Thurs. Sept. 3rd - Andrew’s Birthday Message from Ali
September 3, 2009
Dad beat me to it, so if you want a shorter, more upbeat and positive update, skip this entry and go to the next one.
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 –
Happy Birthday to the best brother and best friend I could ever imagine. I hope you have an amazing day. You sure deserve it. I hope you’re happy looking down today and seeing all the B+ shirts on Concord Pike at Sweet Lucy’s, Marini Produce, Season’s Pizza, Grotto Pizza, Five Below, and Johnnie’s Dog House. It’s all for you. Everyone that comes out to one of these places is thinking of you today and wishing you a happy birthday. You’ve touched the lives of everyone that comes out to one of these places today. You’ve touched so many lives. Your foundation will be able to help more families and fund more research because of you today. Thank you for being you, the best brother ever.
CaringBridge –
Join us to celebrate Andrew’s birthday today on Concord Pike. Print the flyer from www.BePositive.org & bring the coupon(s) to where ever you choose to go.
Thanks for helping us honor 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…
**Warning: Stop Here if you don’t want it to get sadder…**
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 17th 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”