As you know, these amazingly incredible, brave kids fighting cancer inspire me so much.  I truly feel blessed to have met them and their families.  I just wish I met them for another reason.  I’ve asked some of these B+ Heroes for their thoughts, their words of wisdom, anything that they want to share.  Tonight, some insight from Smilin’ Sammy Bradly.

“The worst thing about having cancer is finding out you have it.  Its kind of like being in airplane and being told something is wrong and you are not sure if you are going to land safely or crash and burn. 

With God as my pilot I have hope and faith that he will land my plane safely.”    

Sammy Bradly - 12 year old B+ Hero fighting Leukemia (AML)

https://www.carepages.com/carepages/Bradly/patient (Please visit Sammy’s site and let him know how amazing you think he is!)

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One of my favorite holy days is Yom Kippur…kind of a funny thing for an Irish-Catholic guy to say, huh?!  :)  Seriously, yesterday was Yom Kippur, the “Day of Atonement”.  I just think it’s great to stop and reflect on our lives, atone for our shortcomings, and honestly question and challenge ourselves to be better people.  Make a difference in someone’s life; be the change that you want to be.  What a great way to live every day.  (To my Jewish friends, sorry if I’m mistaken on any of my Judaic theology.  I just think we can all learn from each other.)

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Last month, Chris, Ali, & I visited an incredible young lady, a friend of ours in Jackson, MS – Carrie Maniscalco.  Carrie has been battling so many different health challenges since Jan. 2007.  And, most incredibly, she and her family continue to demonstrate such strong faith and incredible attitude.  Carrie, you are my HERO!   Please visit Carrie’s website; I’m sure she’d like some “B+ love”.  Thanks.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/carriemaniscalco

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Finally, I would like to thank Mary Alice Dwyer, Tyrone Jones, Jim Coyne, and everyone at Astra Zeneca for hosting me today at the United Way kick-off meeting.  I greatly appreciate the opportunity to share Andrew’s story and the mission of our organization with all of the employees at AZ.

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Live Like Andrew - Get a laugh at your expense rather than someone else’s.  Remember, Andrew wore a french maid’s outfit for Halloween!!!  

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

United Way numbers for The B+ Foundation = DE 11776, Southeastern PA =  47481   Thank you!

Most people have some level of discomfort when they see a child in a wheelchair, a bald child, a special needs child, or even adults with these uniquenesses.  Before you feel uneasy and stare at a child like this, please read the following.  This was written by a child at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.  Remember, these kids are not contagious and they’re just like you and your kids in so many ways.  Trust me, you can learn an awful lot from these brave kids.  Put yourself out there and talk to them.  You won’t regret it.  They are HEROES!!!

“What Eye See

If eyes could kill, I’d be dead.

What are you looking at?

Are you looking at me?

Do you want something?

Can I help you?  It’s not polite to stare.

Look away.  Turn around.

Just because you have eyes, doesn’t mean you can see.

Special people are made different.

Look closer.  We’re more than a mask.

We have feelings too!

When they stare, STARE RIGHT BACK!”

Enjoy the rest of today and MAKE tomorrow the BEST Monday you have ever had.  You would if you thought it was your last, wouldn’t you?  Carpe diem.

God bless you.

Live Like Andrew - Appreciate all of your blessings.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

We had a VERY successful bone marrow registration drive at the Hockessin Athletic Club on Wednesday.  We signed up 120 new folks to the international registry!  It literally gives me chills to think that what we did on Wed. could literally result in someone’s life being saved.  I’ve been on the bone marrow registry for 20 years and have never been called.  I pray that I get that call someday…it will be like hitting the Powerball lottery.  My friend, Michael, has not only been a donor himself, but his brother also got the call and became a donor.  You just never know.

Along these lines, I’ve been asked to put the word out on another drive that is being conducted by a college baseball team in honor of their friend and teammate, Kyle Noonan.  Kyle is a 23 year old Philadelphia University student who has been diagnosed with leukemia (ALL).  Please see below for the details…

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
11:00 AM-4:00 PM

Philadelphia University
Kanbar Performance Space

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As you know from reading my Updates, we recently visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.  One of their major sponsors, Chili’s restaurants, is holding a fundraiser on Mon. Sept 28th and they are donating 100% of the proceeds to the Hospital.  That is very generous.  Please keep it in mind for lunch or dinner on Monday.

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I would like to briefly introduce you to another group of brave young people who YOU have helped support  during their difficult journey.  Thank you very much for your prayers and financial assistance.  As one Mom wrote “Please accept my sincere thanks for your generous grant.  I don’t know where we would be if it were not for the compassion of others for children with cancer like our daughter.  This help from you allows our family to focus on what is truly important.”  That’s what it’s all about.  Thank you all so very much!

Alexis - CA - 9 yr old; leukemia

Katherine - WA - 11 yr old; brain tumor

Tre - PA - 11 yr old; end stage renal disease

Breahna - OR - 1 yr old; Wilm’s Tumor

Andrew - NJ - 9 yr old; Rhabdomyosarcoma

Mariah - CO - 9 yr old; synovial cell sarcoma

Candace - NJ - 4 yr old; Rhabdomyosarcoma

Alexus - TX - 9 yr old; sickle cell

Layla - AZ - 6 yr old neuroblastoma

Zoe - OR - 6 yr old; multiple conditions

Felicia - CO - 13 yr old; Ewing’s Sarcoma

David - CA - 8 yr old; osteosarcoma

Cole - MN - 9 yr old; brain tumor

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Finally, as United Way, state employee & corporate giving campaign season kicks in, I would like to respectfully request that you consider The B+ Foundation in your plans.  For the United Way, our designated ‘write-in’ numbers are as follows:

United Way of Delaware - 11776

United Way of Southeastern PA - 47481

For other campaigns, please write in:

The B+ Foundation

101 Rockland Circle

Wilmington, DE  19803

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Please keep all of our brave B+ Heroes (and their families) in your prayers!

Live Like Andrew - take a minute today to show how much your loved ones mean to you!

B+

Always super proud to be,

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

Well, I said that I would have some news for you from an exciting event yesterday, but it has been postponed… more to come. 

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As you know from my Updates, kids are the backbone of our Foundation.  The B+ Foundation truly is “kids helping kids fight cancer”.  To that end, please see the photo of Kelsey Wiley who donated her hair so that some child with cancer will be able to wear a wig to make themselves feel more comfortable.  There are so many ways that we can help, and this is a great way to to maintain the dignity of our heroes who feel more comfortable with a full head of hair.  Kelsey, you should be very proud of yourself.  Thank you!!!

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Staying with the head theme :)  , some people are not aware that we now offer B+ hats as well.  Please visit www.BePositive and see all of the cool B+ gear.  Only the coolest people wear B+!!!

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Ali and I traveled to The Haverford School (PA) today to watch Haverford and Salesianum play soccer.  I don’t think I’ve ever watched a game where I knew so many of the players and coaches.  Haverford has a large contingent of Andrew’s buddies from his FC Delco team and Sallies, of course, was Andrew’s school with all his friends/Salesian brothers proudly wearing “B+” on the sleeve of their warm-up jerseys.  That was really cool to see.  It was so hard to watch this game, but also nice to see so many friends, young and older, who have been so good to us.  I just know Andrew was watching this game from the best seat in the house.

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For anyone who is local with a little time tomorrow, Carol & Bill Spiker, Coo Murray, and I are organizing a bone marrow registration drive tomorrow at the Hockessin Athletic Club from 9am-noon and 5pm-7pm.  You don’t have to be a member of the HAC to stop by and register.  All it takes is 5 minutes — fill out a one page form and do a cheek swab with a q-tip.  That’s IT!  Thanks to DKMS America for providing all of the registration materials.  I hope many of you will join us.  You could be someone’s match!

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Live Like Andrew - put others first!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

It was a very difficult and emotional day on Friday as we gathered to honor the life of a young B+ Hero, Savannah Pauley.  The church at St. Elizabeth’s was filled and the service was very moving.  Savannah provided her Mom with some incredible strength to be able to stand before the assembled and present the eulogy.  I had such a lump in my throat as I watched the Salesianum lacrosse team (with uniform shirts over their shirts/ties & wearing their pink helmets in honor of Savannah) form an honor guard as the hearse left the church.  Standing at the cemetery, I couldn’t help but think of another brave young lady, Erin Brennan, whose memorial stone is not too far away in the cemetery.  I must say that it was uplifting to see some of our other B+ Heroes & their families there, including Sydney Lysinger, Molly Zahner, and the Koenigs.  There may have been many others there as well but I just didn’t get a chance to see them.  When you walk down this road, you become part of a community.  The bond that connects our families is very strong.  And, we will NEVER forget Savannah.  Carey said that Andrew McDonough has his arm around Savannah and showing her around Heaven.  I have no doubt that you are right, Carey!

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Today, we were very honored to have several people run the Philadelphia Half Marathon with Andrew watching over them.  A group from the Wilmington (DE) Police Dept. ran wearing B+ gear, as did Adrienne Dever, who completed her first half marathon.  Congratulations to all and thank you very much for spreading Andrew’s message throughout Philadelphia.

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I would like to thank all of the kind folks at Cephalon in Frazer and West Chester, PA, who hosted us last Tuesday and Wednesday for their “Community Connection Fair”.  It was an honor to be included in the day and we appreciate the opportunity that you gave us to spread the B+ message.  Thank you also to all of you who so generously donated to our mission. 

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

We were very touched that four young ladies decided that instead of receiving gifts for their “Sweet 16″ birthday, they would prefer donations be made to The B+ Foundation or a local breast cancer organization.  How kind?  Young people, in particular, continue to impress and amaze me.  I certainly wasn’t this mature when I was 16  (or maybe even now???  :)    Thank you very much, and Happy 16th Birthday, to Meghan, Meg, Jamie, & Kelly.  I hope you ladies had a lot of fun last night at your party!

Well, that’s it for now.  We’ve got a big day tomorrow and I’ll give you an update tomorrow night.

I hope you all made the most of today.  MAKE tomorrow the best Monday you’ve ever had!

Live Like Andrew - SMILE!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

I hate cancer. 

Yesterday morning, Savannah Pauley (www.caringbridge.org/visit/

savannahpauley1) went to Heaven. There are no words… Many of you have gotten to know Savannah, whether through Sallies/Ursuline or CaringBridge.   Savannah’s smile is one of a kind.   Seeing her, you can’t help but smile back.  She lights up the room.  

If you were able to join us at this year’s B+ 5K, you got to see Savannah and her team, SAVANNAHSTRONG, the biggest team at the biggest 5K in Delaware.   Impressive.  Congratulations, Savannah. 

If you got to UDance last year, the University of Delaware’s Dance Marathon (like THON at Penn State),  you got to see a beautiful little girl with a huge smile walk into the University of Delaware Field House and a swarm of grey shirts with ASA written on them surround Savannah.  She’s the newest sister of Alpha Sigma Alpha. 

If you were able to make it to any of the Ursuline basketball games or Diamond State Classic last year, you got to see the newest addition to the team sitting on the bench with the girls, leading the team’s line for the National Anthem, and being a constant inspiration to the team. 

Savannah, you’ve touched SO many lives.  Like everyone else, I wish you had more than 10 years to make your imprint in the world.  Know this: your smile will never be forgotten; your personality will never be forgotten; the inspiration you are will never be forgotten; YOU will NEVER be forgotten.  Thank you for giving me the privilege of getting to know you.  I will always remember my time with you. 

Please pray for Savannah, her mom, her dad, and her brother JC.  Let them know you’re thinking of them.  While they have an amazing guardian angel now, their pain is still very strong.  Pauley’s — if there is EVER anything we can do, please don’t hesitate.  You know where to find us.  Thank you for giving us the honor of knowing your beautiful daughter and sister.  We love you.

Thank you for being you, Savannah. 

Heartbroken…Begging for a Cure…I hate cancer.

- Ali

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

I know I’m really late on posting this, but I wanted to share a picture of our visit with Carrie Maniscalco in Jackson, MS.  Carrie (www.caringbridge.org/

visit/carriemaniscalco) is an amazing young lady whose faith is just remarkable.  (Picture available in photo section of www.BePositive.org)

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Happy 25th birthday to my nephew, Bob, who is so honorably serving our country flying a Blackhawk helicopter in Afghanistan.  Bob’s job is to fly in and pick up wounded soldiers and airlift them back to safety and medical care.  I’m guessing the irony hasn’t been lost on you that Bob’s birthday is the same day as the tragedy 8 years ago that started this situation in Afghanistan.  (Also, happy birthday to my niece Caroline…you’re just as cool and heroic as Bob!!! 

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Please take a minute today to think about - and thank - all of the brave men and women who are making such incredible sacrifices (including dying) serving our country.

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

I am very pleased to report that The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation has received word that we are being included in another supporter’s estate plan.  We greatly appreciate this type of generosity and welcome any inquiries.

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September 11th is also a significant day for another reason…any guesses?

On September 11, 2007, The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation was officially incorporated as a Delaware corporation with the DE Secretary of State.  Happy Birthday B+ Foundation!  You all deserve the praise and thanks!

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Please say a special prayer today for a really sweet kid, Savannah Pauley.

Live Like Andrew - Be the person that you want to be!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

Wow!!! 

What can I say about the enormous turnout for Andrew’s 17th birthday ‘celebration’?  I don’t know how much money we raised yet, but we certainly took over Concord Pike last Thursday.  As we were driving up Concord Pike to go to Season’s Pizza, we saw B+ shirts in Five Below, Sweet Lucy’s, and Johnnie’s Dog House!  It was a brutally sad day, but made a little easier knowing that so many in the community were honoring Andrew and our mission on his birthday.

Thank you very much to everyone who came out; many of you visiting multiple establishments.  Thank you very much to Seasons, Johnnie’s Dog House, Sweet Lucy’s, Five Below, Grotto Pizza, and Marini Produce.  Your support and generosity means a lot to us.

Chris has posted some nice pictures on www.BePositive.org.

Andrew kind of liked the spotlight, so I’m thinking he was getting a real kick out of his birthday ‘celebration’ down here. 

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This is a little bit outdated, but I’ve been meaning to share this link with you regarding a News-Journal (DE) Article on the Nemours Center for Childhood Cancer Research (NCCCR).

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090823/BUSINESS/908230312

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I’ve got a kind of funny “Andrew Story” to share with you.  About a week or so ago, a door out back was unexpectedly locked.  This is a door that we never lock.  So, we really have no clue where the key is and it’s not one of those doors that can be pried open with one of those cheap, little metal interior keys.  (BTW, a message to all potential burglars, this is NOT a door to our house!  :)   ) 

So, we have a little ‘tree’ that holds a zillion (maybe a little less) keys; most of which are orphans — we have no idea what they go to.  So as I took the ’slightly less than a zillion’ keys outside, one loose key (without a key ring) just fell to the ground.  I stopped for a second and said, “Andrew, this would be really cool if you’re giving me the right key.”  Well, sure enough, that was the only key I needed to try as it was the right one.  I just smiled.  Andrew is starting to finally help out around the house!  :)   Andrew, I’ll let you know when I’m ready for the PowerBall numbers!  In all seriousness, it was amazing!

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Finally, I have to say how amazing Ali is.  I received so many great comments about her posting on Andrew’s birthday.  I wish she could find the time to write all of the Caringbridge/BePositive.org Journal Updates.  (I know…you do too!!!)

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Please keep Savannah Pauley and her family in your prayers.

And, please also keep the family of Ofc. Chad Spicer in your prayers.   For those of you not in Delaware, we lost a Georgetown police officer in the line of duty last week and he was buried today.

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

Thank you for continued support.

Remember, September is “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month”!  We need to do more!

Thanks.

Live Like Andrew - MAKE a difference each and every day in the life of at least one person.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

September 3, 2009

17 years ago today, the lives of me and my parents changed forever.  17 years ago today, I met my best friend.  17 years ago today, my mom, dad, Andrew and I forever became a family of four.  17 years ago today, Andrew was born.  17 years ago today, was the best day of my life. 

Andrew –

Ladies & Gentlemen,

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  Wear Gold, the color representing Pediatric Cancers, for the kids fighting, surviving, & in Heaven. 

Did you know that each school day, 46 children get diagnosed with cancer?  Or did you know that there are 15 children diagnosed with childhood cancer for every one child diagnosed with pediatric AIDS? Yet, the U.S. invests approximately $595,000 for research per victim of pediatric AIDS and only $20,000 for each victim of childhood cancer.  Or how bout that research funds are scarce as most money is diverted to well-publicized adult forms of cancer, such as breast and prostate? The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) federal budget was $4.6 BILLION. Of that, breast cancer received 12%, prostate received 7%, and all 12 major groups of pediatric cancers combined received less than 3%. 

Unacceptable.  Please help us spread awareness.  Something has to change.  This has to stop.  I don’t want to see any more families going through what Andrew and my family went through.  Spread the word.  Tell your friends and family that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month.  Tell them what they can do to help the kids: Donate to a foundation that gives $ for research (I think I might know of one…B+ Fdn. maybe?!?), WEAR GOLD (that’s simple, people!), talk (tell people the facts above; they’re heartbreaking), pray – pray for the families and for a cure. 

Until there’s a cure, we’re spreading awareness.  Do it for Andrew. Do it for Savannah, Joey, Felicia, Pearce, Sydney, Drew, Kara, Evan, Molly A., Molly Z., Aryn and Alex. Do it for Christian, Jessica, Julian, Alexa, Taylor, Matthew, Kaylyn, and unfortunately many more. 

Hoping, Praying, Waiting for a Cure…

I’ve been told that “it’ll get easier as time goes by” and that “times heals all wounds” but not this time.  It hasn’t gotten easier. It won’t get easier. It’s so painful.  Every birthday, every holiday, every milestone without Andrew is so painful.  Andrew should be having his friends over to celebrate his 17^th birthday.  He should be driving now.  He should be a senior at Sallies, playing soccer, stressing about college applications, making a difference in the world…from here, in Wilmington, DE, with my parents and me.  But he isn’t…it doesn’t make sense to me. 

I’ve been told that “everything happens for a reason” but I can’t wrap my head around that, not this time.  What is the reason for this? I know he made a difference in the world while he was here and continues to from Heaven, but why couldn’t he continue to make a difference from here, in Wilmington, DE, with me!? Why couldn’t he graduate high school? Why couldn’t he get married and have a beautiful family?   He was only 14…

I know, I’m being selfish, but I can’t help it…I should have my best friend here…My little brother shouldn’t be in Heaven before me. 

Andrew, I’m sure you know I miss you so much.  I know you’re looking down on us & smiling at all the amazing things mom and dad have done to honor you.  I’m sure you’re looking down on me right now, wishing I wouldn’t cry for you, but I’m allowed to once in a while.  I know you’re in Heaven, but I want you here.  I want to make you a birthday cake and buy you whatever presents you want.  I want to spoil you even more than I already did.  I want to hang out with you.  I want to watch you play soccer.  I want to watch you continue to grow as the amazing young man that you were becoming.   I want to walk past your room and see you playing basketball.  I want to see your smile.  I want one of your hugs.  I want my brother back.   I know you’re always with me, but it’s not the same…I want you here.   I miss you…

I’m trying to be positive, for you.  It is SO hard sometimes (like now…) but I’m trying.  Mom & Dad always told us to try our best…I’m trying, I really am.  

I’m sure you’ve met Jessica Randall (www.caringbridge.org/visit/jessicarandall ) up there in Heaven.  Her mom’s awesome.   She introduced me to Jessica Rogers, the sister of Tyler who I’m sure you’ve also met up there.   Jessica Rogers is around my age and started a website for siblings like me and her.  It’s called Surviving 4 You. On the homepage (www.Surviving4You.com) it says “I promise to smile for you, everyday.” I just love that.  I’m surviving 4 you, Andrew & like Jessica and her best friend, her little brother Tyler, I promise to smile for you, everyday…even when it seems impossible.   

Loving you, Missing you, and Surviving 4 you…

Forever & Always,

“Andrew’s Sister”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANDREW!!!

You came into this world a day late, and you were taken from this world many, many years early.  But, the time that we had together here was just amazing!  You ARE everything I ever wanted (and more) in a son and a best friend.  And, I am so thankful that you continue to “live” — to touch us, to inspire us, to ‘be’ with us.  Please watch over us always; we really need you.

I don’t know how you celebrate in Heaven, but I hope you have fun, Buddy.

I miss you so much, Andrew.  I will always love you!!!

September 3, 1992 — one of the three happiest days of my life!!!

Happy Birthday, Curly! 

Dad, Mom, & Ali