It’s almost that time of year when employers are beginning their United Way employee donation campaigns.  Already, we have received a few requests for our EIN (tax ID number) from one of our supporters.  We have good news this year in that the United Way of Delaware has approved us and has given us our own number as a “Designated Write-in Agency”.

So, if you’re interested in donating to The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation through the United Way, our numbers are as follows:

• United Way of Delaware = 11776
• B+ Fdn EIN                     = 42-1741037

We greatly appreciate your support.  Please pass the word among your co-workers as we strive to help more families. 

Finally, at our urging, the Delaware Community Foundation (which can also process donations for us) has been approved as an agency for the State of Delaware and US Government employee giving programs.  If you are a federal or DE state employee, you can donate to the B+ Foundation by writing in “DCF- B+ Foundation” and the money will get to us.  THANKS!!!

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In the past, you may recall that I spoke of a 10 yr old girl (Pearce Quesenberry aka “Pearce Q”) who is battling meduloblastoma.  Exciting news — Pearce will be interviewed by Katie Couric in the coming days.  But, I also wanted to share with those of you in the DE area that there will be a birthday party fundraiser for the Pearce Q Foundation on August 5th (Pearce’s birthday).  For more information, please contact Pearce’s Dad at aeq@comcast.net

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Please visit the “B+ Sightings” tab of www.BePositive.org for a great picture of a super young lady.  Nikki, one of our B+ supporters, had 11 inches of hair cut off on July 14th in honor of Andrew.  As you may have guessed, the hair is being donated to Locks of Love.  How incredible is that!!!  Thanks Nikki.  Check out the photo.

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I would like to introduce you to a young lady named Meaghan Fitzpatrick.  Meaghan lost her father last Fall to stomach cancer.  In her quest to make a difference, she is going to be participating in a Lance Armstrong Foundation event in Philadelphia.  Please visit her site and consider joining her team.

https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=262613&supid=224699568

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Finally, you may have seen a Caringbridge posting referencing Andrew’s “hidden ball” trick.  I crack up every time I think about that.  Andrew was playing shortstop for his grade school baseball team.  The batter hit a double and Andrew took the throw in from the outfield and held onto it.  Andrew looked at his friend, Michael Julian, on the mound and gave him “the look” that something was up.  Michael (the pitcher) made sure that he didn’t step on the rubber without the ball and pretended to be fixing his shoe or something.  At about this time, the runner stepped off second base and Andrew tagged him.  It’s an old trick, but funny as heck.  The umpires had to conference because, quite honestly, I don’t think either one of them saw the play.  Ultimately, they called the runner out.  Andrew’s team lost the game, but we gained a great memory.  The postscript on this story is that the runner that he tagged out became his friend when they both started at their new school (Salesianum) for high school.

Live Like Andrew - have FUN!!!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

I hope everyone MADE it a great weekend!  It was an interesting one for us.

On Friday night and Saturday, we had the privilege of attending the Northern Brandywine Swim League (NBSL) Championships.  I got a chance to address the older kids and their families on Fri. night and the younger ones and their families on Saturday.  It was touching to see so many kids wearing B+ shirts and we greatly appreciated all of the nice comments from everyone.  You all are carrying Andrew’s spirit and message and that lets us know that Andrew “LIVES”…just in a different way.  Thank you so much!  Also, thank you to everyone who supported the Foundation by purchasing B+ gear.  Over $2,000 of merchandise was sold by Jake & Kate Goorland, two young members of the B+ Nation.  Thanks guys!

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It seemed only fitting that before going to the swim meet on Friday night, we sent out financial assistance to two more families.  YOU have helped the family of a 15 year NJ boy whose AML (leukemia) has resulted in him being quadriplegic, in addition to the usual, life-threatening challenges of leukemia.  And, you’ve helped a the family of a 17 yr old PA boy who was recently diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a form of cancer.

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Today, we learned of a local girl, Sydney Lysinger, who is undergoing chemo for Hodgkins that was recently diagnosed.  Sydney just graduated from 8th grade and needs your prayers and words of support.  Please visit her website and share some B+ thoughts with her family.  Mrs. Lysinger, it was an honor to meet you today.  God bless you all.

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

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We would like to thank the “Moms in Motion” group who is training for a run and has selected The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation as their charity.  Please see their URL below. 

http://www.momsinmotion.com/teams/local/us/de/2008/5/wilmington-adventure-race-training-team.aspx

Live Like Andrew — live in the moment!!!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

I am very pleased to announce that the Bank of America Charitable Foundation has awarded The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation a grant of $10,000 for our Family Assistance Program.  We are tremendously grateful to Bank of America and its employees for this very generous contribution.  The B+ Foundation is humbled and appreciative of the vote of confidence in our mission and organization and we welcome Bank of America as a partner along this journey.  And, I know that the additional families that will receive assistance will be appreciative as well.

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If you’re in the local area and are interested in learning some 50’s and 60’s dances (and help a good cause), please contact Danielle Rykaczewski Celano at 302-528-7747 or at daisy_mae1973@yahoo.com.  Danielle and her family have created a foundation in honor of her sister, Bridgett, who passed away from cancer on July 29, 2004 at the age of 25.  Bridgett’s foundation, www.healingbridge.us, is raising money to purchase items (i.e. everything from games to wigs) for children and adult cancer patients.

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Thank you, Three Little Bakers Swim Club, for inviting Chris, Ali, and me to your end-of-season, swim team picnic.  Thank you, also, for your tremendous generosity in raising $1,200 for the B+ Foundation.

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Finally, we are hard at work pulling together auction items for our 2nd Annual Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation Golf Outing on Sept 15, 2008 at the Brandywine Country Club.  If you have any items (i.e. sports tickets, goods, services) that you would be willing to donate, we would greatly appreciate it.  Also, we have a few sponsorships available and we still have tickets for the dinner/auction (we’re sold out on the non-sponsorship foursomes…good problem to have, I guess).

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Finally, please pray for the family of Bill Gay who passed away this morning.  Bill’s wife, Jodi, works with my brother.  Please keep Jodi and their daughter, Danielle, in your prayers.  We are touched that the family has asked that donations be made in Bill’s name to The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation.

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Live Like Andrew - show affection!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

I can’t help but remember one year ago today, July 21, 2007.  It was a day filled with such mixed emotions.  On the one hand, my stomach was sick as we gathered at Salesianum School for the Celebration of Andrew’s Life.  On the other hand, I was so overwhelmed to see about 2,000 friends (old friends and friends who we hadn’t yet met) who stopped their worlds for a couple of hours to come out and support us.  That meant a lot to us.  It really does mean a lot to families when you come out and support them like this.  I feel good that Andrew was proud of us all that day.

On the anniversary of that day, I guess it was only fitting that I wrote out a B+ Foundation check today to a family who is grieving the loss of their little girl while facing financial hardship.  Most of the time, your Foundation helps families who are still in the hospital.  This time, the application has come in a few weeks after this brave little girl has joined Andrew.  People reached out to help us on July 21st of last year, and we all - the B+ Nation - are reaching out to help others on this July 21st.

You should also feel proud as we have recently helped the families of a 10 yr old CA boy with leukemia, a 2 yr old PA boy with rhabdomyosarcoma, and a 4 yr old DE boy with leukemia.

I would like to ask you for continued prayers for my brother-in-law, Dan.  As you may recall, Dan “beat” lymphoma 4 years ago, only to have a secondary (and more significant) cancer develop as a result of one of the chemo drugs he took for the lymphoma.  Why can’t we get ’smart chemo’???  For the record, we’re not just sitting idly by complaining about this.  Your Foundation is out looking for research facilities that are doing something about this.  More to come.   So, back to Dan.  Dan is back in the ICU and very much needs your prayers.  Thank you.

Live Like Andrew — make the most of the rest of the day!!!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

If you know of any children battling cancer who may be well enough for a fun, free, and safe camp, please visit the website for “Kay’s Kamp”. “Kay’s Kamp” was the brainchild of Kaylyn Warren, who went to Heaven in March, 2007 after battling leukemia. The Warrens are absolutely incredible people, so faith-filled, and just plain awesome role models for me.

http://www.kewf.org/kayscamp.htm

Live Like Andrew - MAKE MEMORIES!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

Chris, Ali, & I would like to thank everyone for your kind and supportive messages over the past few days.  It is very touching and very much appreciated.  (As Ali had suggested, we went out last night and played miniature golf - just like the 4 of us have done a zillion times.)

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I would like to make you aware of another bone marrow drive that is occuring tomorrow from Noon-2pm at Allstate Insurance (1200 Atwater Drive) in Malvern, PA.  This is open to the public.  If you can’t make this one, there will be additional drives run by the Sauer family.  The Sauer family is looking to find a bone marrow match for their son, Erik, who has been diagnosed with leukemia.  As you know, the more people on the Bone Marrow Registry, the better.  It’s easy to register, and the Sauer family is raising money in hopes of covering the cost of registration.  Please take a look at their online auction at www.marrowregistration.com.  Thank you!

~~~~~~~

Thank you again for all of the kind notes and prayers.  We need them!

We’re trying hard to “Live Like Andrew”!!!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

Andrew,

It has been exactly 1 year since we last saw you on this Earth.  One year since I last touched you.  One year since I last kissed you.  As you know, I see you occasionally in my dreams, I talk to you all the time, and I definitely feel your presence in my life.  I hear a lot of stories from people who say that that they feel your presence as well.  You lived for 14 years in this world, but I really feel like you are continuing to ‘live’ on in our lives and the lives of many others.  Thank you SO much for not leaving us.

Your Mom, Ali, and I are so proud of you.  I hope you know that.  I hope you are proud of us, too.  Andrew, you, Ali, and your Mom are my role models.  I could not have survived this past year without the strength and presence of all three of you.  Now, and forever, we will ALWAYS be a FAMILY OF FOUR – just like we said in the hospital.

When I don’t think about God’s plan, and I just think like a Dad who lost his son and best friend from this world, I get very, very sad!  I miss you SOOOOO much!!!   I feel like someone took my heart out and is just stomping on it.  There’s so much that I miss, including:

·         Your smiles

·         Your hugs

·         Your voice

·         Your kisses

·         Your practical jokes

·         Your funny faces

·         Your sense of humor/your goofiness

·         Your kindness

·         Your generosity

·         Your warmth

·         Your faith

·         Your hair

·         Our talks

·         Our games of pool, basketball, our catches, kicking the soccer ball

·         Just hanging out with you

·         Watching you and Ali together

·         Seeing you sitting on your Mom’s lap

·         Watching you play with Casey

·         Watching you play sports

·         Watching you with your friends

·         Seeing how much you cared for people

·         Seeing you go off to school with your coat and tie on

I could go on forever, buddy.  I really could.  But, I can see you saying “I get the point, Dad.”  J

You have changed, and are continuing to change, the world, Pal.

Please give us strength today.  And, most importantly, please watch over Ali.

You already know this, but I’m going to repeat what I have said many, many times before.  As the song (“For Good” from “Wicked”) that was sung at the Celebration of your Life states,

“I do believe that I have been changed for the better,

And, because I knew you, I have been changed FOR GOOD!”

Thank you for changing us for the better…and there is NO doubt that we have all been changed FOR GOOD!!!

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH – YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO ME, ANDREW!!!

<3

Dad

Monday July 14^th

It’s been a year since I kissed my son goodbye.  I told him how much I loved him and asked him not to forget us.  I knew that we could never forget him. 

Andrew’s light is too bright to be dimmed by mortal death.  I’d like to believe that Andrew’s light can now  be seen from a greater distance.  My greatest fear is that Andrew and his B+ message will be forgotten.  The notes of compassion and thanks that we’ve received from around the country (and other countries) give me hope that my fear won’t soon become a reality.  Thank you all for giving me this comfort each time you write a message or wear a shirt or help the B+ Foundation.

But it’s the unexpected moments that hurt the most.  In the grocery store when I realize there’s no one to buy Apple Jacks for.  Wondering what to do with the photo albums and scrap books of Andrew’s memories that I put together for Andrew to share with his family.  Finding Andrew’s Big Wheel bike that he didn’t want to give to charity because he wanted to keep it for his kids.  Those moments are the hardest because they surprise me.

Many of you have asked us how we’re going to celebrate this anniversary.  To us, there is no cause for celebration today.   Yes, Andrew is in Heaven and that is what we all work toward.  But we’d prefer to celebrate the day Andrew entered our lives, his birthday on September 3^rd.  Today, we’re going to be together as a family, all four of us, and do things Andrew enjoyed doing as a family, like playing golf, or swimming, or watching movies of Ali and Andrew.  And we’ll be thinking about Andrew every second of the day – and smiling.  Because I can’t look at his photos or movies or think about Andrew without smiling.  My baby.  My beautiful boy.

Please smile when you think of Andrew today and honor him by doing something positive for someone else.  Donate blood or platelets as Cameron is doing.  Hug your parents (or your children) extra hard.  Have dinner as a family.  Thank God you’re all together.  And thank God for allowing us to have Andrew on Earth for almost 15 years. 

Proud to be,

Ali’s & Andrew’s Mom

I’m hesitant to post because I want to keep Ali’s letter first on the homepage.  When I read her letter to Chris and I yesterday, I have to admit that I was speechless (and that NEVER happens!).  We are so blessed to have two such wonderful children.  Ali, you are the best daughter in the world!  Your Mom, Andrew, and I are SO proud of you!!!  We LOVE you!

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I need to take a moment to thank some very generous people.  We have been so humbled by the numerous grassroots fundraising efforts on behalf of the Foundation.  Not only do these events serve to raise money to allow us to further our mission, but they dramatically increase awareness of the B+ Movement.  I don’t want to slight anyone by listing individual groups, but I’m going to take a chance by mentioning a few recent ones.  It’s especially rewarding to see kids helping kids!!!

• The Kellys’ Sweet 16 Party - Three young ladies (one set of twins and their cousin) celebrated their joint Sweet 16 Party recently and the girls asked for donations to the B+ Foundation in lieu of gifts.  Approximately $3,000 was raised!
• The Ebenezer United Methodist Church (Newark, DE) selected the B+ Foundation as their Vacation Bible School Mission Project.  They raised nearly $2,200, which I’m told is a record for them!
• The Three Little Bakers Swim Team (DE) as well as the Yorklyn Bees Swim Team (DE) are both running fundraisers this summer for your Foundation.
• Boscov’s hosted the Foundation for a hot dog selling day on June 28th at their Concord Mall (DE) store.  On August 23rd, they are featuring your Foundation in their “Celebration of Children” at both their Concord Mall and Christiana stores.  Thank you to all who have offered to volunteer.

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I also want to share some good news with you.  I asked you to pray for Jimmy McKeon the other day.  He had some scans earlier in the week and the results were very good according to his Mom.  Prayers are answered.

Andrew, please give us extra strength over these next few days.

We’re going to try hard to “Live Like Andrew”!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad