Oops! I neglected to mention one other event.
On March 28th, a friend of Ali’s - Paul Blest - is playing in a benefit concert at Limestone Presbyterian Church here in Wilmington. Part of the proceeds from the event will go to The B+ Foundation. The concert starts at 6pm. Thanks, Paul, for thinking of us. Have fun!!!
B+
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad
Congratulations to Kara Kelly (www.caringbridge.org/visit/karakelly) whose scans came back this week N.E.D. (no evidence of disease)!!! Those are beautiful words!
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We’re about one month away from our “B+ FUN Raiser” on April 24th and we have a few tables left. If you’re interested, please visit www.BePositive.org to register. There will food, drinks, music, games, and some great live auction items (i.e. beach houses, concert tickets, ‘meet & greets’ with celebs, travel packages, jewelry & much more).
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I want to share with you a few upcoming events for other foundations. The Mock family and friends are once again holding their 5k at Ridley Creek State Park. They always draw a good crowd and it’s a real nice event. I’m sure Billy will be smiling down from Heaven very proudly. Here are the details:
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My buddy, Chris Grundner, has his 2nd Annual “Get Your Head in the Game” brain tumor awareness walk on May 2nd. It, too, is an incredible event. For more information, please visit:
http://www.khgfoundation.org/walk09/index.php
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While I usually focus on pediatric “heroes”, I’d like to ask for your prayers and support for an adult “hero” right now. Jimmy Albanese has battled an illness with an incredible B+ attitude and he just had another major operation the other day. Jimmy is a friend of the family and just a super guy. Please keep Jimmy in your prayers. If you’d like to send him an e-card, I’m sure it would give him a boost. Just click on the link below and look for the “Cheer Card” link on the left side of the page. Thanks!
James Albanese
Site: St. Luke’s Hospital (Bethlehem), Room CS2-02 http://www.mystlukesonline.org
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I’m so happy for Ali that Spring Break starts tomorrow!!! 
Live Like Andrew - LIVE, LAUGH, & LOVE!!!
B+
Ali’s & Andrew’s Proud Papa
www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough
I’d like to thank two groups who organized fundraising events for the B+ Foundation over the past week.
First, I’d like to thank Brianna Kelts for running a soccer fundraiser at her high school. Unfortunately, Brianna knows the devastation of cancer firsthand as her Dad went to Heaven about 2 months before Andrew. Bri, I know your Dad is smiling down on you.
Secondly, last night we were able to briefly attend a surprise ”Sweet 16″ party for Maddy Buckley, a student at Archmere Academy. Since Maddy’s family knows that she is a big supporter of the B+ movement, they asked all of their guests to donate $16 to the B+ Foundation in lieu of a gift. Virtually all of the guests wore B+ shirts as well. It was really nice to see and really nice to be reminded that Andrew “lives” on. Thank you to the Buckley family and Happy Birthday Maddy!
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Prior to the birthday party, we attended a fundraiser for Drew Koenig (www.caringbridge.org/visit/drewkoenig). Unfortunately, we had to leave before the Koenigs arrived, but it looked like a good crowd had assembled and I’m sure a lot of money was raised.
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And, in Richmond, VA today at the Jefferson Cup soccer tournament, the Andrew McDonough B+ Award was given to Emily Lodge of the Chantilly Hotspurs. Congratulations, Emily, you’re part of a special club now. Emily, if you can please contact me at joe@livelikeandrew.org, we have a special gift bag for you as well. Thank you, Bev Carrey and all the folks from the Richmond Strikers organization for including us in your great tournament.
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We’re excited about three upcoming events that should be a lot of fun. First, on Fri. April 24th, we’re hosting our inaugural fundrasing dinner, The B+ FUN Raiser. It’s a casual night of food, drink, games, music, and fun. We’re getting close to capacity, so if you’re interested in joining us please visit the homepage of www.BePositive.org and you’ll see all of the information at the top of the page.
On Sunday, April 26th, the Greek organizations at the University of Delaware are hosting UDance, a 12 hour dance marathon to benefit the B+ Foundation and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS foundation. It should be fun to watch. Stop by at the UD Field House between 11am and 11pm. There will be all kinds of activities and many of our “Heroes” (brave kids with cancer) will be there. For more information, please visit www.BePositive.org or www.udancedelaware.org.
Also on Sun. April 26th, the Hockessin MOMS Club is sponsoring “Touch A Truck” for kids. There will be all kinds of trucks there that kids can climb up and into. The B+ Foundation and the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation have been selected as this year’s beneficiaries. You can find more information at www.BePositive.org or http://www.touchatruck.vpweb.com/
If you’re local, there’s something for everyone that weekend!
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Would you believe that I was contacted by 12 social workers from all over the country in a 24 hour period last week. They were all asking about our Foundation and the “Family Assistance Program”. Turns out we appeared on a resource list for their professional association. :) I have a hunch that we are going to get flooded with applications soon. But, that’s what we’re here for…but, boy do I look forward to the day when there is not a need for our “Family Assistance Program”.
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I know it’s easy to focus on the challenges that we face, but please try to focus this week on your blessings. Take extra time this week with your children, parents, loved ones… Don’t be shy about telling them how much they mean to you. You never know what’s around the corner. Live for today.
“Let God gather from his garden as He wills. He takes nothing out of season.” (F.deSales)
Live Like Andrew - live in the moment.
B+
MAKE it a great week!
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad
www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough
It’s been a busy weekend and there are several people/groups of people that I would like to thank.
Andrew’s friend, Julianne Dominelli, hosted a variety show fundraiser for our Foundation last Friday night. Julianne, who holds the title of Miss Mid Atlantic Outstanding Teen, has chosen our Foundation as her platform. A great time was had by all and Julianne and all of the other performers raised $750 for us! Thanks, Julianne!!!
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Over the past 8 years, there have been three kids from St. Mary Magdalen (SMM) School who have left this world too early — Alex Kerr, Emmi O’Toole, and Andrew McDonough. Well, yesterday, the SMM National Junior Honor Society hosted a “3 on 3″ basketball tournament to raise money to fund a room at the local Ronald McDonald House (RMH). They presented RMH with a check for $5,000 and the room will be dedicated to Alex, Emmi, and Andrew. The kids presented each of the three families with a plant and a beautifully framed prayer. I’m sure I speak for the Kerrs and the O’Tooles as well when I say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for honoring our kids this way. Thanks, Jessie Marini, and all of the NJHS.
And, thank you to Maura, Allie, and Angie who created a team called “Andrew’s Angels” and wore their “B+” uniform shirt.
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After the very emotional ceremony at SMM, Chris and I took off for Richmond, VA where the Jefferson Cup soccer tournament is held. This prestigious tournament (ranked #2 in the US) awards an “Andrew McDonough B+ Award” to a player in the U-14 age group. Well, this year, the weather did not cooperate. We got within 45 miles of Richmond and the rest of the tournament was cancelled. They had snow, hail, and rain over the past few days in Richmond. It’s the thought that counts, though. Thank you, Bev Carrey, and everyone at the Richmond Strikers/Jefferson Cup organizations.
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Here is just one of the many nice messages that we receive from the families that you enable us to help.
“Dear B+ Foundation,
Words cannot begin to express how grateful my family is to all of you for the donation to help pay for some of our medical expenses. Our son is 6 years old, fighting brain cancer, and kicking butt!… This battle has been difficult on all of us, and it’s people like you that hold us up when we need it most. Thank you for doing what you do, and thank you for all your support. May God bless each and everyone one of you…”
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“Andrew Stories”
I learned of an “Andrew Story” from one of his SMM classmates shortly after Andrew went to Heaven. It’s such a good story because it was so simple. At the beginning of the school day, a classmate was sitting by herself at her desk and, for some reason, she was really down. As she was thinking about her troubles, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Looking up, she sees her curly-haired friend, Andrew, just flashing a big smile at her. If I recall correctly, he didn’t even say anything. She said it just made her smile. His contagious smile, coupled with the fact that he cared, picked up her spirits. He then just went to his desk and she said he totally changed her mood. That was Andrew. He was so complex. He could be goofy and wild, horsing around with his buddies one moment, yet, in the next moment, so sensitive to see that a friend of his needed a lift. And, he never came home and said, “Hey, Dad, guess what I did today?” He just did what was right — for the right reason. Honestly, I think he learned that from Ali.
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Live Like Andrew - surprise someone with a smile.
B+
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad
www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough
Thanks to your generosity, the B+ Foundation “Family Assistance Program” continues to help many families of critically ill children around the country. The following group of kids, ranging in age from 18 months to 15 years old, represent the latest group of heroes that you have touched. Thank you for caring!
Gabriel - MI
Elijah - NY
Jacqueline - NY
Olivia - DE
Joseph - PA
Oliver - NJ
Tyler - IA
Taylor - NJ
Taylor - CO
Nabaa - KS
Gabriella - NJ
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I had the honor of spending time with 2 great kids yesterday at A.I. duPont Hospital, Molly Zahner (www.caringbridge.org/visit/mollyzahner) and Alex Blythe (www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexblythe). Alex told me that he is not “B+”, but “AB+”, which stands for “Alex Blythe Positive”. Gotta love it! Today is a big day for Alex –Happy 14th Birthday!!! These kids are so inspiring!
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Tomorrow is the 2 yr anniversary since an amazing young lady, Kaylyn Warren (www.kewf.org), went to Heaven. Bill, Laurie, Andrew, and all of Kaylyn’s friends, you are in our prayers! Whenever I think about Kaylyn (which is frequently), I think of her favorite Scripture verse - Phil 4:13. Look it up (it’s your homework assignment
This week was also the 2nd anniversary for the Kapa family since Bob went to Heaven. You remain in our prayers as well.
Finally, our condolences go out to the Markell family today on the passing of Dr. Markell.
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Thank you to Dr. Steve Baron and his Montgomery County (PA) Community College Psychology class for hosting me yesterday. I hope you, too, have been touched by Andrew and the B+ movement.
Live Like Andrew - please let those close to you know how much they mean to you!
B+
Blessed to be,
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad
www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough
I have just learned about another brave young man who has just been diagnosed with osteosarcoma. His name is Alex Blythe and he is 13 years old. He’s home for the weekend and then starts chemo on Monday at A.I duPont Hospital. This Thursday is Alex’s 14th birthday. Please pray for Alex and send him your good wishes (and birthday wishes) from the B+ Nation. Thanks!
www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexblythe
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One of the many amazing kids that we have come to meet is Pearce Quesenberry. Pearce is starting her own foundation, the Pearce Q Foundation, and the are preparing for their inaugural “4 Miles of Hope Walk/Run”. Our hero, Andrew, will be one of the kids honored at their event. More information about Pearce’s foundation can be found at: http://www.pearceqfoundation.org/. To participate in the 4 Miler, please see below for event details.
Saturday April 18, 2009
Registration starts at 7:30 a.m.
http://www.pearceqfoundation.org/Walk09.asp
Race starts at 9 a.m.
Where: Ebenezer Methodist Church
525 Polly Drummond Hill Rd
Newark DE 19711
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I haven’t written a Journal Update for a few days because I just didn’t feel like writing. It’s hard to explain to people who haven’t walked in our shoes, but it’s still hard to believe that Andrew is up in Heaven. It’s hard to believe that it was 2 years ago that we were in a daily battle in the hospital. I would rather have that battle over this, though. I seem to spend a lot of time just walking around like a zombie.
Chris was reading through her diary from two years ago and came across one of the many funny things that Andrew said to us in the hospital. The poor kid had so many medicines in him and endured SO much. I can’t really remember the context, but, with a smile, he said to Chris,
”I love you, even when you make bad decisions.”
I’ve got to get back to sharing “Andrew Stories” with you. They make me smile.
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Do you live you life with periods or exclamation marks?
Live Like Andrew did — to the fullest — in exclamation marks!
MAKE it a great weekend. It’s up to you!
God bless you.
B+
The proud Dad of Ali & Andrew
As some of you are aware, we are planning a big, fun, casual “B+ Foundation FUN Raiser” on Friday, April 24th at Barclay’s Bank in Wilmington (hopefully it will be a good FUND raiser as well ) To reserve your table or seats, please RSVP online.
We’re going to have food, drinks, music, a Live Auction, and a bunch of games, including a big trivia game with each table being a separate team. We’re going to have a remote control device for each table, similar to what you see in sports bars. And, we’re going to have a special guest speaker - either a “Hero” (child battling cancer) or their parents. We hope you will join us, whether it’s for a table or an individual ticket. Get your friends (the smart ones!!! ) together and come out and support a good cause. If anyone is interested in sponsorship opportunities or to donate great items for our Live Auction, we’d appreciate that as well. Thank you to our good friend, Michael Goldberg of Indulgence Jewelers, for chairing this event.
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I’d also like to make you aware of another good cause. I’m always inspired by the philanthropic efforts of young people. Sean Loughery, one of Andrew’s friends, is pursuing his Eagle Scout badge and is collecting toiletries for people who cannot afford them. He has learned that food stamps do not cover these types of products and he is working with a wonderful, local group, The Ministry of Caring, to help those in need. Sean’s collection drive runs until March 6th, so we’re almost at the end of it. Sean has drop off boxes at St. Mary Magdalen Church, Salesianum, and his house (725 Foulkstone Rd, Sharpley). If you’re interested in making a donation of toiletries, I’m sure Sean will arrange to pick them up as well. You can contact Sean at sloughrey@comcast.net. Good luck, Sean!
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Finally, I would like to thank the folks at Allstate Insurance in Malvern & Pittsburgh, PA and Farmington, CT for inviting me to speak to them at their meeting last Friday. It’s always hard for me to speak about Andrew and the hole in our hearts, but it’s nice to know that Andrew is continuing to live on through others, many who never met him. Allstate, I hope that Andrew has changed you “For Good”. Thank you.
Live Like Andrew - ENJOY the impending snow here in the Delaware Valley! Adults, remember how excited you were as a kid when snow was coming. Act like kids again!
B+
Blessed to be,
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad