Well, I’m finally coming up for air.  I have spent the last 4 days in a gymnasium watching some amazing girls high school basketball at the Diamond State Classic (www.diamondstateclassic.org).  The days run kind of long (first game 9am, last game ends around 10 or 11pm), but it’s a lot of fun.  We met some great people from all around the country.  As you may know, we pair 8 B+ Heroes, children fighting cancer, with 8 teams in the highest bracket.  The teams come from as close as Wilmington, DE to as far away as Brush Prairie, WA.  It was so nice see the smiles on our “Heroes” as they sat on the bench with their teams, were announced before the game, and received gifts from their new friends.  To all of the girls and families, thank you VERY much for treating our kids like the heroes that they are. Thank you, B+ Heroes, for making it to the games.  I’m glad you had fun.  And, last but not least, thank you to John Gretchen, Walt Connor, and all of the folks at IAABO #11, the organizers of the tournament.

Here’s a link to a nice article that Buddy Hurlock wrote about the “B+ Heroes” in the Wilmington (DE) News-Journal.

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009912300336

Last night, I had the privilege of presenting The Andrew McDonough B+ Award.  Unlike many MVP awards, this award recognizes the young lady who represents the “Live Like Andrew” ideals both on AND off the court.  Each Head Coach in the championship game selected a player from their team.  The winner of “Andrew’s Award” was Deanna Harmon from St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, MD).  The runner-up was Lauren Dunn from Central Dauphin High School (Harrisburg, PA).  Congratulations, ladies, on being great role models.

Please be careful if you’re heading out on the roads this evening.

Praying for a happy and healthy 2010 for all and praying that 2010 will be the year that we discover remarkable breakthroughs in the battle against childhood cancers.

God bless you.

B+

Andrew’s & Ali’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas yesterday.  I would like to give a shout out to the Goldberg family for delivering presents to the children at A.l. duPont Hospital yesterday, to the Quesenberrys for delivering meals to the families at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and to the Koenigs for delivering meals and gifts to the families in 3A at A.I.  There was a great article in the paper yesterday about Drew.  Please see the link below.

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009912250340

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Now, if you’re looking for an uplifting entry from me, you might want to close this window now.  I have to be honest with you…the last few days have been brutally difficult for me.  All the days without Andrew here on earth are hard, but Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were indescribable.  There really are no words to accurately describe the heartache and sadness that I feel.

As bad as it was in the hospital, I would give anything to be back there because it meant that we were still ‘in the battle’.  There was hope for Andrew.  I guess it’s kind of selfish…But, rest assured, our primary concern was Andrew’s level of comfort.  We didn’t want him to suffer and I know he’s not suffering now.  But, we had the perfect life - for us- and I just wish we could have that, and him, back.  We ALWAYS thought WE would make it out of AI together, our ‘family of four’.  Our lives were forever changed on July 14, 2007.  I don’t say this pessimistically, but realistically, holidays (and any day, for that matter) will never be the same.  It’s impossible to ever be the same when you’ve been shaped by such an incredible person and he (or she) is such a big part of your life…and then he (or she) is gone -so prematurely.

I miss my Dad who died in 1992, but I know that this is the way that life is supposed to progress…the ‘circle of life’.  But, not having my son here is a pain that you can NEVER imagine unless you’ve lost a child…or young brother, as in Ali’s case.  We put on happy face ‘masks’, but the reality catches up with us behind closed doors.

It’s hard seeing all the families together in church…it’s hard seeing Andrew’s stocking knowing that he won’t open it…it’s hard seeing his friends driving….it’s hard hearing about his friends planning for college…it’s hard feeling out of touch with some friends (young and old) because Andrew was the link between us…it’s hard seeing the pain on Chris’ and Ali’s faces…it’s hard not hearing Andrew’s goofy laugh…I miss him jumping out of a closet and scaring the crap out of me…I miss his hugs (they were the best!)…I miss his voice…I miss making memories with Andrew!  I miss my baby!!!

My heart goes out to all the families who have lost loved ones this year, particularly the Pauleys, Langseders, Bentons, and all the families whose children have passed away.  (I know I’m leaving many others out; you are all in my prayers.)

I’m not really sure why I’m sharing all of this with you tonight.  I don’t mean to depress you.  I guess I just want to give you a peak into the life of one family who has lost a child.  The pain never stops.  Over time, we just learn how to cope, how to survive.  And, some days we’re more successful than others.

PLEASE don’t every forget Andrew or any of the other children who have died.  That is very important to us and all of the families that I know.

Thanks…

Trying to “B+”

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

For those of you in the East, I hope you survived — and enjoyed — the snow.  It was really nice watching it come down.  Personally, I love the snow.  You can’t control it, so you might as well make the best of it.

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Last week was a really amazing week for The B+ Foundation.  We raised a nice amount of money ($41,000) and received valuable publicity from the Phillies, Eagles, and Chase/Facebook.  Please understand, though, that we accept all of this generosity and recognition with the utmost humility.  These organizations are not honoring Chris, Ali, Andrew, and me… they are recognizing the collective effort of a ‘community’ of thousands of compassionate people all over the world who are members of the “B+ Nation”.  So much goodness has come out of something so terrible.

I would be lying, though, if I didn’t admit that I would much rather have my old life back.  I realize it’s a bit selfish, but I would much rather just be anonymous, boring old Joe, thinking about/planning for Ali’s & Andrew’s activities, and the wonderfully ‘routine’ things of being a husband and parent.  Andrew helped make me the person that I am, and I feel terribly lost without him here.  Life has never been the same…nor will it ever be.  I know this is the path that God has put us on… I just wish He could have used us in a different way.  But, I can’t change it…. it is what it is.

~~~~~~~~

Thank you very much to Morgan Cottle of West Chester (PA) Henderson High School for organizing a fundraiser last Thursday in honor of Lynne Wallace and in support of the Henderson Ice Hockey team and The B+ Foundation.  Thank you all for your support.  It was so impressive how many items you had at the auction.

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On Sun. Dec. 27th and Mon. Dec. 28th, we will be staffing a “B+ Table” at the Diamond State Classic girls high school basketball tournament at St. Elizabeth’s High School in Wilmington.  We’re looking for volunteers to take 2 hour shifts, so please contact me (joe@livelikeandrew.org) if you can help us out.  Thanks so much!

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We received a question in the Guestbook the other day about online donations to The B+ Foundation.  Yes, you can make online donations by visiting the www.BePositive.org website and clicking on “Donate” on the left nav bar.  We greatly appreciate your generosity and we will provide you with a gift acknowledgement letter for tax purposes.  Thank you.

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Live Like Andrew - share a smile with someone today!!!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

I have VERY exciting news to report!!!

Thanks to all of you, The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation is one of the Round 1 WINNERS of the Chase Community Giving Contest on Facebook.  We were one of the Top 100 vote-getters out of the 500,000 eligible non-profits.  As one of the Top 100 vote-getters, we will be receiving a check for $25,000!!!!   We are also now eligible for Round 2 where one of the 100 Round 1 winners will receive $1,000,000 and 5 others will receive $100,000.  We absolutely could not have done this without you!!!  Thank you so much and congratulations to Ali for spearheading this effort.  We’ll give you a break until January before bothering you about Round 2! 

Between this exciting news and Ali taking her last final exam today (for the semester), it’s a really good day!!!  What do you think, Andrew?

Live Like Andrew  –   B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

 More exciting recognition from the Philadelphia professional sports world…

The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation , through the work of Ali and Chris, was honored by the Philadelphia Eagles tonight at the NovaCare Complex. Out of over 100 nominees, Chris’s & Ali’s work for the B+ Foundation was honored as a runner-up, receiving $11,000!  Thank you to the Philadelphia Eagles and Teva Pharmaceuticals for contributing to the community via the Philadelphia Eagles Community Service Quarterback Award.  This money will go to great use for our mission.  Congratulations Chris & Ali!!!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

Ali & I returned home a short time ago from Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies.  The Phillies Charities Inc. hosted a dinner this evening for their 2009 community organization honorees.  We greatly appreciate being selected by the club and having the opportunity to be one of tonight’s guest speakers.  Andrew always loved the Phillies and I’ve got to believe that he’s smiling down knowing that he is associated with his favorite team.  Thank you, Bill Giles, David Montgomery, Mark DiNardo and everyone associated with the club for your support and hospitality.

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I would like to introduce you to another brave young man, Eli Matthews.  Eli is a 9 yr old from Oxford, PA who is bravely battling leukemia.  Please take a minute to visit Eli’s site and show him some B+ support.  You’re going to love to see his photos; particularly his Halloween pics.  Eli’s website is:

https://www.carepages.com/carepages/BraveEli

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I’d like to thank everyone again for voting for us in the Chase Community Giving contest on Facebook.  I expect to find out later this week as to whether or not we made the Top 100 cut.  To be continued….

These types of voting contests seem to be very popular right now.  Some of you might be familiar with KINFolk, an organization that provides free laptop loaners to children in the hospital.  KINFolk is in a contest right now whereby they will win new computers to add to their collection of loaners for the kids.  If you’d like to support KINFolk, the voting link is attached below (contest ends 12/16).  Thanks.

http://blog.redemtech.com/contest-voting.html

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Well, our Christmas tree (purchased at Marinis — hint, hint, they’re donating $5/tree if you mention B+ Fdn) is now up and our house is starting to look downright festive.  Ali handled putting the ornaments up and she did a great job selecting the right ones.  Personally, I just LOVE seeing all of the handmade ornaments that Ali and Andrew made in school.  And, if you’re wondering, you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that there are 4 stockings hung over the fireplace.  We will ALWAYS be a ‘family of 4’.  I so wish I could see Andrew’s face coming down the stairs on Christmas morning…or any morning for that matter.

Please don’t let the holiday stress get to you.  Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, or another holiday, don’t forget the reason behind your holiday!  And, I don’t have to be a theologian to know that shopping is NOT the reason behind any of these holidays!  J

Live Like Andrew – Believe

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

Thank you to everyone who voted for us in the Chase Facebook contest.  I apologize for any issues that you had accessing the page.  I think the site was pounded with heavy activity over the past few days and they ran into some issues.  As a result, they have extended the voting until midnight tonight.  I’ll let you know when I hear the results.

~~~~~~~

Happy Hanukkah to all of our Jewish friends!

~~~~~~~

Six year old David Pic organized fundraising activities in honor of Jack Langseder, a young man who recently went to Heaven.  Last night, David held a Family Game Night at St. Mary of the Assumption Church Hall.  Would you believe that this six year old raised approximately $1,500 for The B+ Foundation in honor of Jack.  This is incredible!  This is why we say that OUR Foundation is all about “kids helping kids fight cancer”.  Thank you, David, you’re an amazing young man!

~~~~~~~~

Kudos to Jake Goorland who decorated a Christmas tree with a B+ theme for the St. Edmond’s Festival of Trees.  We really enjoyed the photos and appreciate your help in spreading the B+ message.  Jake is one of our most dedicated volunteers.

~~~~~~~

I would like to ask you for prayers for two families from Carlsbad, CA.  My niece, Danielle, has shared with us that two classmates at Carlsbad HS have been battling cancer.  Unfortunately, one of them, Chase Quartarone, just recently passed away.  Please pray for his family…I’m sure they could use your prayers.  And, please also pray for Danielle’s friend, Sam Reiser, who is battling lymphoma.  God bless the Quartarones and Reisers.

~~~~~~~~

This economy is straining so many worthy non-profit organizations across the country.  Our friend, Gerri, has informed me that, for the first time since 1963, the St. John’s Hospice in Center City Philadelphia is desperately begging the community for support.  Hospice workers are a special breed and really deserve a lot of credit for the support that they provide to families in the excruciatingly difficult, end-of-life period.  If you are so inclined to support this organization, I have listed their address below.  Thank you!

St. John’s Hospice

1221 Race Street

Philadelphia, PA  19107

~~~~~~~~

In the category of “Young People are Amazing”, I’d like to recognize and thank Stacie Polite from Hodgson Vo-Tech School.  In honor of Noxah Palomo, a B+ Hero battling AML (leukemia), Stacie organized a bone marrow drive at her school last week.  I had the privilege of stopping by Hodgson and meeting Stacie and some of her friends.  Beyond the money she raised and the people she registered, Stacie did a great job educating her fellow students on the challenges that are out there for others.  You are a very kind and generous person, Stacie.  Thank you!

~~~~~~~~

Thank you, also, to Robyn Bilmes and the folks at Astra Zeneca who invited me to join them on Tuesday to give them a patient family’s perspective.  I had the honor of speaking to a group of people who are involved in oncology medicines and I think it’s important for them to see the face of families going through the battle.  It also gave me the opportunity to thank them for what they do for families with cancer.  And, I also made a little plug for more research into childhood cancer medicines! 

~~~~~~~~~

Well, here in Delaware, it’s starting to feel like Winter.  Whether it’s cold, rainy, snowy, whatever, try to enjoy each day.  Make the most of today.  Be the agent of change that you want to be.   Make a difference in someone’s life.

Live Like Andrew - Faith, Family, & Friends!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

We’re coming down the home stretch on the Chase Community Giving contest on Facebook.  We have nearly 1,600 votes and we’re trying to hit 2,000 votes by the end of the day tomorrow.  The contest ends tomorrow  12/11.  Remember, if we’re one of the Top 100 charity vote-getters, we will receive $25,000.  We need this kind of support for our mission.  We are being flooded with applications from families of critically ill children.  To date, we have given out $165,000 to 190 families in 31 states.

Please take a minute to vote and copy and paste this message and send it to everyone you know.  It only takes a minute to vote.  Thanks so much!

Click here to vote for The Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

It’s been a really busy last few days… allow me to bore you! 

On Friday, Chris and I had the opportunity to spend an overnight in Annapolis, MD with our friends, the Kovariks.  I think it’s so cool that Terri Kovarik (who now lives in VA) and Chris went to high school together in Brussels, Belgium  and are still so close.  We had a really nice time and were greeted with the greatest surprise when we returned home.  Ali, who was home watching the dogs, had decorated our house for Christmas.  It looked SO great when we walked in!  Ali, thanks for the surprise.

~~~~~

On Saturday night, the UDance Executive Committee threw a Holiday Party for the B+ Heroes.  We were fortunate to have 11 of our 16 Heroes present and the fraternities and sororities did an AMAZING job welcoming their respective ‘adopted’ Hero and showering them with gifts.  I think the B+ Heroes had a blast!

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On Sunday, I had the privilege of being the Guest Speaker at the Radnor (PA) High School Soccer Banquet.  I always love speaking with kids even though it’s pretty tough sometimes talking to soccer players who are Andrew’s age.  As you probably know, Andrew would be a senior this year.  Thank you RHS for your kind donation and the Radnor shirt.  I will wear it proudly!

~~~~~~~~~~

From Radnor, I headed to “Circus Savannah”….not exactly the kind of circus that you’re thinking of.  Sherry Vance, a good friend of Savannah and the Pauley family, offered to do a hands-on “Cirque du Soleil” class for some B+ Heroes.  This was sort of a ‘pilot class’ to see how it would work.  Savannah used to love to go to Sherry’s gym and we thought other kids might as well.  The kids seemed to really enjoy it…and really worked up a sweat.  And, most importantly, safety was the primary concern for the Heroes.  If there are other brave warriors out there battling cancer that might want to try this, please contact me at joe@livelikeandrew.org and I’ll put you in touch with Sherry.

~~~~~~~~~~

The next stop on Sunday was, by far, the hardest.  I was the Guest Speaker at the Delaware All-State Soccer Banquet in Dover, DE.  In addition to speaking, I was very honored to be able to present each athlete with their awards.  As I looked out into the crowd, I saw so many familiar faces.  Some have been great friends for years, some were teammates, some were opponents.  But, it felt like one big soccer family and I couldn’t help but think that Andrew should be there - in person.  Sure, I’m biased, but I think he would have been receiving one of the large silver plates that I presented to each honoree.  It was a pretty sad time for me, but hopefully, I faked it well.  Thank you, Paul Booton and all of the Coaches, for inviting me to be your speaker.  I appreciate being included.  Andrew, you will always be “1st Team All-State” in my book.

~~~~~~~~~~

Finally, PLEASE take a minute to vote for The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation on Facebook.  We have only 4 days left of voting and we’re starting to slip behind the pack a little bit.  Now is the time that we need an extra push.  As a reminder, if we finish in the top 100 charity vote-getters, we will receive $25,000 for our mission.

This contest is sponsored by Chase and it’s all very legitimate.  Please take a minute to vote and send the link to EVERYONE you know.  Thank you!!!

Click here to vote for The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation

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Live Like Andrew - helping others is not a choice, it’s an obligation!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

I’d like to introduce you to a really neat young lady named Rina Goldberg.  Rina is a 13 year old PA girl with mitochondrial disease.  Rina’s Mom tells me that Rina truly lives with a “B+” attitude.  When Make A Wish granted her a wish, she asked to have her family room re-done.  And, on one of the doors, is a large B+ message.  Check out Rina’s website to see a picture and PLEASE post a nice message in her guestbook to let her know that the B+ Nation is behind her.  Thanks.

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

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Our friend and loyal B+ supporter, Gerri Taylor, shared with me that the Catholic Church honored St. Andrew the Apostle this past Monday.  There is a particular antiphon, or response, that includes “The Lord loved Andrew and cherished his friendship”.  The only thing wrong with that response is the tense…it should be present, not past.  As you can imagine, when I hear or see the word “Andrew”, I can only think of one amazing person and I KNOW the Lord loves him and cherishes his friendship.  Why wouldn’t He…He created Andrew.  I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it a million times.  The only thing that I’m really sure about is that my son is in Heaven!!!  That gives me comfort.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you very much to the Delaware Association of Student Councils for once again inviting me to be the speaker at your Fall Conference.  You guys can do a LOT better than having me as your speaker…but thanks for having me.  Thanks, especially, to my host - Julianne Dominelli.

~~~~~~~~~~~

There’s still 8 days left to vote for The B+ Foundation in the Chase Community Giving contest on FaceBook.  The top 100 charity vote-getters will receive $25,000 and one lucky group will receive $1,000,000.  Please take a minute and vote for us.  Spread the word.  (Unfortunately, you can only vote once!  :))

Click here to vote for The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation

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I’m so proud of the UD students who are involved in UDance, a 12 hour dance marathon to raise money for childhood cancer (B+ Fdn) and pediatric AIDS.  They have been working hard to raise money, awareness, and participation for the event, which will be held on March 21st at the Field House on campus.  And, this year, we’ve expanded our B+ Heroes Program whereby we have paired 16 B+ Heroes with 15 different fraternities, sororities, and student groups.  This Saturday, the students are throwing a Holiday Party for their B+ Heroes.  It will be the first time that some of the kids will have the opportunity to meet their Greek “brothers/sisters”.   It’s going to be great.  The fundraising goal for this year’s UDance is $100,000!!!  Once we get the online donation site set up, I’ll share it with you.  These students do not get any academic credit for this, they’re not required to do this by the University, it’s just out of the goodness of their hearts.  Thank you to all of the groups, the UDance Executive Committee, especially Co-Chairs Katie Wilson and Jay Mercandetti.  And, I would be remiss (and in trouble) if I didn’t acknowledge the hard work of UDance Executive Committe Member and Charity Liaison, Ali McDonough (hmm, sounds familiar!).  Thanks guys…I’m really looking forward to Sat.

~~~~~~~~~

“Let God gather from his garden as He wills.  He takes nothing out of season.” (Francis de Sales)

Live Like Andrew - make the most of today!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough