B+ Hero Daniel-Logan, Elise and Delta Gamma

“At the end of my freshman year, my sorority, Delta Gamma, was presented the opportunity to be paired with B+ Hero, Daniel Logan. My sorority sister and I were on our way to meet Daniel Logan and his family at a park nearby and we were both so excited. His family was so kind to us, and Daniel Logan and his younger brother, Corbin Rich, were filled with energy running all over the playground. I had never met such polite and kind-hearted young boys and I couldn't wait to create more fun memories.

One evening, we invited Daniel Logan and his family to dinner at the Delta Gamma house that was filled with over 100 women. We took them through the house, showing the different places we spend time. Everyone who walked by us was delighted to see Daniel Logan and was anxious to meet him and the rest of his family. I could see he was a little nervous at first but, as dinner went on, he started to open up to everyone. By the end of dinner, he and his brother were running over to the freezer for ice cream!

Over the past few years, we have made awesome memories, even during uncertain times. One time we were playing bingo online and he was so excited for everyone who got BINGO that he congratulated every single person who won. Daniel Logan never fails to fill the room with joy and laughter. I have learned a lot about him over the past two years – he is funny, caring, tough, and extremely brave. Daniel Logan inspires me every day to help raise money awareness to fight childhood cancer and spread The B+ Message.

Daniel Logan and his mom joined one of our chapter meetings this spring where they had the opportunity to share his cancer journey. The comments from my sisters following the talk were so sweet and thoughtful. I know we are all so excited to return in person this fall and I can't wait to have him back at the Delta Gamma house to make more memories!”

– Elise, University of Alabama

B+ Hero Emily, Sam and UD Club Gymnastics

"This past year, the UD Gymnastics Club was given the honor of being paired with our B+ Hero, Emily! As the Team Rep, I knew it was my responsibility to make sure that our team not only formed a strong bond with Emily and her family but also that Emily and her family felt comfortable around us. But the more I got to know Emily, the more I realized her place on our team was never a question – she was meant to be a member of UD Club Gymnastics. She brings so much light, positivity, and courage to our team. Being able to meet Emily and spend time with her and her family has been the highlight of my senior year. Whether it was at the hospital where she made me Play-Doh soup while she received her chemo treatments, hearing Emily cheer my name from the stands before I got on (and quickly fell off) beam at one of our meets, and even dying my hair and dressing up as a troll with other girls on my team for Emily's troll themed birthday party, we truly made some of the best memories. Since Emily came into our lives, our team has grown so much both in and outside of the gym. Our little family is the strongest it’s ever been thanks to her.

After graduation, I knew I wanted to stay in Emily's life and after my mom met Emily and her family at @UDance 2019, so did she. We both were in the audience cheering Emily on at her first-ever dance recital, walked alongside her family and friends in the 13th Annual B+5K, and even sat with Emily and her mom in the hospital as Emily received one of her chemo treatments. I love that I'm able to support Emily both with my team and with my family because I truly see her as a member of both. I am so thankful to have Emily in my life and honored to be by her side as she wins a battle she never should have had to fight in the first place."

–Sam, University of Delaware

B+ Hero Lilly, Hayley and Gamma Phi Beta

“On March 24th, 2019, I met the one and only superstar and my sorority's B+ Hero, Lilly. There were so many women alongside me excited to meet her for the first time or to see her again on this special day. Little did I know that one year later, this 13-year-old would make such a big impact on my life.

The following year I became one of the UDance Chapter Representatives for my sorority and planned events for my chapter to connect with Lilly. At the start of the year, my other Chapter Representatives and I went out to dinner with Lilly and all discovered such an instant connection with her. Every couple of weeks when I got to see her, it was like all the weight from the stress of school, work, or life was lifted off my shoulders. One aspect I admire so much about Lilly is that she is always so present and appreciates the moment she’s in, which makes me value our time together even more. Together we’ve had movie nights, a paint night, many Shawn Mendes and Why Don’t We jam sessions, Friendsgiving, a legendary karaoke night where Lilly performed a full concert for us, and I know there are so many more adventures to come.

Lilly is silly and sassy, yet so kind with a heart of gold. She shows her true colors in the way she smiles at you and laughs so big when you do something weird and funny. In the year I’ve known her, she has completely changed my perspective on life. She has taught me so much about my own strengths, helped me discover new passions, and reminds me to find gratitude in each day. Gamma Phi Beta is so beyond lucky to have such a beautiful, resilient, kind, talented, fun, and empowering young woman like Lilly as a role model and sister.”

–Hayley, University of Delaware

B+ Hero Hayden, Taylor and UD Women's Lacrosse

“Ever since I got to campus, it felt like I gained a team full of big sisters that I never knew I would get the chance to have through the University of Delaware Women's Lacrosse Team. Little did I know that I would gain a little sister as well. I have been a part of UDance and going on adventures with our B+ Hero Hayden since I was a freshman. I've watched her grown into such a strong, charismatic, and joyful young girl. She is filled with so much light and love, and she inspires me to be a better person every day. Hayden isn't just a B+ Hero to us, she's our family.

I'm so appreciative of how involved my team is with UDance and with Hayden. It really allows us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves and not only ignites the fire in us to fight harder on the field when we see her on the sidelines but also in the community to help raise as much awareness and money as we can so that every kid who is also battling cancer can grow up smiling just as hard and dancing even harder than our little sister Hayden.”

–Taylor, University of Delaware

B+ Hero Blair, Jacki and Delta Gamma

“This past September I received the exciting news that my sorority, Delta Gamma, had been paired with B+ Hero, Blair! The first time I met Blair was at a birthday party we held on Villanova’s campus to celebrate her turning 3. Although shy at first, she began to open up and suddenly we were painting pictures, tossing balloons in the air, and hiding from people under tables. She was the life of the party and it showed — everyone’s smiles grew a little wider and laughs were a little louder that day. A couple of weeks later, Blair returned back on campus for a nail polish party. She tested out almost every single nail polish and gave some lucky guests a manicure . . . including myself! My right hand had red polish nearly everywhere, but I loved it.

After having so much fun with Blair, I was eager to see her soon again. Crazily enough, I found out that Blair and her family were going to be in Disney the same week I would be there for a fall break trip with my family. I could not believe how perfect this was. Our families met up right outside of Disney to enjoy dinner together. Blair was fascinated the entire time that I had a mom and dad, just like her! When we were saying our goodbyes, Blair turned to me giving me a hug but had mumbled something I could not hear. I asked her what she had said to me and she said, ‘Jacki, you are so beautiful.’ I will never forget that moment. I replied to her telling her how she is so beautiful — inside and out. Blair has a heart of gold, always caring for others. You can see it by the way she looks out for her baby brother, Danny. You can see it when she asks me ‘Where’s your mommy?’ anytime we are at Villanova. You can see it when she makes new friends every time she comes to campus, whether she’s singing with them, playing with their hair or creating her own games.

Blair has brought so much joy into my life and to all those who are a part of NOVAdance and Delta Gamma. We are so blessed to have Blair as our B+ Hero, as she inspires us and exemplifies all it means to be a true hero in life.”

–Jacki, Villanova University

Blair passed away in April 2020 after a brave battle with a brain tumor. She touched many lives including those of the Delta Gamma Chapter at Villanova University and many other students in the NOVAdance community.

B+ Hero James, Frankie and Sigma Alpha Epsilon

“James 'THE DUDE' is the type of kid that walks in the room and no matter what mood you’re in, you can’t help but smile. This 7-year-old warrior is not only a two-time AML cancer survivor, but he is also the head of his very own LEGO construction company! The first day I was blessed to meet James was December 3, 2017 – a day I will never forget, and one that changed my life. Right off the bat, James and I clicked and, despite him being on the autism spectrum, the connection between us was undeniable. I remember that day we played with toy trucks and basically just hung out as we got to know one another.

Since then, our relationship has only grown stronger. We’ve been together for hospital visits followed up by trips to McDonald’s and SkyZone trampoline park to jump around for a few hours. My favorite time with James was definitely his first UDance in March of 2018. This was a huge step because it was his first time in such a large crowd and also his first time meeting all his Sigma Alpha Epsilon brothers. James loved all the positive energy and had an awesome time!

My relationship with James goes deeper than just him being my B+ Hero. He’s become an inspiration and my motivation. I hope I have taught James some valuable lessons but I know for a fact he has taught me to live in the moment and persevere. When I’m with him and his family, nothing else matters. It has been by far the most rewarding and humbling experience from my time at The University of Delaware and I know it doesn’t end when I graduate because James has become the little brother that I never had.”

–Frankie, University of Delaware

B+ Hero Reena, Sarah and UD Club Volleyball

“Last fall I indicated that UD Club Volleyball was ready for a B+ Hero to the UDance team. I thought the process would take a while and, at best, I would only get to meet them before I graduated, but that I was probably just getting the ball rolling for future years. However, two weeks later I got an email saying ‘Your team is being matched with a B+ Hero. Her name is Reena, she’s 15 and plays volleyball.’ That was the only info at first, but I was already so excited! When we finally got to meet her she fit right in with us like she was another teammate. I’ve only known Reena for a short time, but I’ve loved spending time with her whenever there’s a chance! I also love seeing how long her hair gets each time I see her!

Having a shared passion for volleyball has created a really special bond between us. My favorite memory with her was making posters and taking some teammates to cheer her on at her high school game, which she won! We cheered so loud, like obnoxious older sisters, and everyone in the gym knew who we were there for! She’s been able to come to watch us play on campus too, and we surprised her with some of our club volleyball merch so she can fit right in with us.

Most of all, Reena is so inspiring. At only 16 years old, she has not only BEATEN cancer but is also back to kicking butt on the volleyball court. I can’t wait for another year of making memories with Reena!”

–Sarah, University of Delaware

B+ Hero Aryn, Sam and Kappa Alpha Theta

“Ten years ago I met Aryn and her family. Simply put – they changed my life forever. I was a freshman in college, had just joined a sorority and was looking for a way to get more involved and UDance was the answer. Although it was devastating to talk to her family about all she had been through, I was so inspired to see her having the time of her life with her 'sisters' as if a world with cancer didn’t exist.

Ten years later our friendship and sisterhood, remains strong – stronger than ever. Summer 2015, I was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor called an Astrocytoma. Just like that our roles had reversed. Aryn had defeated cancer and now it was my turn. Inspired by everyone involved with The B+ Foundation, especially, Aryn, cancer was not a sentence it was just a word. When the cancer came back two summers later, Aryn and her family were there for me. I could feel the love and strength across state lines.

Aryn is my hero, always has been, always will be. I’m am so thankful for The B+ Foundation for it gave me Aryn, and her family. I am so proud to call Aryn a survivor, a friend and a sister. Together, we are going to continue to fight for a world where cancer doesn’t exist.”

–Sam, University of Delaware

Sam passed away on October 13, 2018 after bravely battling an inoperable brain tumor for three years. She touched the lives of many, especially her little sister and B+ Hero, Aryn.

B+ Hero Karter, Colton and Texas IFC

"Karter battled cancer for three years. So no, he isn’t afraid of monsters under the bed. Other than that? Totally normal 6 year old. Likes LEGOs, hide and seek, dinosaurs, baseball – the works.

Our friendship began on the diamond nearly three years ago, when a group of us from IFC (Karter’s entourage) attended his t-ball game one evening. Karter played hard and focused from start to finish – a triumph of will for any 5-year old, but especially for him considering the physical and mental toll of chemotherapy. Needless to say, the entourage was warranted.

On one special occasion, Karter had the chance to play with his favorite team, the Texas Longhorns. We coordinated a surprise visit to his house after a rough hospital stay. He had no idea what was happening when his mom asked him to answer the door. You can imagine his reaction when he saw the team standing outside. They played sandlot baseball and make-believe. Karter, the obvious ringleader of the team, directed them to act like ballerinas and wild animals. It was awesome.

Karter had his last chemotherapy treatment on June 3, 2017. He’s now cancer-free, and I’m grateful to continue being a part of his life."

–Colton, The University of Texas at Austin

B+ Hero Mahlai, Molly and Alpha Sigma Tau

“When I walked in the hospital with some of my sorority sisters to meet Mahlai for the first time two years ago, the nurse said, “Mahlai, your friends are here to see you!” and Mahlai replied, ‘They’re not my friends…they’re my sisters.’ I immediately knew that I was in for something special.

Mahlai is a hilarious, loving, strong and unstoppable young girl. She radiates positivity and has a spirit that brightens a room. I’m always looking forward to the next time I see her, because I know we’re going to be playing and laughing all the way up until we have to go; and even then, it’ll be a long goodbye with lots of hugs. It has been the honor of my life to watch her transition from treatment to maintenance, gain weight back, grow her hair out, and most importantly, continue to grow up. Her family, especially her grandmother and mother, have graciously welcomed us into their lives to share birthdays, holidays and even Kindergarten graduations. Mahlai always has been, and always will be a sister to me. It’s safe to say that having Mahlai as a sister has put life in a new perspective for me and many other students.”

–Molly, New York University

B+ Hero Nicholas, Jack and Sigma Pi

"I had the opportunity to meet Nicholas at the end of my sophomore year of college. Some of my Sigma Pi brothers and I took Nicholas to an Alabama Baseball game. He loves basketball, playing video games, and his favorite time in school is when he can go to the gym to play basketball. Nicholas was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2012 and has been in remission for a couple of years now. Despite everything he’s been through, he is one of the most positive and upbeat people I know. I always enjoy hearing about his day and what he did at school. He always lets me know that he is staying on top of his school work and is getting As in all of his classes. Whenever we have him over to the fraternity house, he is surrounded by a group of guys that truly love and look forward to hanging out with him. Last year, we gave Nicholas a bid and he is now a true brother of the Sigma Pi Fraternity.

Without my involvement with The B+ Foundation at Alabama, I would have never met this incredible, intelligent, and downright hilarious young man. Anyone who's met Nicholas knows that he has the unique ability to always put a smile on your face and makes a lasting impression on every person he interacts with. While I always find myself trying to teach Nicholas things, he ends up teaching me so much more than he will ever realize. His attitude is always positive and the impact he has made on my life will last forever."

–Jack, The University of Alabama

B+ Hero Christian, Dallas and Zeta Beta Tau

“Christian was a Star Wars aficionado, with sitting LEGO skills. We were dorky college students. Do the math. We clicked right away. The first time we met Christian we played games in the park. He didn’t bemoan his illness or complain, he played hard. I’m talking Ninja, duck duck goose, and frisbee, an elementary school triathlon. We had a great time and it was the beginning of one of my most valuable friendships. Whenever our schedules would allow, we would make time to visit with Christian. Despite being there to make his day a little brighter, he always managed to be the highlight of my day. We were treated like family by him and his mother. Christian is a real-life hero. Even braver and more inspiring than the heroes in the movies he adored. Christian had the kind of courageous, fun-loving and generous personality that made you forget you were in a hospital.”

–Dallas, New York University

Christian passed away on December 2nd, 2013 after bravely battling Neuroblastoma for five years. He touched many lives including those of the ZBT Gamma Chapter at NYU, who truly embraced him as a brother.

B+ Hero Addie, Emily and Alpha Gamma Delta

“I met Addie and her sisters, Lainey and Lyla, two years ago at an ice cream shop right off of my college campus. I had just started in my role on The B+ Foundation at Alabama's executive board, and I had advocated strongly for my sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, to be paired with a B+ Hero. I underestimated the impact that Addie and her entire family would have on my sorority sisters and, especially, the impact that she would have on me. • I have dreamed of becoming a physician for as long as I can remember. I knew that my coursework would be challenging, but I hoped that I was up for the challenge.

During my sophomore year of college, my pre-medical courses got significantly more difficult, and I began to question whether or not I was cut out to pursue medical school. I didn’t think I was strong enough to make it through, and I was in desperate need of a refresher on why I was working so hard to achieve my goals. When I was feeling lost and unsure about the path I was on, Addie completed her final treatment for the pre B-Cell ALL she was diagnosed with when she was only 4 years old. I remember thinking, ‘I can’t believe a four-year-old could go through everything that Addie has been through and still have a smile on her face.’ Addie is joyful, kind, funny, and smart, and she is the strongest person I know. She truly is my hero. I will forever be so thankful to The B+ Foundation for introducing Addie and her family to me and my sorority.”

–Emily, University of Alabama

B+ Heroes Jace and Kevin, Jack and Fordham University

“As someone who had pediatric cancer, having the opportunity to spend time with other kids going through the same things I did was always something I wanted to do. Little did I know I would do more than just hang out with these kids, but instead be inspired by them in every way. Let me tell you about my buddy Jace, who recently turned 12. Maybe the most remarkable thing about him is just how ‘12’ he is. In other words, how normally he lives his life. He loves Fortnite—especially the dances—and winning any game you put in front of him. He’s also one of the best big brothers I know.

And then there’s 5-year-old Kevin, who will run you in circles until you fall over, and then make you get up and chase after him again (even in small clinics). ‘Speed Boy’ is a constant ball of positive energy. All the time I’ve spent with my friends Jace and Kevin are among the highlights of my college career. Both of them are true inspirations–going through treatments but continuing to live their lives like pretty much nothing is going on. Thank you to The B+ Foundation for bringing us together!”

–Jack, Fordham University

B+ Heroes Zoe and Chase, Katie and Pi Beta Phi

“The first time I met Zoe was at her sister Chase’s swim meet. Although she was nervous and too shy to talk at first, she giggled at all of my bad jokes. Eventually, she started to warm up and four hours later I found myself still hanging out with Zoe and her family, wondering where the time had gone. Since that day, I have taken every opportunity to spend time with Zoe and Chase. We always play games and have fun, but they also talk to me about their lives. It can be as silly as talking about the boys in their class or as serious as doctor’s appointments and the lasting effect of childhood cancer on their family. For the past year and a half, I have loved being the person that they can talk to about life’s big and small moments.

My relationship with Zoe and Chase has given me a new perspective on what’s really important. Last spring when I was preparing for the GRE, an important exam for graduate school admissions, I was naturally stressed. The morning of the exam, I received a FaceTime call from Zoe and Chase. Without thinking twice, I answered the call and talked with them for a few minutes. After the call I had a realization – I was taking all the opportunities I’ve had that brought me to the point of taking the GRE for granted. Many children don’t have the chance to grow up, let alone stress about a test like this, and I am so lucky to be exactly where I am in life.

Finally, Zoe and Chase have impacted my future career goals. Before meeting them, I knew that I wanted to be a physical therapist, but I didn’t realize how much I would love working with kids, especially kids with cancer. Zoe’s family showed me videos of her in physical therapy and I immediately knew that was something I wanted to do. When looking at graduate schools for PT, I couldn’t imagine being far away from the girls, so I made a pros and cons list for all of my schools. One of my pros for UD PT school was being able to be close to Zoe and Chase. Now, I am so thankful to say that I will be close to the girls for the next two and a half years because I couldn’t imagine them not being a part of my life. I am so grateful to UDance and The B+ Foundation for pairing my sorority with Zoe and Chase.

–Katie, University of Delaware

B+ Hero Joshua, Cali and New York University

"I am beyond thankful for the incredible memories that The B+ Foundation has facilitated and the families that I have had the privilege of meeting through NYDM, but nothing can compare to the relationship that I have built with B+ Hero, Joshua. During a late Sunday night team captain meeting, it was announced that Joshua needed a tutor. Joshua and his loving father, Kenroy, came to America from Jamaica when he relapsed after beating leukemia a few years prior. Due to Joshua’s relapse, he was unable to attend school as a consequence of his rigorous treatment schedule and the exposure to germs. Being an Early Childhood Education major, I was more than eager to help out. When I tell you that I have never met a boy full of more love, excitement, and zest for life - I really mean it. Joshua would run across the room doing somersaults, dance moves, and yelling out math answers all at the same time. Each session was filled with determination, dedication, and laughter. Joshua radiates so much energy and light that it is impossible not to have the biggest smile when you are with him.

Since the second he came into my life, I have been filled with an extremely special kind of gratitude that can only come from being introduced to someone that makes you change the way that you view the world. Joshua fully gives himself to everything he takes part in. Whether it is beating me in tag, finishing his math problems before the timer goes off, or fighting cancer for the third time - I could not be more grateful to know him and the unparalleled strength that he has. Joshua has shown me how to make the most of every experience and I will always be thankful for the moments we have had and the memories that we continue to make. I cannot wait to keep cheering him on and to see the amazing things that he will do.”

–Cali, New York University 

Joshua passed away in September 2019 after three brave battles with cancer. He touched many lives including those of the Zeta Psi Chapter at New York University and many other students in the NYDM community.