More information on Noxah can be found on his Facebook group page — Warrior 21.

Live Like Andrew…and Noxah!  Carpe diem.  What are you waiting for?

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Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

Happy birthday, Andrew!  I miss you and LOVE you so much!

God bless you, Pal.

Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

I pray that millions of hearts and minds will be open this month, that brave children battling cancer will feel all of the extra prayers, and all of the families whose Angels have left this world will know that their child will never be forgotten!

We must do more!

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

To that end, I am pleased to announce that Happy Harry’s (a Walgreens drug store chain) will carry “Kind Joe B+ Coffee” in 60 stores in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey during the month of September.  The 36 bag floorstand will have a header card which includes an enormous gold ribbon, our logo, and a beautiful picture of B+ Hero, Savannah Pauley.  Savannah went to Heaven on Sept 13, 2009.  Once we have the displays in the stores later this week, I’ll post a picture.  If you live in the Delaware area, please stop in and purchase a bag or two of coffee and help fight childhood cancer - one cup at a time. 

The Kind Joe B+ Coffee is also available in The Pink Turtle, Marini Produce, and Walmart on Centreville Road in Wilmington.  And, it’s coming soon to Fresh & Healthy Cafe in Hockessin, DE.

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In my last Journal Update, I asked for donations of frequent flyer miles to send a family to Houston for critical medical treatment.  In just a few days, we had two donors step up.  Thank you very much!!! 

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I always smile when we are touched by the kindness of children.  Last week, we received a note from Jacob & Isabella from Hockessin, DE.  The note read “We are donating our pool snack money for this week.”  And, inside the envelope was a $10 bill.  Jacob and Isabella, on behalf of all of the brave kids fighting cancer, thank you very much!  You guys are just amazing.

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The Mom of B+ Hero, Sydney Lysinger, is involved with a fashion show fundraiser to benefit the Nemours Center for Childhood Cancer Research.  The fashion show will be held at the DuPont Country Club on Sept 26th.  Please see the link below for more information.

http://livelikeandrew.com/documents/FashionShowPoster_001.pdf

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On a personal note, we moved Ali into her college apartment last weekend.  It’s hard to believe that she is a Junior already.  It’s also hard to believe that Andrew’s classmates are off to college.  Saturday was Freshman move-in day at Delaware and I couldn’t help but think that we should be moving Andrew in.  Andrew wanted to play soccer at Notre Dame, but I kind of think he might have ended up at UD.  I think Andrew would have wanted to go to school with Ali and be close to home.  I’ll never know.

Live Like Andrew.

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

Please pray for B+ Hero, Noxah Palomo.  Noxah is an incredibly brave and inspiring young man who is battling AML (what Andrew had).  Noxah has battled through several relapses and is really fighting hard.  Noxah’s family updates his situation on the Facebook page listed below.  Please take a minute to leave Noxah some words of encouragement from his B+ friends.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=91108552923&ref=ts

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We have another B+ Hero who will be traveling across the country for cutting edge treatment of his cancer and we’d like to throw out an invitation to the B+ Nation.  The family is trying to round up the resources for the four of them to fly there.  My thought is that there may be people reading this who are sitting on a lot of airline frequent flyer miles and might be so inclined to donate some of them.  If we could get one roundtrip donated - or all four - that would significantly ease the financial burden on the family.  If this is something that you are interested in, please contact me at joe@livelikeandrew.org.  Your consideration and support is greatly appreciated.

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As you may recall from a few months ago, a fellow Chase employee - Mike Cefaratti - was battling cancer.  I am sorry to report that Mike passed away on Sunday.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Cefaratti family.

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In just about a month, we will be getting together for our “4th Annual B+ Foundation Golf Outing, Dinner, & Auction” on Mon. Sept 27th at the DuPont Country Club.  The foursomes are almost sold out.  Please don’t feel that you need to be a golfer to join us.  Please come out and join us for the open bar reception (5pm) and dinner/auction (6pm).  We’re going to have some incredible auction items (trips, sports tickets, at home wine tasting, orthodontia package, chef’s table packages, gift baskets)…something for everyone.  The food (filet of salmon, pasta station, carving station, scallops, chicken, etc) will be delicious.  It’s going to be a great night.  Please register for dinner at the link below.  (Dress code is casual). 

https://www.signup82north.com/beventLive.aspx?EventID=NBI20371240

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Tomorrow will mark the 100th birthday of one of the most incredible people that ever lived - Mother Teresa.  I am in awe of the complete devotion and selflessness that she displayed during her life.  I think we could all learn a lot from her.  The order that she started, the Missionaries of Charity, continue to touch the lives of millions in all corners of the world.  What a legacy that she left!

Mother Teresa once said, “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love… a gift to that person.” 

I think she would have been very proud of the everpresent smile on Andrew’s face!

Live Like Andrew - Keep Smiling!

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Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

Live Like Andrew - make memories today!

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Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

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Tomorrow night is “B+ Night at the Blue Rocks” and we are in need of about 4-6 more volunteers.  If you can help us staff our B+ table, we’d greatly appreciate it.  No game ticket is required of volunteers.  Please email me at joe@livelikeandrew.org if you think you can help.  Thanks!

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Hope to see you tonight and tomorrow night at our B+ events!

Live Like Andrew - give someone and hug…and MEAN it!

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Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

People have said that I’m the ’face’ of the Foundation (I know, scary thought, huh!!!) and our family.  If so, Chris is the ‘brains’, and Ali and Andrew are the ‘heart and soul’.  We complement each other well.  And, I couldn’t be more blessed to have a better wife and partner along this difficult journey.  People are surprised when I say that I’m tremendously blessed.  But, when I think about Chris & Ali and all of the wonderful memories I have of my son, I am.  I’m really, really sad…but I’m blessed.  I couldn’t do this without you, Chris.  It doesn’t really feel right saying “Happy” birthday…but, I hope today can be as happy as possible for Chris.  She certainly deserves it!

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Switching gears a bit, I’d like to recognize and thank State Rep. Greg Lavelle for his generosity to our Foundation.  Several years ago, Greg opposed a pay raise for legislators and, since 2005, he has been donating his raise to various community organizations.  For the second year in a row, Greg has included The B+ Foundation as one of the 6 non-profits.  Thank you!!!

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The CityLife Block Party series is benefitting The B+ Foundation this Thurs from 5-9pm at the Plaza at City Centre (10th & Tatnall Sts. Wilmington).  There will be food, soda, beer, and live music provided by three country/Americana/alternative country bands - Yarn, Kalai King, & The Miles.  Cover charge is only $5 and proceeds benefit the fight against childhood cancer.

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Don’t forget — you can order Kind Joe B+ Coffee at www.BePositive.org.

Kind Joe is 100% Arabica beans that are purifed to remove the irritants making this a low-acid coffee.  There are six varieties and they cost only $10.  You can also sign up for a recurring order of the coffee.  The feedback on this coffee has been very positive. 

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Thank you very much for all your prayers for our B+ Heroes.  I received a text this morning regarding test results on one of our Heroes.  The results — NO tumor!  It’s SO nice to get this news. 

Live Like Andrew - LAUGH! 

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Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

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For whatever reason, complaining is really popular.  I know I’m stating the obvious, to some degree, but think about this.  Back in February, we were getting bombarded with snow (which is pretty unusual for Delaware).  Everyone was saying how much they were dying for summer to come.  Well, summer is here and it is hot as Hades.  Once again, unusually so.  Today, the temperature is much lower (good news,right?) and dark clouds are moving in.  Guess what, now I heard someone complaining that it looks like rain is moving in!  I just can’t help but shake my head.  Sure, I would love for it to be about 75 degrees with a light breeze.  But, guess what?  We can’t control that.  It is what it is.  Pre-Andrew’s diagnosis, I wanted to control everything.  I learned, the hard way, that there’s only so much we can control.  So, spend a lot of time on your attitude, the way you act with family and friends, and those other things that you CAN control.  Remember — ’serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference’!

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Did you know that “National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month” is coming up in September?  Unfortunately, most people aren’t aware of this…certainly not as aware of this relative to other well-marketed cancer awareness months.  We need to put this front and center and give these brave kids a voice.

We are on a mission to get special Childhood Cancer Awareness B+ Coffee floorstands in retailers throughout the country; starting, of course, with our local area.  In the coming weeks, I will list all of the retailers who have agreed to support us. 

Today, I would like to focus on one very special retailer, The Pink Turtle ( http://www.thepinkturtlestore.com/ ).  The Pink Turtle is a really cool, new store opened by Carey Pauley and Christine Kendall.  Carey is the Mom of B+ Hero, Savannah Pauley, who went to Heaven almost a year ago (9/13/09).  Savannah was a really cool kid who continues to touch so many lives.  Savannah’s picture is on the B+ Coffee floorstand and The Pink Turtle has agreed to donate all September proceeds from their SavannahStrong products to The B+ Foundation.  Please stop by The Pink Turtle and thank them for their support.  They are located in Greenville, DE in the shopping center with Janssen’s and Pizza by Elizabeth’s.  They’ve got a lot of really neat stuff…we’ve bought plenty!!!  This coming month is going to be especially difficult for the Pauley family.  Please stop by just to let them know that you’re keeping them in your thoughts and prayers.

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Don’t forget -

Thurs. 8/19 — Wilmington Block Party from 5-9pm benefitting The B+ Fdn.  Music will be provided by 2-3 country bands.  The party is held between the Nemours and Brandywine bldgs downtown.  If you get your wristbands from us, The Foundation gets to keep the full $5 cover charge.  Thanks.

Fri. 8/20 — B+ Night at the Blue Rocks.  This is going to be great.  The Blue Rocks will be wearing throwback jerseys with a “B+” logo on their sleeve.  We will have B+ Heroes on the field with the players before the game.  Please order your tickets (let them know you’re with B+ Fdn and we receive $2/ticket) and wear your B+ gear to the game.  Fireworks will follow the game.  It’s going to be fun!  And, after the game, go next door to Iron Hill Brewery and order the “Double Chocolate Hill” and we receive a cut of the sales.

Enough B+ commercials for you?  :)  Sorry, but we need the money to fight the beast and help the families.

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Finally, our “4th Annual B+ Foundation Golf Outing, Dinner, & Auction” is fast approaching on Mon. Sept 27th at the DuPont Country Club.  We have a few sponsorships available and would greatly appreciate any auction donations you might have (i.e. sports tickets, frequent flyer miles, hotel stays, Broadway tickets, any unique services, etc., etc.)  Also, PLEASE don’t feel like this is only open to golfers.  We want to fill the room with dinner guests as well.  You can register for either by going online at the link below.  Please contact me with any sponsorship or auction questions (joe@livelikeandrew.org) 

https://www.signup82north.com/beventLive.aspx?EventID=NBI20371240

Thanks for your support.

Live Like Andrew - make a difference in the life of at least one person today!

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Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

To thank you for your support, the B+ Silly Bands are FREE!  Can’t beat that price, huh?!  For those of you who are local and interested, I will put a box of B+ Silly Bands on our back porch and you can just help yourself.  If you live farther away, just email me (joe@livelikeandrew.org) and we’ll send you some.  Also, if you join us for the Aug 19th Wilmington Block Party or August 20th “B+ Night at the Blue Rocks”, we’ll have them there to give out as well.

As you’ll see in the picture on www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough, the B+ Silly Band has been mistaken for a church on a hill or a crown with a cross if you look at it sideways.  That works for me.

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Please indulge me for a minute as I brag about my daughter.  Once again this year, Ali is volunteering her time for the next 7 days at “Kay’s Kamp”, the first oncology camp in Delaware.  “Kay’s Kamp” was the brainchild of Kalyn Warren, who went to Heaven a few months before Andrew.  It’s an awesome ‘kamp’ for kids with cancer and my congratulations go out to the Warren family.  Ali will be leading the children with cancer in arts & crafts.  I wouldn’t blame Ali if she turned the other way, but she never has.  She has such a kind heart and lives to make a difference in the lives of others; particularly children with cancer.  Ali, as I’ve said many times in my talks, I am TREMENDOUSLY blessed to be your Dad.  Thanks for being you.  Andrew had a wonderful role model!

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Chris, Ali, and I slipped away for a quick overnight stay in NYC this past week as an early birthday present for Chris.  We had a nice time and saw an really fantastic show — Promises, Promises (Sean Hayes from “Will & Grace” and Kristin Chenowith from “Wicked”, “Glee”, and a million other shows).  Unfortunately, cancer never takes a break.  While in NYC, I was arranging for a woman in VA to fly to VT to see her niece before the little girl goes to Heaven.  Another family that YOU have helped…

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I would like to thank the Christiana Rotary for inviting me to be their luncheon speaker this week.  I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and sharing some “Andrew Stories” with you.  Thank you, Dave Griffith, Ted Elder, Vessa Fulton, & everyone for your hospitality.

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Following the Rotary lunch on Thursday, Katie (former Chair of UDance at UD and now employee of The B+ Fdn) and I headed to Newport News, VA to attend the national conference of Kappa Delta Rho.  The men of KDR invited us to speak to them about our organization and I am hopeful - and optimistic - that many of the chapters are going to get on-board in helping us in our fight to raise awareness and funds for the battle against childhood cancer.  I was SO impressed by how philanthropically minded these college students are.  The media will often paint a certain stereotypical picture of young people…boy, is it wrong.  I was re-energized by these amazing young men!  Thank you, Kappa Delta Rho!

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Please keep all of the B+ Heroes in your prayers.  I would appreciate it if you could please visit the following sites to give these Heroes a boost.  These are 4 amazing young people who need a little extra attention.  Thanks!

Noxah Palomo:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000962605374&ref=ts

Alex Blythe (Mr. AB+)

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexblythe

Miranda Ram-Nolte

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mirandaramnolte

Rina Goldberg

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rinag

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Sorry for being so long-winded.  It’s been pretty hectic lately and I’m just catching up and wanted to share a lot with you.  Thank you very much for continuing to read Caringbridge and BePositive.org.  Please feel free to leave messages to let us know you’re out there and please feel free to post any questions that you may have about The Foundation, the life of a family with a child with cancer, ideas of how you can help, etc.  I get a LOT of questions asked of me when I give talks and only a few have been inappropriate.  So, if we can help, post a question for me.  Thanks.

Live Like Andrew –  “Be Who You Are, and Be That Well”  (Francis de Sales)

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Proud to be,

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough