“I just want to go to heaven.”
Nathan Raun lived a short life, passing away at the age of thirteen after a ten-month battle with brain cancer. Despite his youth, Nathan possessed a remarkable faith in God and love for others. Nathan’s courage, resilience, and sense of humor in the face of his illness and eventual death have inspired many people.
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The Nathan Raun Association is open to anyone who is interested in Nathan’s story. We exist to share the story of Nathan’s life and to encourage others to follow Jesus through his example of joyful surrender and steadfast hope for heaven. Members of the association are invited to pray for God’s will to be done in all things.
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Nathan’s Life
August 5, 1985
Nathan Thomas Raun was born in Lincoln, Nebraska at St. Elizabeth Community Regional Center at 4:48 pm.
August 25, 1985
Nathan was baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, NE by Fr. Val Bartek.
February 5, 1994
Nathan received the Sacrament of First Penance at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lincoln, NE from Fr. James Meysenburg.
Nathan ran to the confessional in excitement, wanting to be first in line.
April 16, 1994
Nathan received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The Mass was celebrated by Msgr. Thomas Holoman and Fr. James Meysenburg.
Sr. Bernadette, CK was his teacher.
March 19, 1997
Nathan received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, NE. He chose St. Andrew as his saint. He wrote a prayer as an assignment for confirmation class.
“Lord, take my soul to the awesome place,
so that I will see your holy face.
Take me and my whole family,
and we will be filled with happiness and glee.”
He is pictured here with Fr. Jeffery Eickoff and his pastor, Msgr. Myron Pleskac.
December 15, 1997
Nathan sang a solo in the Christmas program at St. Joseph’s School. The song was St. Joseph Song.
The lyrics from the chorus read, “Father, show me where I fit into this plan of Yours.”
January 27, 1998
When Nathan was 12 years old, he began experiencing neck pain, as well as pain in his left leg causing a limp, and vision problems. After an MRI, he was diagnosed with a Grade IV Glioblastoma multiforme, a highly aggressive brain tumor.
Nathan received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick from Msgr. Myron Pleskac. He was transported via ambulance to Iowa University Medical center for evaluation.
February 2, 1998
Nathan underwent surgery by Dr. Arnold Menezes at the Iowa University Medical Center to remove the tumor. After fifteen days in the hospital - nine days following his surgery - he was discharged and returned home to continue treatments in Omaha, NE.
February - July 1998
Nathan received 4 rounds of chemotherapy and 36 brain radiation treatments in Omaha, while progressively losing both his vision and motor function.
July 1998
Nathan dictated a letter to Pope John Paul II asking for his prayers. The letter was hand-delivered by Bishop James Harvey, Prefect of the Papal Household.
In it, Nathan said, “People have also told me that my suffering has brought them closer to God.”
He also told the Holy Father, “I think that you are a really neat guy.”
October 9, 1998
Nathan had a focal seizure in his left hand and was transported to the Children’s Hospital, where an MRI revealed the tumor had returned, and it was evident that Nathan would die.
He said to his mother, “Oh Momma, I just want to go to heaven.”
One month later, Nathan had another seizure and the decision was made to begin hospice care at home.
November 25, 1998
Nathan died at 8:25 pm, surrounded by his family, accompanied by the presence of a priest.
On November 29th, his Vigil and Rosary were held at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ due to the size of the congregation. Fr. Mark Tasler led the rosary.
On November 30th, Nathan’s Funeral Mass was celebrated by his pastor, Msgr. Myron Pleskac, at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Lincoln, NE, on the feast of his confirmation saint, St. Andrew.
Learn more about Nathan’s story here.