Sorry that I haven’t posted in a week or so, but we’ve been out of the country on a trip.  It was nice, but I don’t really call trips “vacations” anymore.  Maybe someday I will see things differently, but for now, it’s just not a “vacation” without Andrew physically with us.  Trips are very bittersweet.

We almost didn’t go on this trip, but we ultimately decided that the reasons for going were very special and we needed to observe them.  We celebrated Ali’s high school graduation and our upcoming (July 9th) 25th wedding anniversary.  (Chris and I got married as unemployed 21 year olds…that’s a story for another time! :))   

Shortly, we will post a few pictures from our trip.  One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Vatican City and we had our picture taken in St. Peter’s Square wearing our “B+” shirts.  The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica were amazing!  Whether you view them from an architectural, historical, artistic, or religious perspective (or all of the above), they’re truly remarkable places.  I know Andrew was ‘with’ us.

I’m starting to catch up on things and have read so many nice notes about our 5k Run/Walk.  I’m glad that everyone had such a good time.  If you didn’t get a shirt at the event, you can pick one up at Delaware Running Company on Rt. 52 in Greenville.  Sorry that we ran out of shirts…I really didn’t expect so many of you to join us.  But, we are VERY thankful.  Next year, we’ll order a lot more shirts!

Thank you all for your continued support.  We have 2 applications on my desk from families in need.  I’ll give you the re-cap on them in a few days. 

Live Like Andrew - appreciate each day!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

How could I forget to mention…

The highlight of last night was when Cathy Gladnick, our organizer, called up all of the cancer survivors and folks who have lifelong illnesses.  They all received medals and a rousing round of applause.  Thanks, Cathy, for continuing a great tradition that you started last year.

WOW — What a night!!!

Thank you SO much to everyone who came out to run, walk, and support us as well as our great supporters from afar who weren’t able to join us in person.

The weather was great and we had somewhere around 1,200-1,300 participants.  There were over 40 teams, including teams honoring brave kids who are either fighting cancer or who have joined Andrew in Heaven.  Sorry that we ran out of shirts - we’ll re-order shirts and you can pick them up in a week or two at Delaware Running Company http://www.delawarerunning.com/.   Kudos to Mike Monagle (Delaware Running Co.), Jim Walsh, and Denise Marini Lougheed for an OUTSTANDING job in directing tonight’s race.  They were great.  If you’re planning a run, you should contact these guys.

I can’t wait to share pictures with you.  There is photographic evidence that even I finished the 5k Run.    I’m not much of a runner, but I did it…for my boy.  My shirt had a picture of Ali & Andrew on it and I kept looking down at it when I was struggling.  I had goosebumps as I ran in front of Andrew’s school toward the finish line with the Wilmington Police Academy cadets running in formation and doing their cheers behind me.  Thank you to Jim Diana and the WPD for ‘carrying’ me to the finish line!

Thanks to everyone.  You’re making a big difference in lives of kids…and hopefully had some fun along the way.

Thanks also to our sponsors - Horizon Services, Grotto’s Pizza, Hy-Point Dairy, Marini Produce, Tile Market, and American Radiology Services.

Live Like Andrew — NEVER give up!!!  (That’s all I was thinking tonight as I struggled on the hill.)

B+++

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

The countdown has begun!  :)   48 hours until the 2nd Annual Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation 5k Run/Walk.  I’m pleased to report that we are well ahead of last year’s pace with advanced registrations.  Please come out and join us - whether you walk, run, or just hang out at the school.  We’re going to have a lot of fun.  We look forward to seeing you.

~~~~~~

Fundraiser for Pearce Quesenberry (10 yr old girl with medullablastoma)

PASTA DINNER SUNDAY JUNE 22nd, 2008 12:30-5:00pm
tickets are $10.00 (available at the door)
Millcreek Firehouse — 3900 Kirkwood HWY
Wilmington,DE 19808

Additional information about Pearce can be found at www.carepages.com … type in pearcerock.

Live Like Andrew - have fun!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

Please see the www.BePositive.org homepage for a nice article that ran in yesterday’s Wilmington (DE) News-Journal.  Thank you, Martin Frank, for another great article. 

Additionally, some folks have asked us to re-print our Journal Update from last May entitled “One Family’s Observations of Life in the Hospital”.  There is a link to that entry on the www.BePositive.org homepage as well. 

~~~~~

I have been asked to share information with you about a fundraiser called “Dining Out”.  If you live in the Philadelphia area, please take a look at the following URL for tomorrow’s (June 17th) promotion.  The money raised benefits the Face to Face organization in Philadelphia.  http://www.facetofacegermantown.org/

~~~~~

I have also been asked to share with you a prayer that I read every morning.  I hope some of you find it helpful.

“May today there be peace within.

May I trust God that I am exactly where I am meant to be.

May I not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May I use those gifts that I have received, and pass on the love that has been given to me.

May I be content knowing I am a child of God.

Let this presence settle into my bones, and allow my soul the freedom to sing,

dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.”

~~~~~

Live Like Andrew - show affection!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

I hope everyone made it a great weekend!

On Friday night, I was privileged to be the guest speaker at the Pike Creek, Hockessin, & Greenville Relay for Life.  Thank you, Shannon Baldwin, for inviting me and please know that Barry (Shannon’s husband) is in our prayers as he battles cancer.   Thank you to everyone who showed up to give of their time, their money, and their heart.

~~~~~

On Saturday, Ali and I went to the Blood Bank to donate platelets.  While I have given a LOT of blood over the years, I have never given platelets before.  Aside from the fact that I had to keep my arms still for 90 minutes, it was a ‘piece of cake’.  I sort of feel like we ‘owe’ them quite a few bags of platelets for what we took last year.  We’re paying them back, one at a time.  We know how valuable platelets are.

Oh, and by the way Blood Bank, you really don’t need to send those certificates to acknowledge how much blood I’ve given.  :)  A couple of years ago, I received a certificate that said that I had donated 2 GALLONS at that point in time.  Picturing 2 milk jugs full of blood kind of grossed me out!!!   I appreciate the thought, though.

~~~~

I hope all the Dads out there had a great Father’s Day.  While I very much miss getting the always wonderful Father’s Day card from Andrew, Chris & Ali gave me a really special gift.  They gave me a CD with Andrew’s voice on it…his voice from our answering machine, his cell phone message, his voice on some audio picture frames, and from the dictaphone that we had in the hospital.  I don’t EVER want to forget his beautiful voice.  I haven’t listened to the CD yet, but I will.  I will cherish this gift for ever.

~~~~

There are three more children that I would like to introduce you to and ask for your prayers and support.

1. Zack is a 2yr old boy from PA who is currently at A.I duPont Hospital in DE. http://caringbridge.org/visit/zackaryadamsky
2. Jeremy is another PA boy (11 yrs old) who is at A.I.  His website is:  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jeremywilson
3. Pearce is a 10 yr old DE girl who is battling medullablastoma.  Her page is on www.carepages.org under the name “PearceRock”. 

Please check out their sites (especially their cute photos) and leave a message of support for these warriors and their families.

~~~~~~

 Finally, please pray for the family and friends of Kylie Penuel.  Ali and I went to Kylie’s viewing on Thursday night to pay our respects to a very, very brave young lady.  Kylie battled cancer for 9 of her 11 years on this earth.  You would be amazed at all of the smiling pictures of Kylie that I saw on Thursday.  If she can manage to smile, why can’t the whole world? It was a great honor to meet Kylie’s parents.

Live Like Andrew - make today the best day you’ve ever had.

B+

God bless you.

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

Quick update for tonight… need to ask for your prayers for a couple more families.

You want to see a cute little chubby boy who needs your prayers?  Please visit Matthew Faulkner at CaringBridge. Matthew and his mom, Shannon, were friends that we met during our ’stay’ at A.I. duPont Hospital.  Matthew was battling ALL (leukemia) at the time and now he’s back with AML leukemia.  This poor kid can’t catch a break.  Please pray for the Faulkners (and post a nice message for the little guy if you get a chance).  If you want a dose of reality, take a look at his Photo section.

~~~~~

Unfortunately, I have to ask for your prayers tonight for the family of Kylie Penuel.  Kylie, an 11 year old girl from Delaware, went to Heaven yesterday.  Kylie battled neuroblastoma and now she is free of pain.  But, her family really needs your prayers.  Thank you to Jacque Wilson and Beth Conaway for letting me know about Kylie.

~~~~~

Thank you to the West Wilmington Rotary and Yorklyn Bees Swim Team for inviting me to join both of their groups today for a talk about “Living Like Andrew” and making a difference in the world.  Nothing against adults, but I love talking to the kids.  If you don’t have faith in our young people, follow me around to some of my talks.  Our world is going to be a better place because of these amazing young people!

~~~~~~

There’s still time to register to walk or run in our 2nd Annual B+ Foundation 5k Run/Walk on Thursday, June 19th.  The long-term weather forecast shows that we’re going to have great weather!  Please visit www.BePositive.org to register.

~~~~~~

If you’re reading this on Caringbridge, please take a minute to visit www.BePositive.org.  Chris has updated BePositive.org with some new photos.

Thanks for your time.  Please remember all the kids!

Live Like Andrew - make EVERY day count.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

There is something that I’ve wanted to share with you, and I now have the “green light”.

As you know, one of the objectives of The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation is to help fund advances in research.  Assisting in research is not only trying to find a cure for pediatric cancers, but also developing  advancements in chemotherapy (which could be translatable to adults.  It frustrated me tremendously to know that we had to eradicate ALL of Andrew’s white cells in his chemo regimen - the good and the bad cells.  We need our natural defense system - our white cells.  Well, this has hit home with me again!

About 3-4 years ago, my brother-in-law (Dan) was diagnosed with Lymphoma.  With a potent regimen (is there any other kind???) of chemo, he “beat” the Lymphoma.  That is until he was readmitted to the hospital a couple of months ago.  While I don’t have all the scientific terms, what basically happened is that one of the chemo drugs that he took to ‘beat’ the Lymphoma has caused a more serious blood cancer illness.  Doctors know this can happen and patients sign releases understanding the risk.  What choice do you have???  Dan has been in and out of the hospital on the roller coaster of this terrible illness.  I wish you could all spend time with Dan.  Andrew must be SO proud of his uncle.  Dan epitomizes the “B+” attitude.  I ask him how he’s doing and he responds “can’t complain”!!!  He is an incredible role model for all of us!

Please keep Dan, my sister, and their kids in your prayers.  We’re back in the hem/onc (hematology/oncology) world all too soon.  This is just unbelievable. 

Thank you very much and may God bless you.

Live Like Andrew (and Dan) - keep a positive attitude! 

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad (and Dan’s brother-in-law and friend!)

P.S.  As you know, I occasionally mention various brave little warriors around the country who are fighting pediatric cancers.  If I fail to mention a relative or friend of yours, please understand it is no slight.  If you would specifically like me to mention your champion, just email me at joe@livelikeandrew.org and I’ll mention them on www.BePositive.org and www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough.  Thanks.

You would be amazed by how many inspiring kids we learn about each week who are valiantly fighting life-threatening illnesses.  It just never stops.  I am always so amazed at their bravery, but also so disappointed that they are in this situation.  This has got to stop!

I would like to ask you to pray for and check in on three more kids.

1.  The Shaw twins, Mateo & McHale, were born conjoined and continue to face health challenges.  Their parents are spearheading an effort in Wisconsin to build a playground that will be accessible for all kids and their families.  Here in DE, we have a new playground called the “Can Do Playground” which received a great deal of recognition.  If anyone has experience with these kinds of playgrounds, I’m sure Mateo’s & McHale’s parents would love your input…and prayers, of course.  Their website is: www.caringbridge.org/visit/mateoandmchale .

2.  Molly Anderson is a 5 year old girl from DE who has been diagnosed with leukemia (ALL).  Please visit her website and share some moral support with Molly and her family.  Her website is: www.caringbridge.org/visit/mollyanderson .

3.  Pearce is a 10 yr old girl in DE with medulloblastoma.  As soon as I get a URL for her, I’ll pass it along to you.

Please pray for all of these brave warriors and their families!  Thank you!

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

Boscov’s department stores in Christiana Town Center and Concord Mall have generously allowed us to participate in a few different fund-raising opportunities over the next 4 months.  The first fund-raiser will be held in June or July, another in late August, and the other in early October.  If you’re interested in volunteering for either of these, please email me at joe@livelikeandrew.org.  Your help is greatly appreciated!

~~~~~~~~~

As you may recall from about a week ago, I asked for prayers for my nephew (Bob) who is in Blackhawk helicopter pilot training and was in the woods in a POW training exercise.  Thank you!  I am happy to report that 1Lt. Bob McDonough lost about 10 lbs but he survived the exercise and now, it’s on to graduation.  Following graduation, Bob will head to Germany and await deployment orders to either Iraq or Afghanistan.

~~~~~

Thanks to everybody who has signed up for our 5k Run/Walk on June 19, 2008.  If you’re not local, but still want to support the effort, please click on the 5k link and find “Ali’s Team”.  She’ll gladly take any donations! 

~~~~~

If you know of families of critically ill children who are in need of financial help, please feel free to direct them to the BePositive.org website where they can print the application for assistance from YOUR foundation.

~~~~~

Live Like Andrew - Carve out time for your loved ones.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

Today was Ali’s day! 

Words cannot adequately describe how proud we were of our daughter today at graduation from Ursuline Academy.  Ali has faced challenges that few other kids (thankfully) have to experience, and there she was graduating from Ursuline with a National Honor Society ‘hood’ over her shoulders.  If people only knew all of what Ali has seen and been through, they would be as amazed as we are.  Ali is an amazing young lady and we appreciate the support from Ursuline Academy and all of Ali’s close friends at UA.  I KNOW Andrew was smiling down proudly from Heaven!  Congratulations to all of the graduates!  (We’ll post grad pictures soon.)

Today, I’m saying Live Like Ali!  (boy, am I going to embarrass Ali!  )    
“…there’s a reason for everything.”  AJM

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad