I have just learned of another young lady that needs our prayers.  Casey Eckman is a young lady from Chadds Ford, PA who goes to school at Hamilton College.  They diagnosed her with Leukemia (ALL, I believe) last week and she is currently at Christiana Hospital in Delaware.  It just boggles my mind how kids go from seemingly healthy one day to critically ill the next.  As you know, Andrew played 4 soccer games on a Saturday and was in cardiac arrest 48 hours later.  Please join me in praying for Casey and her family.

It would be really great if you could send Casey and her family a message of “B+ encouragement”.  Her Care Page link is:

 http://www.carepages.com/carepages/

158144/invitations/103600/6690c51

ae142a6ed5c04809198443d7f2b318d81

Thanks, in advance, for showing them people out there care.

Live Like Andrew - put others before yourself.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad 

As you know from one of my recent postings, we were blessed to have Andrea and Wally Adamsky, Zack’s parents, join us at our B+ Foundation Dinner & Auction on Sept. 15th.  Andrea spoke so passionately about Zack’s bravery and all of the battles that he faced.  I was truly honored to meet Zack when I visited him at A.I. DuPont the last week.  Please see below for some very sad news from Andrea’s Update that just came through.  In her moment of greatest grief, Andrea is still thinking about all of the other kids as she asks us to eat at Chili’s tonight, in honor of Zack, as part of the cancer research fundraiser. 

“At 5:30 this morning our sweet baby boy became an angel. The tumor was very big and took over Zack’s chest. Zackary was surrounded by his Mommy, Daddy and Gigi. It was very peaceful, there was no pain he just went off to sleep. Thank you so much for all the prayers, please continue to pray for us and for all the children with this horrible disease. In Zack’s memory please eat at Chili’s tonight if you can all the proceeds go to St.Jude’s Hospital. Love, Andrea Zackary’s Mommy ”

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

God bless the Adamsky family.

Joe

Well, it was a little wet, but a nice weekend.  This was “Parents Weekend” at the University of Delaware.  Chris sat in on one of Ali’s classes on Fri., we got a chance to take Ali out to dinner that night, followed by a comedy show (Sat. Night Live’s Kevin Nealon & Jim Breuer).  Last night, we sat in the on again-off again rain as Delaware beat Albany in football.  It was nice seeing all of the activity on campus….and best of all, seeing Ali.

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There was a question posted about whether there are any more signatures on Andrew’s “graffiti wall” in his bedroom.  A few more scrawlings went up on Andrew’s 16th birthday, but I think the wall is now officially retired.  I should post a picture of it. 

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I hope you like the picture (at the top of the page if you’re viewing this on caringbridge) of Andrew in Hawaii at the Dole pineapple plantation.  I’m biased, of course, but I think it’s a great picture.  Speaking of pictures, Chris has posted some pictures of our Golf Outing on www.BePositive.org.

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Let me tell you about an AMAZING young man!  Sam Soeth, of Newtown Square, PA, sent us 6 large boxes packed with books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, you name it.  Sam collected these as part of his Mitzvah project.  These items will be distributed at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children.  Sam, I’ve already started giving some out.  I was so excited that I grabbed a handful of them and visited three warriors on Friday - Jeremy Wilson, Sydney Lysinger (she was downstairs but I got to talk to her Mom), and Savannah Pauley.  And, Sam also sent an extremely generous donation as well.  Sam, I don’t know what to say.  Your generosity and compassion for others is so overwhelming.  Your family and community should be so very proud of you.  Sam, you’re a shining example, a role model for us.  We can all do Mitzvah projects.

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Finally, we have two more Boscov’s events coming up –Sat. Oct 4th and Tues. Oct 7th, at both the Concord Mall and Christiana Town Center Boscov’s.   If you’re interested in helping us out, please contact me at joe@livelikeandrew.org.  It’s really easy work on this one.  We’re selling “Boscov’s Shopping Passes” at a table near the door.  The pass sells for $5 and we get to keep 100% of the proceeds.  For the shopper, the pass entitles them to 25% of their shopping on Tues. Oct 7th.  Thanks!

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Andrew, how about them Phils!!!  NL East Champs again!!!  

Live Like Andrew - don’t take yourself too seriously! 

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

Thank you for the nice comments about Question #1 from Andrew’s “Spiritual Biography”.  Here are Andrew’s two other questions from the assignment “What three questions would you ask God?”:

“2.)  Was Jesus really able to cure someone’s illness with just one touch, and how?

I would ask this because I am curious and because it’s very interesting.  I don’t understand how someone would be able to do something so impossible.  We’re told Jesus was a man like us, but he was able to perform miracles.”

Andrew, I’ve read so many stories of the miracles of Jesus and I believe that miracles do happen.  I prayed so hard that Jesus would reach down and touch you and make everything all better.  I don’t think God works this way, but I was bargaining with Him.  I would have given ANYTHING to have you healed.  But, God has a plan and, while we’re not smart enough to know why, I guess it was not part of His plan for Jesus to cure you with one touch.  Selfishly, boy do I wish He did!

“3.)  Is there such a thing as reincarnation or is there just Heaven and Hell?

I have just always wondered whether or not ancient civilizations were right about reincarnation….What is Heaven and Hell like?”

Pal, I’m not trying to answer for God, but all I know is that there IS a Heaven and you now know it too because that’s where you are.

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

YOUR B+ Foundation has provided support to two families whose children have recently passed away.  Please keep the Kamdar and Ruotsala families in your prayers as face this world without Vaibhav and Cole, respectively.

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I passed a sign at a local church (Aldersgate United Methodist) that really struck me…

 ”If you’re too busy to pray, you’re too busy.” 

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Live Like Andrew - Faith – believing without seeing!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad 

It’s hard, yet heartwarming, to go through some of Andrew’s old school assignments.  Chris has done an amazing job of keeping boxes of some of Andrew’s and Ali’s school work and other crafts that they have done through the years…and pictures, too.  One of the most recent items was a “Spiritual Biography” assignment that Andrew did a couple of months before he got sick.

In his paper, Andrew spoke about his strong faith and love of God.  The depth of Andrew’s faith was so impressive.  Yet another reason that he is a role model for me.  The part of the essay that I would like to share with you dealt with the question “Three questions I would ask God if given the chance”.  Andrew asked great questions.  Here is the first of Andrew’s three questions, in his words:

“1.)  How do you decide who is ready to meet you in Heaven?

I would ask this because I want to know why He would take my Pop-Pop’s life without me ever getting to meet him. {Andrew’s grandfather died 3 months before Andrew was born.} Also, why take the lives of innocent people like Steve, Mrs. Jule, and Mr. Grabowski when you could take the lives of killers and rapists instead?”

Andrew, that’s a great question and your frustration in the last sentence is something that many of us have struggled with.  I originally asked that question too, but then I realized that living on this Earth is not the prize…getting to Heaven is!  God could certainly take killers and rapists from this world, but they may not be going to where you are now.  I believe that God put you on this Earth for a reason and he brought you to Heaven for a reason.  You have earned your place in Heaven; the ultimate destination that every parent wants for their children.  I just wasn’t ready for you to go so soon and and I always expected your Mom and I would go first.

Andrew demonstrated such strong faith during his journey in the hospital.  In my heart, I truly believe that he was at peace with going to Heaven.  Knowing Andrew, I know he was probably sad because he was leaving us, was worried about us, but also pretty excited to be called to Heaven by God.  I believe this; I’ve got to believe this.

I’ll write about the next two questions in my next Journal Update.  Thanks for reading.

Please keep Andrew and all of the kids in your thoughts & prayers.

Live Like Andrew - have faith.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

 I hope everyone is MAKING it a great weekend.

I had the honor of visiting two families yesterday at A.I. duPont Hospital — Zack Adamsky’s family and Ronald Phillips’ family.  Please know that your support is making a big difference for families when they need it most.  You should be very proud of YOUR Foundation.  I also presented each family with a “B+ Hero Medal” for their warriors.  These remarkable young children certainly deserve this medal.

It was very difficult for me to visit Ronald because he is in the PICU, just a few rooms down from where we lived with Andrew.  It literally takes my breath away when I walk through those double doors to go into the PICU.  However, it was very nice to see some of the really special nurses and doctors who provided care for Andrew.  Welcome back, Meg…AI needs you.

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I’ve been asked to share a few announcements with you from people who are doing good work with their respective organizations.

1. The Healing Bridge Fund is sponsoring an “Oldies Beef & Beer” on Friday, Oct 17th from 7pm-midnight at the Moose Lodge on the DuPont Highway in New Castle.  For more information, please contact Danielle at healingbridge78@aol.com 
2. The CureSearch Walk for Childhood Cancer will be held on the Wilmington Riverfront on October 18th at 9:30am.  For more information and registration, please visit: http://host.curesearch.org/site/TR/Walk/General?fr_id=1140&pg=entry
3. I was recently introduced to an organization called “People Against Childhood Cancer (PAC2)”.  They are encouraging people to sign a petition to allow our voices to be heard that the funding for childhood cancer research is simply unacceptably inadequate.  If you are interested, please visit: www.curechildhoodcancer.ning.com
4. “Supporting kidds”, an organization that provides support for grieving children and their families, is having their “5k for kidds” on October 11th at 9:00am at Washington Street Ale House in Wilmington.  More information can be found at: http://www.supportingkidds.org/
5. Last but not least, my good friend Chris Grundner runs a great organization called the Kelly Heinz-Grundner Brain Tumor Foundation.  If you like tulips, their foundation is selling them right now.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.khgfoundation.org/

I think you’re going to like my next posting.  We just uncovered a “Spiritual Biography” assignment that Andrew wrote for school just a few months before he got sick.  I’m going to re-print a few excerpts…if I can type through the tears.

Live Like Andrew - HAVE FUN!!!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

Wow, what a day!

The 2nd Annual Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation Golf Outing, Dinner, & Auction yesterday was a HUGE success.  God and Andrew took care of providing us with great weather, the facilities at the Brandywine Country Club were great, we had a lot of great auction items, and we had had a lot of friends - new and old- join us.  We were especially honored to have Andrea Adamsky, mother of Zack, http://caringbridge.org/visit/zackaryadamsky join us and address the group.  Our prayers are with the Adamsky family.  On a personal note, I was thrilled that Ali was able to join us from her late class at the Univ of DE.

I failed to properly thank two people last night (I was afraid this would happen) who played big parts in the event.  The first is Jake Goorland.  Jake is an 8th grader at St. Edmond’s Academy and boy, can this kid sell!!  Jake raised so much money selling “mulligans” and running the putting contest.  Jake, you alone, raised enough money to help one family in crisis.  Well done!

Secondly, I’d like to give special thanks to my good friend, Greg Murphy.  Greg has worked tirelessly over the past many months twisting potential sponsors’ arms, digging up auction items, recruiting volunteers, and anything else that was asked of him.  And, for anyone else that I forgot, I’m truly sorry.  EVERYONE’S efforts are so greatly appreciated.

This is not my foundation, this is OUR FOUNDATION!  Thank you!!!

God bless you all.

Live Like Andrew - celebrate successes, big and small.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

Tomorrow is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day.  I would like to share with you a suggestion from Arden Bucher’s Mom.

“Each family can get a balloon (or two, or five), preferably gold (which is the color for pediatric Cancer awareness), and adorn it with the names of those children they know who have battled or are battling childhood cancer. We can decorate our mailboxes, porches, or houses with these balloons for the day, but instead of releasing them (which is not very environmentally savvy), we can dispose of them properly, or better yet (thanks to another great idea from Cyndi Poeggel), fold them neatly and send them with letters to our Senators and representatives.”

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Make it a great weekend.  Remember the kids!!!

Live Like Andrew – live each day to the very fullest.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

 As I told you in one of my recent postings, there’s a really brave young lady who is fighting Ewing’s Sarcoma.  Her name is Savannah Pauley and her Caringbridge website is up and running.  Let’s please flood Savannah with prayers and nice messages on her website.  Savannah’s website is:

http://caringbridge.org/

savannahpauley1

Let’s show her some “B+ love”!!! 

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Today was a solemn day because not only is it the 7th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, but we had the gravesite service for my brother-in-law.  Dan received his proper send-off from his military ‘brothers’ with “Taps” and a 9 volley, gun salute.

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I’ve met a lot of great people over the past week as I’ve spoken to six different groups of DuPont Company employees at their United Way kick-off meetings.  Thank you very much to everyone from Crop Genetics, Legal, and Engineering Polymers.  The giving spirit is very much alive and well at DuPont and it made me very proud to say that I’m the son of a DuPont employee who gave 32 years of service to his company. 

If anyone is interested in donating to the B+ Foundation through your United Way campaign, our United Way of Delaware ‘write-in’ number is 11776.  Thank you very much.

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For those of you in the DE/PA/NJ/MD area, there is a free (open to the public) cancer symposium that is being held tomorrow and Saturday at the DuPont Country Club.  The Symposium is organized by Dr. Raj and the superb team from the Nemours Center for Childhood Cancer Research. 

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Make it a great weekend and please keep the folks in the Houston area in your prayers as Hurricane Ike moves through.  And, of course, please don’t stop praying for “our” kids in the hospitals all around this country.  Thanks so much…you guy are great!

Live Like Andrew - let your light shine brightly.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

One week until the 2nd Annual Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation Golf Outing, Dinner & Auction!  I need to provide a count for dinner guests to the Brandywine Country Club in the next day or two, so if you’re interested in joining us, I’d appreciate it if you could register at http://76.12.197.222/events.php.

The price for dinner & drinks is only $35 and we have some outstanding silent and live auction items.  You can find a sampling of the some of the items at www.BePositive.org.

Dress code is casual…reception at 5, dinner at 6, live auction at 7.

Hope to see you there.

Thanks.

B+

Joe