the national anthem.
Who is Edward Schrank?
Edward G. Schrankopens in new tab served as an active duty Marine from 1996 to 2012 and kicked off his career focusing on physics and precision measurement. He spent the second half of his Marine career focusing on data platforms for the Department of Defense and other agencies.
As a result of long-term exposure to toxic chemicals (JP5/8 jet fuel) during his deployment, Schrank developed cancer for the first time in 2007. He lost his left eye and parts of his skull from surgery yet remained on active duty until his cancer came back. His road to a cancer-free life was filled with multiple resections and the largest dose of medical radiation to date.
Despite doctors saying he would lose his ability to speak due to jaw removal surgery, Schrank soldiered on. He thought “I want to use this voice as much as possible. The most you can use a voice is in singing. In particular, I thought I should learn how to sing the national anthem,” Schrank said.
Schrank achieved his goal and then some. Throughout the year, Schrank gets the opportunity to sing at events for the NFL, MLB, Nascar, and other private events, telling his story and inspiring thousands of fans along the way.
For 90 seconds, I try to give everything I have to the fans and it makes me feel most alive, Schrank said.
Edward Schrank has been featured in the National Museum of the Marine Corps’ War and Peace exhibit and was named the Marine of the Year in addition to ASTRO Survivor of the Year.
Since Schrank’s initial cancer diagnosis, he has beat it seven times with his most recent victory happening recently. Schrank notes that doctors seemed to have finally found a sustainable cure but we will know for sure in the upcoming years.
Watch Edward perform on Dec. 24th!
We couldn’t be more excited to watch Edward give a moving performance of the national anthem at the 2021 EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl. Regardless of whether our employees are attending the game or watching from afar, we know Edward will deliver an incredible performance.
Tune in on Dec. 24th at 3 pm HT / 8 pm ET for Edward’s performance. For more information on Edward, visit his websiteopens in new tab.