I hope everyone is doing well and high school/college students are breathing a sigh of relief that finals are over (or almost over).  Grade school kids…you’re almost there too!!!

I want to take this opportunity to introduce you to a new Hero…a very, very young one.  Madison Ursillo is only 2 months old but this brave little girl has experienced an awful lot in her short life.  And, of course, so has her family.  I’ve attached the link to her CB site in case you want to drop by and show a little B+ love to Madison and her family.  I’m sure it would be greatly appreciated.

http://caringbridge.org/visit/madisonursillo

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I would like to thank the kids at Darley Road Elementary School for inviting me to speak at their assembly on Wednesday.  One of the classes did a project where they wrote and illustrated stories and then sold them to raise money for charity.  Guess who they picked as their charity?  :)  The kids and Ms. Princilus presented me with a check for $210!!!  Thank you so much for opening up your hearts!!!

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

There are a lot of updates on so many of our Heroes.  Drew Koenig (drewkoenig) is up in Boston and he’s handling his proton radiation like the champ that he is.  Molly Anderson (mollyanderson) and Joey Borowski (joeyb) have both returned from great trips to Florida and Joey is going back to school next week.  Evan Nickle (evannickle) got clean scans and is still “NED” (no evidence of disease).  Savannah Pauley (savannahpauley1) is a media celebrity and seen at all kinds of high school sports in the area.  Please pray for a clean PET scan for Savannah.  Aryn Strigle (arynelizabethstrigle) had a transfusion so let’s hope that gets those RBCs to stay up.  Our buddy, Alex Blythe (AB+) (alexblythe) is out of the hospital and received an unexpected award at school!  Sydney Lysinger (sydneylysinger) is finishing up school and celebrating her sister’s graduation.  Unfortunately, our Super Hero Carrie Maniscalco (carriemaniscalco) continues to battle so many known and unknown challenges and really needs your prayers.  And, Isaiah Smith (isaiahmarksmith) has recently gone through a transplant and is bravely battling his way back.  There are so many more Heroes, please don’t feel slighted if I didn’t mention you right now.

To check in on these guys, please visit:

www.caringbridge.org/visit/ followed by their name in parenthesis above.

~~~~~~

MAKE it a great weekend.  It’s up to you!

Live Like Andrew - B+ — It’s Not A Grade, It’s An Attitude!!!

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

P.S.  Please sign up for the upcoming 5k Run/Walk at:

https://www.signup82north.com/BPos2009/EventLandingPage.aspx

 www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

As you all know, the game of soccer was very important to my son.  He started playing when he was 4 years old (coached by his Mom!!!), joined the Concord Clash travel team just before his 8th birthday, played for his schools (St. Mary Magdalen, Salesianum), represented his state in the Olympic Development Program, and finished his soccer career on this earth with a wonderful group of people at FC Delco.  As you will see on the attached link to our press release, The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation and Major League Soccer (MLS) have formed a partnership.  MLS, through it’s community outreach arm (MLS W.O.R.K.S.) will assist us in increasing awareness and funds in our mission to eradicate childhood cancers and provide assistance to families of critically ill children.  We are very appreciative to Jan Greenberg and everyone at MLS for their support and vote of confidence in “Andrew’s Foundation”.  Andrew, you always told us that you would make it to MLS…you have (and so much more!), Pal!!!  Congratulations!!!

http://livelikeandrew.com/documents/MLSpressreleaseFINAL.pdf

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Reminder — three weeks from tomorrow will be our “3rd Annual B+ 5k Fighting Pediatric Cancer” run/walk.  Come on out and join us.  You can walk or run; participate in person or support a team from afar.  Early indications are that we’re going to have a great crowd.  But, there’s still time to sign up.  I’d love to see more teams of schools, sports teams, as well as corporate teams.  The minimum donation to participate is $17 (prior to the event) but we’re also hoping you may consider hitting up friends and family for donations.  We’re going to have free food & drinks, prizes, a local band, free shirt for all participants, and we will be introducing our latest item of “B+ gear” — a sharp looking baseball cap.  Come get it before it goes onsale online!  Sign up today!  See you on June 18th at Salesianum.

https://www.signup82north.com/BPos2009/EventLandingPage.aspx

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Live Like Andrew - enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

P.S.  CONGRATULATIONS to Ali!  I picked her up today following her last final!  Woo hoo!!! 

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

On Friday night, we were once again overwhelmed by the maturity and generosity of young people.  George Protopappas, a 17 year old from Hammonton (NJ) High School is the director of the Hammonton Brass.  George organized a benefit concert at the Audobon (NJ) Performing Arts Center.  I am far from an expert on music, but the quintet (with guest performer, George Rabbai) were simply amazing!  George and the group worked on this event for many months and it was our tremendous honor to attend and say a few words to the audience.  Another example of ‘kids helping kids fight cancer’.  Thank you, George, and the Hammonton Brass!

~~~~~~~~~~

Chris and I had the pleasure of spending some time with good friends the other day.  These folks are also “in the club” (the club NO one wants to be a part of).  We spoke about the Led Zeppelin song “The Song Remains the Same” and agreed that this is simply not true.  The “song” will never sound the same.  The “song” may sound good, but it will never be great.  Without our kids here, we live in a ‘new reality’.  We are trying our best to like the music, even if ”the song” will NEVER be the same.

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

Thanks to Rob Smith and all the folks at FC Delco and Joe Levan and USTC, we had the privilege of presenting the Andrew McDonough Trophy today to the U-14 Boys Champions at the FC Delco Players Cup (soccer tournament).  It was a very good game with YMS (Yardley Makefield, PA) edging Manhattan Ajax (NY) by a 2-1 score.  It nice to be able to spread Andrew’s magic and message to some folks who might not be familiar with his story.  At the same time, it can be SO hard not seeing our blond, curly-haired boy running up and down the field.

We were also honored to join the Kelts family as they honored their Dad and husband, Peter, whose name is on the U-14 Girls Championship trophy.

~~~~~~~~~~ 

My heart goes out today to all of the families who have lost loved ones in service to our country.  Could there be a more selfless act?!  Please take a moment today to say a prayer for all those families and the families of servicemen and servicewomen who are in harms way today.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Live Like Andrew - live with honor.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

Special prayers (I guess that’s dumb phrasing…are there any other kinds of prayers?!) go out this morning for our young Hero friend, Alex Blythe (aka AB+).  Alex is facing an 8 hour surgery today (starting at 9am) to address the osteosarcoma in his arm/shoulder.  It will be an excruciatingly long day for Alex and his family.  Sitting and waiting for the periodic updates from the OR nurse liaison is simply brutal.  Dr. Thacker’s, Alex’s surgeon, was one of Andrew’s doctors and is an amazing guy.  Alex is in very good hands.  Please say a prayer for AB+ and his family.  For updates on Alex or to send good wishes, please visit:

http://caringbridge.org/visit/alexblythe

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

Today, May 21st, is also a special day for another reason.  It was on this day, last year, that a little friend of ours - Erin Brennan - went to Heaven.  I’ll NEVER forget visiting her in the hospital and watching as she asked her parents if she could hug Ali.  I don’t think there was a dry eye in the lounge as we watched the two of them hug.  The Brennans have become very special friends of ours and we look forward to visiting with them today.  Please keep them in your prayers as today will be a very difficult day.

http://caringbridge.org/visit/erinbrennan

~~~~~~~~~~~

I know I ask a lot from you - for prayers, for volunteers, for CB site visits, for donations, for participation in our events, etc.  This Foundation - OUR Foundation - could not be successful without your support.  And your kind postings, emails, acts of kindness in Andrew’s name, invitations to speak to your groups, and many other things, mean so much to us and help keep us going.  I think we are doing good things for others, in honor of Andrew and service to God.  Thank you very much!

Live Like Andrew - make a difference in someone’s life today!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

As you know from recent postings, bone marrow donor registration has been a focus of ours lately.  While some of us - like me - sit on the registry for 20 years waiting to be called, matches sometimes happen more quickly.  Last week, I got an email from a friend who shared with me that one of the donors at her daughter’s drive received THE call.  Just a couple of months after signing up on a college campus, this young lady was deemed a match.  What an incredible feeling it must be to get that call.  These bone marrow registration drives DO work!

On the recipient side, just think what it must be like to know that there is a match out there.  We were so thrilled when we found out that Ali was a match for Andrew.  Unfortunately, Andrew’s health never recovered to the point where he could receive the bone marrow transplant (BMT).  Conversely, the fear and desperation of patients and their families waiting for that call must be horrific.  There is a young man in Californina, Nick Glasgow, who has been diagnosed with leukemia and is desperately in need of a BMT.  Nick is part Asian and is need of a donor of similar ancestry.  People of multiple races are tremendously under-represented on the registry.  Please visit the link below on a more detailed story about Nick and please join the registry if you think you might possibly be able to help Nick.  For any additional questions, please contact Nick’s Mom at: 

wiegand_carole@emc.com

http://cbs5.com/local/bone.marrow.donor.2.1013000.html

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

YOUR Foundation continues to help families of critically ill children.  Here is the latest group of Heroes that you have helped. 

Bella - 3 yr old; leukemia (ALL)

Dulce - 2 1/2 yr old; anemia & BMT

Kadence - 4 yr old; leukemia (ALL)

Travis - 17 yr old; Hodgkins Lymphoma

The families greatly appreciate your kindness and generosity.  Here is an excerpt from a recent letter we received from a family that we assisted.

“We received your generous check today in the mail and I sat in the driveway and cried.  Thank you so much for your generosity.  I can only tell you that I have truly found my God through this trial.  This experience has taught me things about myself, about my children, about people, about life that I never want to give up, and I truly cherish.  I feel blessed in ways I never thought possible.  We honor the memory of your son and I sned immense gratitude, more than words can say, to you, your family, and your wonderful organization!”

(From the mother of a 15 year old with medulloblastoma brain tumor)

~~~~~~~~

One month from yesterday until our “B+ 5k Fighting Pediatric Cancer”.  Remember to create a team or sign up as an individual at:

https://www.signup82north.com/BPos2009/EventLandingPage.aspx

Live Like Andrew - find the good in people.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

On Wednesday, I returned for a visit with my 5th grade friends at North Star Elementary School in Hockessin, DE.  Back in January, they embarked upon a campaign entitled “Yes We Can… B+”.  They raised money by doing extra chores, soliciting local businesses, and attending North Star Movie Night among other fundraising activities.  But, it was more than just fundraising.  The kids and their teachers really gave thought to what it means to “Live Like Andrew”.  I am so proud of them.  And, they presented me with a check for $3,012!!!   Another great example of ‘kids helping kids fight cancer’.  Look for Team North Star at our 5k Run/Walk on June 18th.  Thank you, Mrs. Woodall, Ryan Murphy, and everyone at North Star Elementary School!

~~~~~~~~

I know this can be a stressful time for college and high school kids as they take their final exams.  Please do me on favor.  Keep it in perspective.  Work hard, do your best, and whatever happens, happens.  Your family will still love you.

~~~~~~~~

I had the pleasure of joining some friends (Coo Murray, Carol & Bill Spiker) today for a Fitness Fair at the Hockessin Athletic Club.  We handed out pamplets on the bone marrow donation process.  We’re going to do a drive in September and we wanted to simply do some pre-drive education.  Thank you, Bob Carpenter and Linda Debski, for your hospitality.  The highlight of my day was when a little girl came up to me and recited what she and her family say every night at bedtime.  She blew me away when, in her timid little voice, she said “Have fun, set goals & try your best, show affection, be comfortable with your self, and be who you are and be that well!”  Wow!!!  The principles of “Living Like Andrew”!!!  :)  I am so touched!  Thank you!   Andrew, his spirit, his message, his legacy, lives on!

~~~~~~~~

Make the most of your weekend!

Have you made a difference in the life of at least one person today?

Live Like Andrew

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrew

P.S.  Don’t forget to sign up - as a team or individual - for our Run/Walk on June 18th.  I’d like to see a team for every school, swim club, sports team, church, office, neighborhood…what have I missed? 

https://www.signup82north.com/BPos2009/EventLandingPage.aspx

In the spirit of Mother’s Day, I want to take this opportunity to re-tell an “Andrew Story” from the hospital.  As you may know, between the NUMEROUS medicines that Andrew was on and the disorientation that sets in as a result of a long-term hospitalization (there is a well-document and recognized condition called “ICU psychosis”), patients often experience confusion.  Andrew heard mostly women’s voices and wanted to make sure that he was talking to his “real Mom” as opposed to the “fake Moms” - aka female nurses, female doctors.  So one day, Andrew asked me “Dad, is this my ‘real Mom’?” to which I answered “Yes”.  He then tested Chris by saying “What did I get you for Christmas last year?”.  Chris answered and Andrew said to me “Dad, is that right?”.  I responded “It sure is, Pal.”  He then replied with a sound of relief “OK, you’re my real Mom!”  Andrew and Ali could not have been blessed with a better “real Mom”!!!  I love you, Chris.

~~~~~~~~

Changing gears, yesterday was a neat experience.  I had the pleasure of having Ali and 6 fellow UD students join me for a visit to A.I. duPont Hospital.  We spent time with Alex Blythe (Mr. AB+), Isaiah Smith, and we dropped in on Savannah Pauley in the Clinic.  These kids are amazing!  But, do you know who else is amazing?  The seven college students who drove up from Newark, gave up part of their afternoon, entered a very intimidating and not very pleasant environment, all to put smiles on kids’ faces.  They didn’t visit because they were getting college credit or because they had to…they sincerely wanted to.  And, I do believe that they were even better people when they walked out of those hospital doors because they were touched by Alex, Isaiah and Savannah.  It’s hard - really, really hard - for me to go back into the hospital, but our kids - whether they are the visitors or the ones being visited - keep me going.  They are NOT simply the future of our world…they are the PRESENT!  And, there’s a lot of good out there.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Don’t forget to sign up for the “3rd Annual B+ 5k Fighting Pediatric Cancer”.  It doesn’t matter if you’re local or not.  You can always set up a virtual team and “participate” from afar.  Walkers and runners are welcome of all ages. 

Fact for the day:  ONLY 3% of the National Cancer Institute’s cancer research budget is dedicated to childhood cancer research!!!  How can we not protect our most vulnerable???

https://www.signup82north.com/BPos2009/EventLandingPage.aspx

~~~~~~~~~

Live Like Andrew - Carpe diem!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

This photo (see Andrew’s caringbridge site) came across my screen the other day and I thought I’d share it with you.  This picture was taken when Andrew was 9 (I think).  Watching Andrew water skiing was the funniest thing because he was pretty reckless but he rarely went down.  Just when you thought he was going to wipe out, he’d re-gain his balance with a HUGE smile on his face.  My brother said that Andrew looked like a circus clown skiing.

~~~~~~~~~~

Seventeen years ago today, my Dad went to Heaven.  Dad, I love you and miss you so much.  I know you’re taking good care of Andrew.  My Dad passed away four months before Andrew was born.

~~~~~~~~

As you know, I usually write about some of the neat kids that I have had the honor to meet.  Today, I would like to talk about 2 men.  As background, for whatever reason, my Caringbridge updates on many of the people that I follow mysteriously stopped.  So, you can imagine that, while reading the newspaper, I was shocked and saddened to see that my two new friends, Rocky Tharpe and Steve Romeo, had both passed away.  I met Rocky through Caringbridge and I had the honor of getting together with him for lunch one day.  He was battling lung cancer (and wasn’t a smoker) and just loved talking about his daughter.  We had a great lunch and occasionally corresponded via email.  Feighanne, it was my privilege to meet your Dad.  It was obvious how much he loved you.

The other gentleman that I got to know was Steve Romeo.  I met Steve in his hospital room and spoke with him a few times on the phone.  I really enjoyed meeting Steve in the hospital.  I felt a real connection with Steve.  You know, it’s not always how long you’ve known someone that determines the bond that you have.  It was obvious that Steve, too, was a great Dad.  You could tell that Steve knew how sick he was but his only concern was for his wife, Mo, and their kids.  To the Romeo family, I mean this very sincerely when I say that it was my honor to meet Steve.  I am a better person for knowing him.

~~~~~~~~

As you know, we’re gearing up for our 3rd Annual B+ 5k Fighting Pediatric Cancer on June 18th at Salesianum School in Wilmington.  I had the pleasure of taping a segment this week for Channel 6 (Philadelphia ABC affiliate) that deals with our Foundation and the 5k.  I’m hoping this will generate additional interest in our mission.  The show, “Perspectives Delaware”, will air on May 30th. 

Create a team or sign up as an individual.  Or if you can’t make it, please support an existing team or create a “virtual” team for those of you not in the Delaware area.  We want to see teams for every school, office, neighborhood, sports team, hero fighting cancer, angels, you name it.  It’s going to be a lot of fun.

https://www.signup82north.com/BPos2009/EventLandingPage.aspx

~~~~~~~~~~

Congratulations to Paul Eisenberg, Mika Maloney, and everyone at the Great Guy Group for a very successful fund-raising dinner this week.  The Great Guy Group and The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation often work together in helping families in crisis.

~~~~~~~

Hey Curly, please watch over us, give us strength, and help us to live like you!

Make it a great weekend!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

P.S.  Please take a minute and visit our newest B+ Hero.  It never ceases to amaze me how brave these kids are.  Please let Aryn and her family know that the B+ Nation is praying for her.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/arynelizabethstrigle

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

These 8 Heroes, and their families, received desperately needed financial assistance thanks to YOUR generosity!  OUR Foundation has awarded $80,000 to families of critically ill children.  You should be very proud.  THANK YOU! 

~~~~~~~~

If you feel like getting some exercise and helping a great family and a great cause, come on out for the “Kids Kickin Cancer 5k” this Wed. May 6th in Wilmington.  “Kids Kickin Cancer” was started by Alicia & Brandon Lewandowski in honor of their Dad who went to Heaven.  May 6th is Mike’s 40th birthday.

Race Time:    6:30 pm  (registration opens at 5 pm)
Location:        St. John the Beloved , 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington,  DE          

~~~~~~~~

For those of you who know me well, I’m sure you’re getting a kick out me plugging 5k races.  I love ALL sports EXCEPT running.  :)  I feel like I’m going to die after 100 yards!  Well, here’s another run for you.  The Diamond State Classic, the basketball tournament that supports our Foundation, is having their inaugural run on Wed. May 27th on the Wilmington Riverfront.  For more information, please visit www.races2run.com.

~~~~~~~~

Chris is so good about keeping a diary; she has kept one for many years.  The other night, she read an entry from several years ago when Andrew explained to us the concepts of body & soul.  Very simply, he stated that his soul was in Heaven while his body was in his Mommy’s tummy, and when he was born, his soul came down from Heaven and went into his body.  I believe you, Andrew, and I know your soul went back to Heaven.

~~~~~~~~~

For good souls like Andrew, death is not a punishment but a reward for a life lived well.

Live Like Andrew - Be who you are, and be that well!  (Francis de Sales)

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

Ali got this from “Arden’s mom”. While there is so much hype about Swine flu, check this out…