I came across a very disturbing article in the New York Times about the state of federally-funded cancer research grant making in our country.  In short, many experts - even those within the NIH and NCI who are doling out the money, concede that the process is terribly broken vis-a-vis truly breakthrough research.  I almost fell off my chair when I read the quote below from the acting director of NIH!

‘Dr. Raynard S. Kington, acting director of the National Institutes of Health, which includes the cancer institute. “… we also recognize that the system probably provides disincentives to funding really transformative research.” ‘  (my emphasis added)

“Discentives to funding really transformative research”!!!!   Are you kidding me?!  The man at the top of NIH says that the system provides a disincentive.  Well…CHANGE IT!  And fast…or get someone in to NIH as the Director who can and will.

It seems that small, ’safe’ projects that, at best will provide small incremental changes, are funded while the people trying to do breakthrough work suffer.

‘The problem, Dr. Young (from Fox Chase Cancer Center) and others say, is that projects that could make a major difference in cancer prevention and treatment are all too often crowded out because they are too uncertain. In fact, it has become lore among cancer researchers that some game-changing discoveries involved projects deemed too unlikely to succeed and were therefore denied federal grants, forcing researchers to struggle mightily to continue.’

Why isn’t our national epicenter of cancer research doing more for “game changing discoveries”?  President Nixon declared a war on cancer 38 years ago and the NCI has spent $105 billion during that time.  And what do we have to show for it?

‘Yet the fight against cancer is going slower than most had hoped, with only small changes in the death rate in the almost 40 years since it began.’

And, unfortunately, it appears that the American Cancer Society (ACS) is taking a similarly cautious path.  While I appreciate the honesty of the ACS’s chief medical officer, I’m appalled by the approach we are taking in research.  Furthermore, I fear that Americans think that our country is doing much more in this war on cancer.  Keep in mind, these are not just the opinions of an angry father who lost his child to cancer, but these quotes are directly from the experts.

‘Dr. Otis W. Brawley, chief medical officer at the cancer society, said the whole cancer research effort remained too cautious. “The problem in science is that the way you get ahead is by staying within narrow parameters and doing what other people are doing,” Dr. Brawley said. “No one wants to fund wild new ideas.”

“Doing what other people are doing”???  Would it be that hard to marshall the resources of all of these smart people, collaborate in a healthy way, split up the battle (not ‘do what other people are doing’), and apply the resources wisely.  What is this…a jobs program???

The process is broken and it needs to be changed!  I applaud those brave researchers who are on the inside trying to change the process.  But, as you’ll see below, that’s not always easy.

‘“Scientists don’t like talking about it publicly,” because they worry that their remarks will be viewed as lashing out at the health institutes, which supports them, said Dr. Richard D. Klausner, a former director of the National Cancer Institute.

But, Dr. Klausner added: “There is no conversation that I have ever had about the grant system that doesn’t have an incredible sense of consensus that it is not working. That is a terrible wasted opportunity for the scientists, patients, the nation and the world.” ‘

Read that quote again…the former director of NCI says the “consensus that it (cancer research funding process) is not working”…yes, sir, it is a “terrible wasted opportunity”. 

This is not an indictment of the truly dedicated people who are trying their hardest to win this war against cancer.  It is also not an indictment of all cancer research.  But, this IS an indictment of our federally-funded process for cancer research.  It is terribly broken and it needs to be fixed…NOW.

God bless the dedicated researchers and those that support them, financially, spiritually, or otherwise.

B+  (I know it’s hard sometimes.)

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.BePositive.org

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31596443/ns/health-the_new_york_times/

On behalf of all of the supporters of the B+ movement, Chris, Ali, & I had the honor of presenting a $250,000 check today to the Nemours Center for Childhood Cancer Research (NCCCR).  It was a bittersweet moment as it is just unbelievable that we have been able to raise this kind of money in less than two years.  On the other hand, it was brutally difficult to stand there in the lobby where we raced through for nearly 6 months while our boy, Andrew, was fighting so valiantly.  Today was the first time that Chris has returned to the hospital.  We were honored with the presence of a few of our B+ Heroes at the ceremony…specifically Alex Blythe, Joey Borowski, and Savannah Pauley.  Philadelphia stations WPVI (6ABC) and WHYY (TV-12) covered the check presentation.  I was surprised to see them there as well as the dozens and dozens of people in the lobby.  I got a bit emotional at the end of my remarks as I spoke about my hero…Andrew, I miss you so much and I hope you’re proud of us!

God bless the B+ Nation!

We’re ‘living like Andrew’!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

Before I thank everyone for an incredible night last night at our 5k, I have to make an apology.  There’s no excuse, but I forgot to acknowledge a good friend, a great guy who left this world since our last 5k — my brother-in-law, Dan Crawford.  I had planned to call Dan’s daughters, Nora & Luisa, up to the steps to receive their “B+ Hero” medals, and I just screwed up and forgot.  Dan beat lymphoma 5 years ago, only to have cancer rear its head again and strike with a vengeance last spring.  Dan went to Heaven on Sept. 5, 2008.  It would be hard to find a guy with a bigger heart than Dan.  Dan, Mary, Nora, & Luisa, I’m very sorry — I’m a better person because I knew your husband and Dad.  I have a picture of Dan, Mary, & Luisa from last year’s 5k (see Caringbridge website). 

~~~~~~~~~~~

My nephew, Capt. Bob McDonough, has arrived in Kandahar, Afghanistan and now the worrying begins.  But, this is what Bob has trained for and he’s ready to do his job.  I’m sure we’ll be worrying much more than Bob.  Bob will represent our country and the US Army well.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, to the 5k.  WOW!  What can I say.  We gave out 1,733 numbers and raised about $80,000 for our fight to eradicate pediatric cancers.  As with many people, the highlight of the night for me came when we called up the B+ Heroes, young and old, who are battling cancer.  It was truly an inspiring site.  Thank you to everyone who supported us from participants to donors to sponsors to Salesianum to those that prayed for us.  It was a blessed and special evening!  God bless you!

~~~~~~~~~~

Live Like Andrew - MAKE today a great day!  It’s up to you.

B+

Andrew’s & Ali’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

P.S.  Andrew, as you know, you’ve got a new buddy (Gary Papa) to talk Philly sports.  Have fun!

I’m not going to badger you about tomorrow’s 5k in this update.  :)   We’re really busy getting things ready and it’s going to be a great night.  We are so overwhelmed and humbled by the great outpouring of support.  I know the teams aren’t in this for the prizes - we know what the ultimate prize is in this war against cancer - but I’d like to share the winners of our fun little contests.

Team that raised the most money — Team Aryn –  $8,182!!!

Largest team  —  Team SavannahStrong — 138 participants!!!

You will receive your prizes tomorrow night.  Congratulations and thank you to all teams!!!

~~~~~~~~~

Today, I would like to ask for your prayers for 3 families.

First, tomorrow night, my nephew (Bob McDonough) will leave Germany for Afghanistan.  Bob is a recently promoted Captain in the US Army, a Blackhawk helicopter pilot, and will be attached to the 82nd Airborne for the next year. 

Secondly, please, please keep the Gricol family in your prayers.  Their 23 year old daughter, Julie, left this world last week in tremendously tragic circumstances.  Chris, Ali, & I had the true pleasure of meeting Julie on just one occasion, but that interaction stayed with us. 

Thirdly, please keep the family of Nick Zerhusen in your prayers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Andrew, I hope you’re proud of your B+ Nation??? 

Live Like Andrew!  Set goals and try your best.

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

Our “3rd Annual B+ 5k Fighting Pediatric Cancer” is fast approaching…2 days and counting!  The response, particularly over the past week has been amazing.  We have over 50 teams, over 1,000 pre-registered participants, and about $65,000 raised.  We’ve got the free shirts (Horizon), free pizza (Grotto), free hot dogs (Johnnie’s Dog House), free pretzels (Tile Market), free fruit (Marini Produce), and free drinks!  And, live music by the Darcy Trio.  We’re also going to have my chiropractor on-site if anyone is looking for an adjustment or to learn more about it.  And, we’d like to thank DE Stadium Corporation, Diamond State Classic, and Sweet Lucy’s for donating prizes for the Largest Team & Team that raises the most money.

We’ll also be introducing a new program that was presented to us by TD (formerly Commerce Bank).  If you have an account with TD, you can just go up to the table on Thurs night (or at a branch office later) and tell them that you want your account to be a “B+” account.  It will NOT change your account at all — your rates will stay the same, your account numbers will stay the same….nothing will change for you…BUT, at the end of the year, The B+ Foundation will get a check from TD Bank based upon all of the “B+” accounts.  (And, no, we won’t know how much is in your account!!!  :)   Total privacy.)  If you’re at another bank and looking to change, open your account at TD and tell them that you want your account to be credited to “B+”.   We also feel strong loyalty to another bank, Wilmington Trust, for the support that they have given us.  So, we’re not trying to move WT accounts to TD…just from other banks. 

Online registration closes at noon tomorrow (Wed.)  After that, just register at Salesianum on Thurs. (5pm-6:45pm).

Some of you have asked to see a course map prior to Thursday’s event.  Please see the link below.  It will be the same loop as last year BUT, the direction will be the opposite.  The route is reversed!!!  (Please disregard the km markings on last year’s map attached below.)

http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=203663

Finally, Thursday’s 5k is RAIN OR SHINE!!!   I’m still optimistic that it will be dry, but if it’s not, no big deal. 

Live Like Andrew!  Worry about the things that you can control.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

Thanks to your continued generosity, the families of the following 15 HEROES have received financial assistance.  The children below range in age from 18 months to 17 years old and they are all battling life-threatening conditions.  Our prayers go out to all these families!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you also for the way that you have responded to our “3rd Annual B+ 5k Fighting Pediatric Cancer” scheduled for next Thurs. (June 18th).  It’s going to be a great night!  I think the 5k is my favorite Foundation event because it’s truly a family affair.  We draw a big crowd from all ages, we have Heroes represented on teams, some people run, some walk, we honor the Heroes with medal, it doesn’t cost much to participate, there’s a lot of free food and drink, everyone has a good time, and it’s at Andrew’s school.  It’s a really special night.

If you’d like to pre-register to participate or sponsor, online registration will be available until noon on Wed. June 17th.  After that, we will take walk-up registration starting at 5pm at Salesianum on the night of the Run/Walk.  Hope to see you there.

https://www.signup82north.com/BPos2009/EventLandingPage.aspx

~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you to Kathy Witsil & Nicole DiCello from Chase for inviting me to be the Opening Speaker at the ACS Relay for Life at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington.  As I took a lap around the field, I got choked up every time I saw a luminaria with Andrew’s name on it.  Thank you for making those…they mean so much to me.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Live Like Andrew!  Appreciate your blessings!  Be thankful for what you have, rather than stressing over the things that you want.

This reminds me of a good song and since we have so many lyrical geniuses in the B+ Nation , I’ll throw out a song trivia question which is apropos.  (No cheating by searching the internet!!! 

“Poor men wanna be rich, rich men wanna be kings,
And a king aint satisfied till he rules everything.”

God bless you.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

You guys are too smart for me!  I tried to throw out a musical trivia question that I thought might be a little challenging, but it didn’t take you guys long.  How many cheated by checking the internet, though?  :)   Yes the song is “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C.  Next time I’ll make it tougher!!! 

~~~~~~~~~

Wow, has it been fun watching the flurry of activity on the 5k Run/Walk registration website!  https://www.signup82north.com/BPos2009/EventLandingPage.aspx   Molly’s (Zahner) F.R.O.G.s, Team Aryn, Team Degnan, AB+’s teams, Team Savannah Strong, and Super Friends of Mighty Molly (Anderson) are battling it out.  It seems like the order of the teams changes every time I check (which is about 50 times a day!!!  :)       Thank you so much for your support - whether you’re part of a mega team or just joining us by yourself.  Every single person makes a difference.  I’m really hoping for 1,500 people on Thurs. June 18th at Sallies.  We’ve got all of the free pizza (Grotto), hot dogs (Johnnie’s), fruit (Marini’s) pretzels (Pretzel BoysTile Market), drinks, band (Darcy Trio)…all kinds of fun.  Thank you to all of our sponsors, especially Horizon Services who is providing souvenir race tee shirts to all!

Live Like Andrew!  Have faith!!!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

P.S.  Finally, I ask for your prayers for Randy Allen.  Randy has been diagnosed with multiple forms of cancer and the doctors are still trying to figure it all out.

This time of year is very busy for us and it’s very bittersweet.  On Thursday, Ali & I attended the St. Mary Magdalen (SMM) Athletic Association Sports Banquet to present this year’s winner of the “Andrew McDonough B+ Award”.  As most of you know, Andrew and Ali are alums of SMM School and it was hard looking out at the soon-to-be 8th grade graduates realizing that Andrew sat in those seats just 3 years ago.  Man, how our lives have changed.  We are very appreciative of Tom Higley and all of the members of the SMM Athletic Association for continuing to honor Andrew in this way.  There were 7 outstanding nominees recommended by the coaches and the selection committee certainly could have chosen any one as they were all so deserving.  It was my great privilege to present this year’s “Andrew McDonough B+ Award” to Paige Thommes.  As soon as I get the pictures, I’ll post one.  Congratulations, Paige.

~~~~~~~~~

On Friday morning, I was truly honored to be the graduation speaker at North Star Elementary School.  It’s funny because I was actually their second choice, but their first choice couldn’t make it.  He sent a nice note though.  He’s another ‘Joe’…. Joe Biden!  So, they got stuck with me — another Irishman who likes to talk.  :)  Seriously, I really enjoyed speaking to the graduates and their families.  I hope they take a little of Andrew with them as they move on to their new schools.

~~~~~~~~~

On Friday night, Chris and I were invited to present an “Andrew McDonough Scholarship” to Collin LeNoir at St. Elizabeth’s Elementary School graduation.  It was a packed church and so many of the teachers told us that Collin is a great choice to represent our boy.  Collin will be a freshman at Salesianum School in the fall.  Collin, congratulations and good luck!

~~~~~~~~~~

On Saturday morning, the graduation ‘circuit’ shifted to graduation ceremonies at IHM grade school in Wilmington.  Our second recipient of an “Andrew McDonough Scholarship” is Chris Walker and we know that Andrew is proud of both of these young men.  Chris, congratulations and enjoy your summer.

~~~~~~~~~

As you know from a few weeks ago, the Hockessin (DE) MOMS Club organized a “Touch-A-Truck” fundraiser that benefitted OUR Foundation and the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation.  The event was super successful!  Last night, Kim Ciconte, the Touch-A-Truck Co-Chair, presented Chris and I with a check for $6,500.  This is another remarkable example of ‘kids helping kids fight cancer’.  Thank you so much, Hockessin MOMS Club!

~~~~~~~~~

Unfortunately, this has been a tough week with the loss of some friends and the brother of a friend.  As you’ll recall from my last posting, I asked for prayers for our good friend, Billy McGowan.  Billy went to Heaven on Friday night and I’m sure that he and Andrew are talking Salesianum stuff right now.  We’re going to miss Billy, but he lived a good life, his faith was unbelievably strong, he touched so many lives, and we know where he is.  A former co-worker and friend, Don Schmitt, passed away earlier in the week and I ask for prayers for his family as well.  And, the brother of my good friend, Charlie Marvel, went to Heaven earlier in the week as well.  It’s a lot to deal with in one week.

~~~~~~~~~~

I heard a song today that reminds me SO much of Andrew’s last healthy summer with us.  I remember playing this song a lot and it’s really hard to listen to it now.  There’s a line in the song that really sticks out to me…

“…And if you got something that you need to say
You better say it right now cause you don’t have another day…”

I hope and pray that you have many more days, but please take the message to heart.

(Who knows what song this is???  :))

~~~~~~~~

Live Like Andrew - be open with your feelings!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

P.S.  Still time to register or support our B+ 5k Fighting Pediatric Cancer Run/Walk.  Thanks.

https://www.signup82north.com/BPos2009/EventLandingPage.aspx

Thank you, Kevin Tresolini (News-Journal), for the nice coverage on the Foundation, our MLS partnership, and our upcoming 5k.  I hope it stirs some additional interest.  I’m going to be on the WSTW (93.7FM) Morning Show next Monday (June 15th— 9:30am or so) talking about OUR Foundation and Run/Walk.  It’s great to see that there’s been a flurry of activity among the teams.  Molly’s F.R.O.G.s has come on fast to challenge Team Degnan, Team Aryn, the AB+ teams, and Savannah’s team.  We still have 2 weeks left!!!

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090603/SPORTS11/906030347/1002/SPORTS

https://www.signup82north.com/BPos2009/EventLandingPage.aspx

~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday was a very difficult day.  One the one hand, I was very excited to introduce a new program “B+  Score for a Cure” that is co-sponsored by OUR Foundation, the Delaware Youth Soccer Association (DYSA) and Major League Soccer (MLS).  However, it meant that I had to recount Andrew’s story about a dozen times to each State Champion team.  The way that the program works is that each player on each State Cup champion team (boys and girls, all ages) are asked to generate at least $25 in pledges for each goal that their team scores at Regionals in W. Virginia over the 4th of July holiday.  We have the potential to raise a lot of money in our battle against childhood cancers.  I’m praying that all of the players will participate fully and that they score a LOT of goals at Regionals!!! :)  The boy and girl that raise the most in pledges will also receive two tickets to a Philadelphia Union professional soccer game next season.  If all goes well, I’d like to roll this program out to other states and, eventually, the entire country.  Another example of ‘kids helping kids fight cancer’!  I’ll keep you posted on our progress.

Live Like Andrew - make a difference in the world TODAY!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

P.S.  Special prayers tonight for our good friend, Billy McGowan, Salesianum Class of ‘71.  Tenui Nec Dimittam.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

I hope everyone is doing well and high school/college students are breathing a sigh of relief that finals are over (or almost over).  Grade school kids…you’re almost there too!!!

I want to take this opportunity to introduce you to a new Hero…a very, very young one.  Madison Ursillo is only 2 months old but this brave little girl has experienced an awful lot in her short life.  And, of course, so has her family.  I’ve attached the link to her CB site in case you want to drop by and show a little B+ love to Madison and her family.  I’m sure it would be greatly appreciated.

http://caringbridge.org/visit/madisonursillo

~~~~~~~~~~

I would like to thank the kids at Darley Road Elementary School for inviting me to speak at their assembly on Wednesday.  One of the classes did a project where they wrote and illustrated stories and then sold them to raise money for charity.  Guess who they picked as their charity?  :)  The kids and Ms. Princilus presented me with a check for $210!!!  Thank you so much for opening up your hearts!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There are a lot of updates on so many of our Heroes.  Drew Koenig (drewkoenig) is up in Boston and he’s handling his proton radiation like the champ that he is.  Molly Anderson (mollyanderson) and Joey Borowski (joeyb) have both returned from great trips to Florida and Joey is going back to school next week.  Evan Nickle (evannickle) got clean scans and is still “NED” (no evidence of disease).  Savannah Pauley (savannahpauley1) is a media celebrity and seen at all kinds of high school sports in the area.  Please pray for a clean PET scan for Savannah.  Aryn Strigle (arynelizabethstrigle) had a transfusion so let’s hope that gets those RBCs to stay up.  Our buddy, Alex Blythe (AB+) (alexblythe) is out of the hospital and received an unexpected award at school!  Sydney Lysinger (sydneylysinger) is finishing up school and celebrating her sister’s graduation.  Unfortunately, our Super Hero Carrie Maniscalco (carriemaniscalco) continues to battle so many known and unknown challenges and really needs your prayers.  And, Isaiah Smith (isaiahmarksmith) has recently gone through a transplant and is bravely battling his way back.  There are so many more Heroes, please don’t feel slighted if I didn’t mention you right now.

To check in on these guys, please visit:

www.caringbridge.org/visit/ followed by their name in parenthesis above.

~~~~~~

MAKE it a great weekend.  It’s up to you!

Live Like Andrew - B+ — It’s Not A Grade, It’s An Attitude!!!

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

P.S.  Please sign up for the upcoming 5k Run/Walk at:

https://www.signup82north.com/BPos2009/EventLandingPage.aspx

 www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough