The B+ message truly extends across the country.  We were very touched to receive a picture from the Lavery family of Georgia.  Mark Lavery, and his teammates from the NASA ‘08 Elite - Atlanta team, made it to the US Youth Soccer National Championship in MA a few weeks ago.  Mark’s Mom, Kathy, told the team all about Andrew and the B+ message, movement, and Foundation.  All of the team members signed a B+ shirt and posed for a picture.  Thank you, NASA ‘08 Elite - Atlanta, for “Living Like Andrew” and embracing the B+ message.  And, a special thank you to Kathy Lavery for being a B+ Ambassador in Georgia!!!

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I hope you will find the prayer below interesting and thought-provoking.  Sometimes we don’t stop and think about what we know by rote memory.

A more elementary translation of one of the most famous of prayers…

“Dear Father up in Heaven,

you are the most holy of all,

your plan covers Heaven and Earth,

please give us what we need to live - from food and shelter to faith, love, and compassion- 

please forgive us for not always being the best people we can be,

we are going to try hard to forgive others too,

and please help us to make all of the right choices in life.  You’re the best.  Thanks.”  (anonymous)

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Finally, while I know that I shared this story a long time ago, I know we have some new viewers who might enjoy reading this.  With the current heat and humidity, memories come back to me of Andrew’s summer after 8th grade when he “visited” virtually every swim club in northern New Castle County.  (He didn’t belong to any of them, by the way. )  A mom sent me a note after Andrew went to Heaven and it just epitomizes who Andrew was in this world.  She watched as a large group of “teenagers” entered the swim club gates.  Her 4 year old (?) son was playing near the entrance at the same time.  As she watched to ensure that her son was OK, she noticed that one boy - a tall, blond, curly-haired boy- left the group to play with her son.  For the next 20-30 minutes, the teenager (yes, Andrew) taught the boy how to play soccer.  The boy’s grandfather was there as well and commented how refreshing it was to see.  The little boy was so excited over his time with Andrew that he subsequently asked his mother (repeatedly) whether his friend Andrew would be at the pool the next day and so on.  What is really special about this story is that Andrew did this just because he had a big heart.  He wasn’t trying to show off nor did he ever tell me about this.  This was just Andrew being Andrew!  Andrew was so much more complex than virtually everyone knows.  He could hang with the older kids one minute, be gentle with a small child the next, and talk with adults after that.  So many people never really saw the sensitive side that Andrew had.  He was such a blessing to have in this world.

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 I hope everyone is making the most of the summer.  Ali has been busy working at Marini’s Produce and she’ll be a camp counselor in a couple of weeks at Kay’s Kamp, the first oncology camp in Delaware.  She is going to be such an asset to the “Kamp”.  And, she’s keeping busy with the Jonas Brothers, David Cook, Demi Lovato, and Taylor Swift concerts.  It’s so nice having her around!

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Live Like Andrew - HAVE FUN!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

I am very excited to report that the US National Soccer Team Players Association (USNSTPA) has decided to partner with your Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation.  This, along with the partnership with Major League Soccer, will serve to provide a platform to further extend our message and mission within the soccer community.  I’ve got to believe that Andrew is proud! 

Additionally, the USNSTPA has decided to honor Andrew on a memorial at the Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, NY, a place where we visited several years ago and had a blast.  (Andrew, you’ve made it to the Hall of Fame!!!)  We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to J Hutcherson and everyone at USNSTPA for their kindness.  Finally, please see below for a nice write-up that was posted on the USNSTPA website today.

“The United States National Soccer Team Players Association is proud to be associated with the B+ Foundation, created by the family of Andrew McDonough.  Andrew was a soccer player from Delaware who turned tragedy into inspiration through his battle with Leukemia, the life he led on and off the field, and the example he continues to set for numerous people who impacted by his story.”  (For the full story, please click on the link below.)

http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/ussoccerplayers/2009/07/time-in-.html

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I would like to introduce you to another pretty amazing young lady; a true hero.  Her name is Miranda Nolte and her CB site address is:  www.caringbridge.org/visit/mirandaramnolte  .  The password is: taekwondo.  Miranda is a 12 year old with osteosarcoma and she is being treated at AI duPont Hospital.  And, the password above is not random…Miranda is a brown belt in taekwondo!!!  This cancer is messing with the wrong person.  Kick its butt, Miranda!!!  Please stop by and give Miranda a boost.  Thanks!

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Andrew, please keep an eye on all of these brave kids down here who are fighting so valiantly. 

I know you’re with us, Pal!  Please give us strength.

Live Like Andrew - make today count!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

A couple of things to share with you…

First, awhile back, I mentioned a search engine service called GoodSearch.  I wanted to share a little blurb about GoodSearch in case you’re interested in using it.  In short, if you use it as your search engine or for shopping - and you’ve designated us -  The B+ Foundation will earn money.

GoodSearch.com is a search engine designed to support your favorite charity. On the GoodSearch Web site, you can pick a charity of your choice and every time you use the site after that, it will donate 1/10 of a cent to the charity. To donate to The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation through the GoodSearch. com search engine, go to www.goodsearch.com and type in “B+ Foundation” in the bar under the phrase “What do you GoodSearch for?” Then click verify and search away! The B+ Foundation will receive a donation from the site every time you search using their site.  Additionally, if you do your online shopping through the site, our Foundation receives a portion of the sales.  Thank you for your support.

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How about a good school rivalry?  Last year, the organizers of the “Concord HS vs Salesianum Alumni Ryder Cup” donated their proceeds to our Foundation.  The organizers have contacted me again and would like to do the same again this year.  So, if you attended Concord or Sallies, please see below for the local “Ryder Cup”.  I think it’s great that these guys keep a rivalry going.  Thank you for including us in your event.  Have fun and good luck to both teams (more luck to Sallies, though

Concord Vs Sallies Annual Ryder Cup

All Concord High and Salesianum High graduates are invited to join in the 10th Annual Concord Vs Sallies Ryder Cup to benefit The B+ Foundation.  To play, you must have an established handicap.  This is a two day event starting with a team Scramble in the afternoon of Friday, July 31st followed by a 36 hole Match play event on Saturday, August 1st.  If you are able to play on either day (or both), or you have any questions, please contact your respective team representative.  All Sallesianum players are to contact Marty Murray @ marty.murray@adeccona.com.  Concord players contact John Myura @ John.Myura@sap.com .  Please RSVP by Friday, July 25th.  Courses and times will be confirmed via email by your respective team representatives on that date.

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In my previous Journal Updates, I told you about Smilin Sammy Bradly.  Here’s his website if you’d like to visit and spread some love his way.  Thanks!

http://www.carepages.com/carepages/Bradly

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It’s been awhile since I’ve shared any “Andrew Stories” so I’m going to try to get back to that periodically and hopefully not be redundant.  When Andrew was really young, he had a big head of very blonde curls (we never wanted to cut his hair).  I was in the bank one day, holding Andrew in my arms, and a woman came up to us and said “What a beautiful daughter you have”.  Being the ’shy’ child that he was, he stuck his face out at her and barked, “I’m a BOY!”.  The woman looked like she had just been slapped in the face.  I had to turn away because I was laughing so hard.  Thanks for indulging me. 

Live like Andrew — make the most of today…every day!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

Thank you very much for all of your kind postings, cards, and emails over this past week.  In the span of 5 days, we observed our wedding anniversary, my birthday, and the 2nd anniversary of Andrew going to Heaven.  Your kindness has been overwhelming, humbling, and greatly appreciated.  It means so much to us to hear how Andrew continues to touch your lives.  As brutally difficult as it is to live without Andrew here, we know that he is definitely not forgotten.  I really believe that Andrew is smiling.

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And, speaking of smiling, I had a chance to visit with “Smilin Sammy” Bradly and his Mom at AI DuPont Hospital today.  “Smilin Sammy” and Noxah Palomo are two twelve year olds who are serious baseball players and who both have recently been diagnosed with AML leukemia.  Sammy and Noxah (pronounced No-ah) are in the Bone Marrow Unit just two doors away from each other.  It won’t be long before they’ll be having a catch in the hallway.  It was great visiting with Sammy’s Mom and Noxah and his family!  Once I get Caringbridge URLs for them, I’ll pass them along.  Please keep both families in your prayers!

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As you will see from the attached URL, there is a very ill 2 year old girl in A.I. DuPont named Mary Coppa Coffey.  The family is asking for prayers and I’m sure they would appreciate the support of the B+ Nation in prayers and messages on their website.  Please visit Mary’s website.  Thank you!

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

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Finally, please also pray for Carrie Maniscalco, our friend from Jackson, MS.  This poor girl has been through so much for so long and has remained so positive.  Her faith is amazing.  I don’t know how she does it.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/carriemaniscalco

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Thank you, again, for your tremendous support this week.  We appreciate you holding us up.

You are ‘living like Andrew’!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

Two years ago today, at 1:55pm, we said good-bye to the best son and brother a family could ever ask for.

In Andrew’s 14 healthy years, he shared his kindness with us and made us laugh.  During his 167 days of hospitalization, he showed us more faith and courage than we could ever possibly imagine.  And, in the two years since Andrew has been in Heaven, he continues to do God’s work by guiding us through this imperfect world.

I am who I am today and I am a better person because God blessed me by allowing me to be Andrew’s & Ali’s Dad.

There are no words to describe the excruciating sadness that I feel today and everyday.  Andrew, I miss you SO much!  I need you to stay with me to help me keep going.  Please let your Mom and Ali know that you are always with them, too.

God bless you, Curly!!!

We love you!!!!!!!!!!

Mom, Dad, Ali & Casey

Happy Birthday, Joe.

It’s hard to be happy, I know, but we can’t stop acknowledging certain milestones in our lives.  This month, in particular, what should be anniversary and birthday celebrations are overshadowed by painful memories and grief.

Most people don’t know that we received Andrew’s final prognosis on July 12th.  I believe that Andrew stayed with us two more days so that Joe would never associate his birthday, July 13th, with the worst day of his life.  Thank you for that, Andrew.

And thank you, Joe, for taking care of me and Ali and especially Andrew.  Your birthday should be a celebration because it’s the anniversary of a life well lived.  You’ve dedicated your life to your family – first Senior and MomMom, then our family of four.  Career and your own happiness always come second.  You were the first man at your company to take paternity leave when Ali and Andrew were born.  You turned down promotions that meant moving your family away from Delaware.  And you practically commandeered the MBNA jet to get back home for trick or treating with the kids.

So take this day, Joe, to remind yourself of all the good you’ve done over the past 48 years, as a son, a husband, a father, a friend and the president of B+.  You and I aren’t looking very far ahead, but take today to look back and smile.

With love and pride,
Chris

Happy Anniversary, Chris!

People are often surprised when I mention in my talks how blessed I feel.  Yes, I am living my worst nightmare having lost a child from this world.  But, I have been married to a wonderful woman for 26 years today and I have been blessed with the 2 best kids a Dad could ever ask for.  Without a doubt, I would be much happier if Andrew was still here with us in person, but God gave Chris, Ali, & I fourteen wonderful years with him.  And, we have had over 18 special years with Ali.  The happiest days of my life were Oct. 6, 1990 (Ali’s bday), September 3, 1992 (Andrew’s bday), and July 9, 1983.  I will forever feel blessed to be a part of this ‘family of four’!

I wasn’t sure what drove me to do this, but back in early 2001, I decided that I wanted to throw a surprise 20th Anniversary party for Chris at the DuPont Country Club in the exact same room where we had our reception as two unemployed 21 year olds on July 9, 1983.  (Editorial comment: it seemed right at the time, but seems kind of crazy in retrospect!  :)  )  I planned this for two years and the party was fantastic, Chris was surprised, Ali & I kept the secret (we didn’t let Andrew in on it until the end since he could NEVER keep a secret), and I’ll never forget Andrew and his friend, Dante, and others dancing all over (including on the tables)!!!  The next day, the four of us continued our 20th anniversary celebration with a trip to Hawaii.  It was incredible!  Some people said that we were crazy taking our kids on our anniversary trip, but honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.  That’s just the way we are.  I’m so glad that I didn’t wait for our 25th last year to plan the ‘big trip’.  Another lesson about not putting off what you want to do…big things and little things.  The picture attached to this Journal Update on Caringbridge is from that 2003 trip to Hawaii.  What great memories!

God bless you all…and especially Chris, for putting up with me for the past 26 years of marriage!!!  I love you, Chris!!!

Live Like Andrew … “Be who you are, and be that well”  (St. Francis de Sales)

B+

“Chris’ husband” 

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

I hope everyone had a safe & happy Independence Day.

Chris, Ali & I went away for a few days, but before doing so, I had the opportunity to meet a new family at AI duPont Hospital.  A young man named Noah (I believe he is 9) was playing baseball (All-Star pitcher, no less…sounds familiar to me!) when he fainted.  The family took him to AI and, the next day, they learned that he has been diagnosed with AML (leukemia…same kind that Andrew had).  Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to spend much time with Noah or his family as they were prepping him for an MRI, but he seems like a really brave young man.  Noah, you’ve got a tough road ahead of you, but you CAN beat this.  Please join me in praying for Noah and his family and I will share his CB URL when it’s up.

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Please also join me in praying for a brave little “B+ Hero” named Alexa Brown.  Alexa is a courageous 11 year old girl from Ohio who has come home from the hospital to spend her final hours on earth at home.  Short of a miracle (you never know), Alexa will be joining Andrew shortly.  Please pray for Alexa and her family and stop by her site to support the family.  Thank you.

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

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For those of you in the Delaware area, I would like to make you aware of a young man who is desperately in need of a bone marrow transplant.  Colin Hines is a senior at the University of Delaware and he, too, is battling AML.  There will be a bone marrow registration drive and I strongly encourage you to consider stopping by to join the registry.

Bone Marrow Registration Drive for Colin

Dickinson High School - 1801 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE

Sunday, July 12th

11am-4pm

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The next week is going to be a real challenge.  On Thursday, Chris and I will be celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary and I’ll never forget the thoughtfulness of Ali when we were in the hospital.  As some of you may remember, Ali served us a candlelight (battery-powered  …didn’t want to break the rules!) meal in Andrew’s PICU room.  It was very special.  Five days later, on July 14th, our HERO Andrew earned his place in Heaven.

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I’m attaching a picture on the Caringbridge site of Andrew when he was just under 4 yrs old.  We were at a place called Crystal Lake in Northeastern PA (near Forest City and Elk Mtn).  Andrew loved it at the lake.  Boy, do I miss those times!

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Finally, if there are any children that are battling cancer that would like to go to a really cool, one week, FREE sleepaway camp in Clayton, DE, please let me know.  Kaylyn Warren was a special young lady who went to Heaven shortly before Andrew.  It was her dying wish to start the first oncology camp for kids in Delaware.  Her wish is becoming a reality next month.  I am so proud that Ali is going to be one of the camp counsellors.  The Warren family has everything covered…24 hr/day nursing, oversight by doctors, etc.  They are really incredible people.  Think about it.

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Live Like Andrew - look at the glass as half-full!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough