So many people have been doing such an incredible job spreading the word about Andrew’s birthday celebration on Thursday.  If you haven’t done so already, please download the flyer from www.BePositive, bring the flyer with you, wear your B+ gear, and join us at one of the participating area merchants.  We look forward to seeing you.

As you will see by the picture on the B+ homepage, one of our B+ Heroes, Kara Kelly, has been very busy distributing flyers in her neighborhood.  Thanks, Kara.  You’re incredible!!!

Also, the Pelly Family, their 4-H club, and their friends (sorry, I don’t have all the names) worked really hard this weekend at Acme and Happy Harry’s distributing hundreds of flyers and selling B+ gear.  Thank you so much.  I’ll put your picture in next time since I’m limited to one. 

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Please say an extra prayer tonight for Savannah Pauley and her family.  She is such a neat kid with a million dollar smile and an amazing attitude!

www.caringbridge.org/visit/savannahpauley1

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As you know from my recent Memphis posting, I have tremendous admiration for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Here’s one of the many thought-provoking quotes from Dr. King.

“Most people…are thermometers that record or register the temperature of majority of opinion, not thermostats that transform or regulate the temperature of society.”
 – The Strength to Love

Here’s praying we work hard to be more like thermostats!

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Live Like Andrew — MAKE it a great day and a great week!  Monday is a gift just like any other day.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

It has been a very busy and, mostly good, last few days.

Chris, Ali & I traveled to Memphis, TN on Thursday to tour the cancer research facilities, patient housing, and hospital campus at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

After getting a nice early start (6:00am flight!!!), we arrived in Memphis and took a tour of the city.  If you’ve never been to Memphis, you’ve got to hook up with Tad at American Dream Safari Tours and let him show you his town in his ‘55 Caddy.  If you like BBQ, you’ll be in heaven as the smell of BBQ permeates the whole city.  We came across a music video being shot on Beale Street and Ali got her picture taken with one of the guys from Three 6 Mafia.  We bumped into them again in the elevator at the hotel.  I don’t really know much about them except that they’ve won an Academy Award for the movie “Hustle & Flow” and they were friendly guys.  It’s a really exciting city, yet solemn at the same time, as we stopped at the Lorraine Motel where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.  He was such an incredible man!  I’ve always admired him and the more I read, the more impressed I am.

On Friday, we took the grand tour at St. Jude’s.  Wow - a very impressive place.  And it was all started by one man (Danny Thomas) who wanted to do something to honor St. Jude.  They are doing some amazing research there and I was really impressed by their extremely generous and comprehensive approach to patient and family care.

The true highlight of our trip, though, came on Sat. as we drove 3 hours south to Jackson, MS to visit a truly remarkable young lady, Carrie Maniscalco.  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carriemaniscalco  Carrie has been in and out of hospitals for about 2 1/2 years and was one of the very original “B+ Heroes”.  We have been looking to meet Carrie for sooooo long and it just worked out so well.  Carrie’s Mom, Paula, was our co-conspirator as we surprised Carrie with our visit.  She is such a brave, faith-filled, inspirational young lady.  It was truly an honor for us to spend time with Carrie and Paula.  We’ll post pictures shortly.

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Unfortunately, we did receive the very sad news on Thursday that a friend, Lynne Wallace, passed away at the age of 45 following a battle with leukemia.  Lynne was so courageous and had such a great attitude.  I sincerely treasured the visits that I had with Lynne in the hospital.  Please join me in asking God to give Bill and their kids (and all their friends) the strength to cope with this great loss.  May they be filled with wonderful memories of their wife/mother/friend and forever carry a piece of Lynne with them each day.

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Remember to join us as we celebrate Andrew’s birthday on Sept 3rd by participating in “B+ Day on Concord Pike”.  Just print out the flyer from www.BePositive.org and present it to the various merchants.

Live Like Andrew & Dr. King - dream!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s proud Dad

Thank you very much to everyone who volunteered to help us with the hot dog sale at Boscov’s on Aug. 29th.

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This past weekend, we went down to Ocean City, NJ to celebrate Chris’ birthday.  We like to ride bikes on the boardwalk every day and we always stop at “Andrew’s Bench”.  On Saturday, as we approached “Andrew’s Bench” I noticed a woman having her picture taken with her arm around Andrew’s plaque.  It was so nice to see.  We slowed down and recognized the couple as the parents of Andrew’s friend, Mike Lowe.  We’ve had so many people send us their pictures sitting on this special bench.  It’s so cool!

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Ali is recuperating nicely from her wisdom teeth extraction yesterday.  She’s having a steady diet of pain medicine, ice packs, and yogurt!  :)  She’s a really good patient.  P.S.  She had a great time volunteering at the oncology camp, “Kay’s Kamp”, last week.  I’m very proud of her.

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I visited one of my favorite “B+ Heroes” today at AI, Savannah Pauley.  That little girl’s smile just lights up the room.  Savannah, you are SO brave and inspirational.  We all could learn so much from you.  Please visit Savannah’s site and give her a boost.  Thanks.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/savannahpauley1

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Don’t forget to mark your calendars and help us celebrate Andrew’s Birthday on Sept 3rd with “B+ Day on Concord Pike”.  Please print out a flyer and bring the coupons to your favorite store.  Come together as a community, celebrate Andrew’s birthday, and help us raise money at the same time…just by buying food!

http://76.12.197.222/documents/BDayonConcordPike.pdf

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Make today a great day…it’s not too late.

Live Like Andrew — show affection!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

Short update for today…

Boscovs in Christiana Town Center (off of Rt. 273) has been kind enough to offer us an opportunity to raise some easy money.  On Aug. 29th, from 11am-3pm, the B+ Foundation will be selling hot dogs on the second floor of the store.  Boscov’s supplies everything - hot dogs, drinks, napkins, etc.- all we have to do is the staff the table and the money goes to our mission to eradicate childhood cancer and help families of critically ill children.  The only hitch is that I’m not available to do it on Aug. 29th and I’m looking for some volunteers.  If you’re a high school kid, this is an easy way to get service hours.  Adults are welcome too!  I was thinking that we could break it up into 2 shifts (11am-1pm, 1pm-3pm) with 2-3 people at each shift.  Any volunteers?  If you’re interested, please contact me at joe@livelikeandrew.org.  Thanks!

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

Live Like Andrew - be an instrument of God’s peace.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

I think it’s interesting when people, especially pro athletes, say that they “gave 100%”  (or sometimes 110% :)) on whatever it was that they were doing.  In reality, I think we tend to give more like 90% — on a good day.  That doesn’t mean we’re lazy or we don’t try hard, but I think God has given us so much more than we even know.

Nowhere is that more evident than in the childrens’ hospitals…among the kids AND their families.  When we were in the hospital, people would often say to me things like “I don’t know how you do it” or “Boy, Andrew is really tough”.  And, I appreciated their comments as the compliments that they were intended.  But, from the family perspective, what was our choice?  There wasn’t one…you have to ‘be there’ - in every sense - for your child.  And, the McDonoughs are not alone.  I have been privileged to meet so many incredible families and kids (kids fighting cancer and their siblings fighting their own battles).  You don’t know how much you have in you until you need to tap that inner strength.  I knew Andrew was tough, but even I was surprised by his courage, tenacity, and faith. 

I used to ask the nurses at AI “how can you work with sick children?”  And, they told me that they wouldn’t have it any other way.  They said that children are much better patients than adults.  And, over time, I came to understand what they meant.  Children don’t define themselves by the cancer…they are not “victims”, they are KIDS….kids who happen to have cancer.  And, these kids know how to tap into that previously untapped 10% that “normal” people don’t use to be the extraordinary people that they are.

Just think how much of a difference we could make in the world if we each tapped into that other 10%!!!

Live Like Andrew - make a difference!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

P.S.   Sounds like Ali is having a good time at “Kay’s Kamp”, the pediatric oncology camp where she is volunteering this week.  They sure picked a hot week!  I’m so proud of Ali for doing this.

Thank you to everyone who has agreed to help us spread the word about “Andrew’s B+Day Celebration” on Sept. 3rd.   We still could use a lot more captains for the various swim clubs, your offices, neighborhoods, etc.  Please let me know if you’re interested in helping us get the word out and please download the flyer and pass it around.  I also have copies -both in black/white and color - that I can get to you if you need them. 

Please remember to wear your B+ gear that day when you’re visiting these stores on Andrew’s birthday.  I’m anxious to see a sea of B+ gear.  I know that will make Andrew proud as well.

http://76.12.197.222/documents/BDayonConcordPike.pdf

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I’m sorry to report that a very brave little girl, Alexa Brown, passed away this week.  Just as I say that Andrew gave us 166 ‘bonus days’, I think Alexa gave her family ‘bonus days’ as well over the past month, in particular.  My prayers are with the Brown family.  Please leave a nice message of support for Alexa’s family if you get a chance.  Thanks.  (Andrew, take good care of Alexa…I know I don’t need to ask :)  you will!)

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

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Here’s another Hero that you need to meet.  Bryce Frebowitz is over at AI going through chemo right now.  I stopped by on Thurs and visited Bryce and his Dad.  Well, it was more of a visit with his Dad since Bryce was sleeping like a log (how does a log sleep?  :))   Anyway, he looked so peaceful, curled up in his Dad’s arms AND, this is while the chemo was going into his little body!  What a cute little guy.  He’s the kind of kid that just puts a smile on your face when you’re looking at him.  Please say ‘hi’ to Bryce…a true B+ HERO!

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

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As you know from visiting our site(s), Alex Blythe (Mr. AB+) is one of our B+ Heroes.  He’s an amazing kid with an incredible attitude!  Well, it must be hereditary as Alex’s uncle, Blair Helmick, is training for a 1/2 marathon as part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Team in Training”.  I’ve attached Blair’s URL if you’re interested in supporting his efforts.  Thanks.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/de/phildist09/bhelmick

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I also want to take the opportunity to thank two groups - Chester County (PA) Futures and Big Al’s Basketball Camp (NJ) - for inviting me to speak to their groups on Thursday and Friday, respectively.  Thank you allowing me to share Andrew, our mission, and my perspective on life with you.  Live Like Andrew!

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Well, I’m going to miss Ali a lot as she is off to camp…or should I say “Kamp”… as in “Kay’s Kamp”, the first pediatric oncology kamp in Delaware.  I think they have about 10 ‘kampers’ joining them tomorrow; many of which are B+ Heroes.  Congratulations to the Warren family and Lisa Schmalbach for getting this wonderful endeavor off the ground…you know Kaylyn is smiling down from Heaven.

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Well, that’s enough to bore you for now!

Live Like Andrew — make today incredible!  It’s totally up to you.

B+

God bless you.

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

How do we ’celebrate’ or observe Andrew’s birthday?  Well, we’ve come up with an idea where everyone (at least those locally) can celebrate Andrew’s birthday with us.

Celebrate Andrew’s 17th birthday on September 3rd with “B+ Day on Concord Pike”.  All you have to do is shop at any or all of the 6 participating merchants and they will make a donation to The B+ Foundation based upon the size of your purchase.  The merchants on Concord Pike are Grotto Pizza, Five Below, Sweet Lucy’s, Johnnie’s Dog House, and Seasons Pizza.  Also, joining them will be Marini Produce on Veale Road.  Please print out the attached flyer and bring it with you to these stores on September 3rd (all day).

http://76.12.197.222/documents/BDayonConcordPike.pdf

We also need your help in distributing this flyer to get the word out on “Andrew’s Party”.  I think the best way to reach the community during this time of year is via the community swim clubs.  It would be great if we could get one “captain” for each club and their job will be generate awareness and distribute the flyers at their respective club.  So far, we have Jake Goorland on-board as the Team Captain for Timberlane Swim Club.  Please contact me if you are willing to be the point person at your swim club or office or neighborhood, sports team, etc.  There’s very little work involved.

All proceeds benefit our mission to eradicate childhood cancers and help families of critically ill children.

We’re hoping that this will be a nice way to honor Andrew’s birthday - 9/3/92.

Live Like Andrew - help others and have fun doing it.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough