Well, the Diamond State Classic is over and I think the “Heroes” and the girls from around the country really bonded and the feedback on this new program was excellent.  I would like to particularly thank John Gretchen and Walt Connor from the Diamond State Classic organizing committee for all of their support.  Please visit www.BePositive.org and check out some of the pictures under the first item of “B+ News”.  I would also like to congratulate Natalie Stewart from Couer d’Alene High School in Idaho for winning the inaugural “Andrew McDonough B+ Award”.  And, kudos to Tia Embers of Oregon City, OR for being the other finalist.

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

I’m sure you will recall the story from a few months ago of a beautiful young lady, Casey Eckman, who went to Heaven quite suddenly following a battle with Leukemia.  Casey was a Unionville (PA) HS graduate and student at Hamilton College in NY.  Casey’s family is conducting a bone marrow drive in her honor this coming Sunday, Jan. 4th, at Tower Hill School in Wilmington, DE from 3-6pm.  Normally, the screening for bone marrow donors costs $52, but a generous donor is going to cover that cost for all donors under 35 yrs old.  If you’re over 35, the cost will be reduced to half price.  Screening is SIMPLE!  Please join the Registry and help save a life!  Thanks.

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

If you’re going out on the roads tonight, please be very careful.  I won’t be going out but, when I have, I’ve always been pretty nervous with the drunk drivers.

May God bless you with a happy and healthy 2009 and may we make great progress in the coming year in the fight against pediatric cancers.

Live Like Andrew — Do Good!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

First, I have to tell you about the most amazing experience that I had last night.  As you know from recent postings, we are one of the beneficiaries of the Diamond State Classic (www.diamondstateclassic.org) high school girls basketball tournament.  Last night, we launched our inaugural “Heroes Program” where we paired a brave young boy or girl who is battling cancer with a team from around the country.  The introduction of these kids at last night’s Opening Ceremonies was a moving experience.  We have teams in from OR, ID, WA, ME, MD, PA, and DE.  The teams really embraced our Heroes and the kids seemed to have a great time.  And, thank you to the crowd for the non-stop standing ovation for our Heroes.  It was neat seeing our Heroes sitting on the bench and joining their teams in their huddles. (We know more Heroes and we’d love to get you involved in our future events.)  Please see the picture at the top of the Caringbridge homepage or in the www.BePositive.org gallery.  Thank you Diamond State Classic organizers.

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

As you may have seen on our Caringbridge site, we have learned of another young, 14 yr old, soccer player named Andrew who has recently been diagnosed with ALL (Leukemia).  His site just went up and I’m sure AJ (which, by the way, are our Andrew’s initials) and his family would love words of support and prayers from the B+ community.  Please visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewfrantz.

I’m beat so I’m going to make it a short one tonight.  I can’t wait to share with you how Ali made our Christmas day so wonderful.

God bless you all.

If you’re local and have some time tomorrow and/or Tuesday, stop by and see us at the Diamond State Classic at St. Elizabeth’s HS in Wilmington.  Games will be played all day.

Live Like Andrew - MAKE a difference in someone’s life TODAY!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

Merry Christmas 2008!  Merry Christmas, Andrew!

Please focus on the important things today and cherish each and every moment with your loved ones. 

It is, obviously, a tremendous understatement to say that our Christmas is just not the same without our “Family of Four” together, here on this earth.  Please take a moment today to pray for all the families who have lost children from this world.

In addition to helping families of critically ill children, one of the goals of The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation is to ultimately cure pediatric cancers and, at the very least, help develop better drugs in the shorter term.  Drugs that are more targetted and have less horrible side effects on the kids.  Developing adult chemotherapy drugs, for example, and then dosing them down for children is not, in my humble opinion, the way to treat pediatric cancers.

On this day, we Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  While certainly much less significant, we are proud to announce on this Christmas Day 2008, that we have awarded our first research grant.  We will share more information with you shortly, but suffice it to say that we have awarded a $250,000 research grant.  The birth of Jesus gave us hope and I pray that our research efforts will also give hope to many in the war against pediatric cancers.  WE WILL NOT GIVE UP!!!  Thank you to all of you for making this possible.  As I have said many times, this is OUR Foundation - you all own a piece of it.  I hope you feel proud.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

P.S.  Thank you very much to the groups that have provided so many holiday gifts for the kids at the hospitals.  And, thank you to my buddy, Michael G., for bringing his family over to A.I. DuPont Hospital in a few hours to spread some holiday cheer & Tzedakah.

Happy Hanukkah to all of our Jewish friends!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Guess who is the “Featured Hero” on Alex’s Lemonade’s website this week?  I’ll give you a hint.  He had curly blond hair, was a great soccer and baseball player, got straight “A”s at Salesianum, is now in Heaven, and he IS the best son a guy could ever ask for. 

http://www.alexslemonade.org/newsroom/heroes/andrew-mcdonough

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

Like a lot of guys, I made the ABSOLUTELY idiotic decision to go to mall yesterday  (Sorry, Boscov’s - we love you guys, but what a madhouse!)  The funny thing was that the stores weren’t that bad, but the parking lot was insane.  I find it interestingly ironic how such a joyous time of year can really bring out the nastiness in some people.  Whatever holiday you celebrate, relax and enjoy it for the true meaning of the occasion.  And, perhaps best of all, cherish the time that the holidays afford you with your loved ones.  Kids and adults, Santa can bring you some cool ’stuff’, but after all, it’s only ’stuff’.  That’s not what’s important.

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

Please pray for all the families who are facing the holidays without loved ones who recently went to Heaven.  Holidays can be pretty tough (I guess that was a pretty big understatement!)

Please take the time to really enjoy this week.

Live Like Andrew - MAKE memories!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

As you know, of course, I usually introduce you to brave young kids and ask you for your prayers.  I’ve never asked for so much from so many people in my life.  It’s not something that really comes naturally either.  But, that’s neither here nor there.

Tonight I want to direct you to the site of an adult who I met tonight at Christiana Hospital.  His name is Steve Romeo.  Steve has been diagnosed with an aggressive, rare form of cancer.  While our situations are certainly different, I felt like I had so much in common with Steve and his wife, Maureen.  Just like Andrew was healthy one day and fighting for his life 48 hours later, Steve was a seemingly perfectly healthy guy one day and then on July 2, 2008, he got his diagnosis.  As I’ve said before, you just never know what’s around the corner.  Check out Steve’s Caringbridge site and you’ll see beautiful pictures of their two little kids.  Steve has an incredible attitude; he certainly has the “B+” attitude.  Steve, Maureen, our prayers are with you!

I have to admit that I had chills walking down the floor in 6b at Christiana since my brother-in-law was on that floor this past summer.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/steveromeo

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

A young man from Salesianum, Jonathan Cap, is working on his Eagle Scout project to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware.  I was never a scout, but I have to tip my hat to the scouts for all the good work they do on these Eagle projects.  I have a funny scout story about Andrew, but I’ll hold that until the end.

Back to Jonathan, he’s looking for donations of:

• food items (popcorn, tea bags, snack foods)
• kitchen items (paper towels, etc)
• office supplies
• cleaning supplies
• toys

 Donation can be dropped off at Salesianum School or at Immaculate Heart of Mary School and Parish (the box is inside the vestibule). Collections will be taken until January 14, 2008.  If you have any questions, you can reach Jonathan at: jonathancap@comcast.net.  Good luck, Jonathan.

Now, to the “Andrew Story”.  Andrew decided he wanted to join Cub Scouts so we signed him up.  Shortly after he joined, they had their famed “Soap Box Derby”.  Not being a scout myself, I was apparently under the EXTREMELY naive impression that this was an activity that I was to do with Andrew but that the opportunity to actually BUILD the car is the child’s.  Oh, was I wrong. :)  I made a couple of basic cuts in the wood with the saw and Andrew did all of the rest.  He painted it, put the wheels on, etc. etc.  It looked great.  It looked like a great job by an 8 year old.  So, we go to the Church for the big night and boy, were we in for a surprise.  I swear to you that Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt couldn’t make cars like what we saw.  Andrew entered about 8 heats and got smoked in every one.  I think he took 2nd to last in 2 of the heats, and last in the others.  But, it was HIS car.  In fairness, a few of the cars looked like the kids made them, but an awful lot looked like Mom or Dad had a real big hand in them.  No big deal.  Andrew walked out of there with a ribbon and he was so proud of his car.  I was so proud of how he handled himself. 

~~~~~~~~~

If you’re local, mark your calendars for 5:45pm on Dec. 27th for the Opening Ceremonies of the Diamond State Classic.  It’s going to be great!  We have paired “Heroes” - brave young boys and girls who are battling cancer - with teams from around the country.  Our “Heroes” will be introduced at Opening Ceremonies at the St. E Center at St. Elizabeth’s High School.  These kids deserve to be put up on the pedestal; as do their loving families.

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

Finally, congratulations to one of our “Heroes”, Pearce Quesenberry, who was on the CBS Evening News tonight with Katie Couric.  Boy, Pearce, you ARE a natural!  Great job tonight and thanks for wearing your B+ tee shirt.  That was exciting for us to see.

Live Like Andrew - get a laugh at your own expense.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad 

Back in August, our friend Lynette Grabowski told me of an amazing young lady named Shayla Holwegner.  You may recall that I introduced you to her on this site and asked you to visit her Caringbridge site.  Well, you certainly did and Shayla was so shocked when she got so many postings and B+ messages.  For those of you who don’t know Shayla’s story, she is an incredible 18 year old girl from Seattle who was battling osteosarcoma.

What blew me away was how Shayla shared her thoughts about the prospect of leaving this world, as she knew she was gravely ill.  She shared so much, so generously with the world.  This young girl left me speechless.

Whenever I got the CB update that says “A new journal entry for Shayla Holwegner’s CaringBridge site was posted…” I have to admit that I held my breath because I was afraid.  Yesterday was the update that I didn’t want to read.  Shayla Holwegner has left this earthly world.

I got an email from Shayla back in August and she said that she was glad that our paths had crossed.  No, Shayla - we are the ones that are glad and HONORED to have known you, even from afar.  Now, brave warrior, you path is crossing with that of another angel, Andrew.  Andrew, show Shayla around.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/shayla-la

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

While we’re on the topic of amazing, young, courageous women, I would really appreciate it if you all could find the time to visit Carrie Maniscalco’s site.  This poor girl has faced SO many challenges and her spirit and faith is so strong.  But, she’s human and I think it’s starting to take it’s toll.  Let’s remind Carrie how special she is.  I really feel like I am a better person because I know Carrie and had the brief opportunity to know Shayla.

 http://caringbridge.org/visit/carriemaniscalco

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

Finally, since we’re on the theme of courageous young women, good luck, Ali, with ‘finals’ this week.  And, good luck to all college students at this end-of-semester time.  Keep it in perspective. 

Live Like Andrew - have you made a difference in the life of at least one person today?

God bless you.  Don’t let the holiday stress get to you. 

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

Please check out the picture (above if you’re reading this on Caringbridge or in the B+ Events Photos section if you’re on www.BePositive.org) of the new sign that has been installed in the gym at Andrew’s grade school, St. Mary Magdalen.  It honors our son and the B+ message.  If you have ever watched youth sports, there are times when some mistake the game for a world championship or some life or death battle.  It is our collective hope that it might be a calming influence, a message, for adults and kids who are in the gym to keep it all in perspective.  It’s a game!  It’s supposed to be FUN!  When done right, GREAT memories can be made from participating in youth sports!  We greatly appreciate the efforts of Tom Higley, Tim Beadle, Gene Williams, and everyone associated with the St. Mary Magdalen Athletic Association and School who made this possible. 

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

Thank you to Laurel (DE) High School for inviting me to speak at their Student Government Association and Class Officer Installation Banquet.  Congratulations on your leadership positions…remember - Pay It Forward!

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

I’d like to introduce you to a really teeny guy, Gavin Carmichael.  Gavin’s been having these mysterious ‘blue spells’ and I’m sure his family would love to hear that you’re praying for him.  Please stop in on Gavin at:  http://caringbridge.org/visit/gavincarmichael

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

I’d like to ask for your prayers for friends of ours, the Kellehers.  Last night, we attended the viewing of Mark Kelleher.  Mark died very unexpectedly at the age of 41.  Please pray for Mark’s wife, Dee, and their two kids.  The Kellehers’ home was like a second home to my niece while my brother-in-law, Dan, was battling cancer this year.

~~~~~~~~

Final reminder - join us for ice cream today at Sweet Lucy’s on Concord Pike.  A portion of the proceeds benefit the B+ Foundation.

Live Like Andrew — MAKE it a great weekend!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

Chris and I took a drive down to Ocean City, NJ on Saturday to see “Andrew’s Bench” on the boardwalk.  As I’ve said before, Andrew LOVED monkeys/gorillas and he was a miniature golf afficionado.  It was only fitting that we ‘bought’ a bench dedicated to Andrew opposite Congo Falls miniature golf course on the boardwalk (it has a HUGE ape at the entrance).  The Public Works folks at OCNJ did a great job installing our plaque and cleaning up the bench with a fresh coat of paint.  I have to admit, I got really choked up standing on the boardwalk seeing my son’s name on a bench.  (See the ‘welcome’ picture on www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough for a shot of the bench or visit www.BePositive.org for more pics.)

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

Please join us for our ice cream fundraiser this Friday at Sweet Lucy’s on Concord Pike (2pm-10pm).  Thanks to the generosity of Sweet Lucy’s, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the B+ Foundation.  It’s never too cold for ice cream!!!

~~~~~~~

For those of you who live in Jersey, I’d like to tell you about a B+ benefit concert that is coming up in Hammonton, NJ on Dec. 17th.  Thank you to George Protopapas and the Hammonton Brass Ensemble for making our Foundation the beneficiary of their holiday concert.

www.thehammontonbrass.webs.com

~~~~~~~~~~~

“You can’t always control what happens to you, but it is totally up to you as to how you’re going to handle it.”

MAKE it a great week.

Live Like Andrew - make someone’s day by giving them a smile.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

I have been honored to speak to a lot of great people at great organization all around the tri-state area.  While they are all special in their own way, yesterday’s speaking engagement was very unique.  For the first time in 29 years, I returned to my alma mater to speak to the students at Mt. Pleasant HS here in Wilmington.  While the place has been dressed up a bit, it still looked and felt basically the same.  It was so strange walking down the hall - but a good ’strange’.  It was a real honor to speak to the MtP students and I appreciate how respectful they were during our discussion. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Just a quick note to let you know that YOUR Foundation has provided assistance to yet another family - the family of Jaylen - a 6 yr old boy from PA who is battling Leukemia.  Jaylen’s family is the 33rd family that you have helped this year.  We have disbursed nearly $40,000 in our Family Assistance Program!!!  Thank you!

~~~~~~~~~~

If you’d like to learn about a real neat group that started from a project that a Dad and his daughter worked on while she was early on in her battle with cancer, please visit the Adopt-A-Pig website at:  http://www.adoptapig.org/   I had the pleasure of meeting with the Dad (Rob Amand) and he gave me a B+ pig that was painted by Joey, a 9 year old battling cancer.  I have it displayed proudly on my desk.

~~~~~~~~~~

As you may recall from last year, we are privileged to be one of the beneficiaries of the Diamond State Classic girls basketball tournament (www.diamondstateclassic.org) that runs from Dec. 27-30 at St. Elizabeth’s HS in Wilmington, DE.  We will  be selling B+ gear at the tournament again this year.  If you have some spare time and would like to help staff our table, we would greatly appreciate your assistance.  Please contact me at joe@livelikeandrew.org.  Thanks so much!

~~~~~~~~

I hope you’re enjoying the weekend.  It was really nice seeing the snow flurries coming down today.  I will ALWAYS like snow!

Live Like Andrew

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

P.S.  Thank you very much to the ladies of Alpha Omega Epsilon (UD) who organized last Thursday’s successful fundraiser for the B+ Foundation at Grotto Pizza in Newark.

REMINDER:

Come out and join us tonight from 4-9pm at Grotto Pizza on Main Street in Newark.  Thanks to UD sorority, Alpha Omega Epsilon, and Grotto Pizza, 20% of all sales tonight will go to the B+ Foundation.  But, you must bring the coupon -  you can print it out on www.BePositive.org (under the heading “Join us for fun and help B+).

If you’re still hungry or thirsty after that (or Wilmington is just more convenient for you), the Wilmington Flower Market is holding a fundraiser at Catherine Rooney’s in Trolley Square this evening.  Music will be provided by “8th & West” (a group of teachers from Salesianum).  The Wilmington Flower Market raises money for children’s charities - including, hopefully, the B+ Foundation in the near future. 

Hope to see you tonight!  Thanks.

Peace!

Live Like Andrew - B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad