B+ Hero Parent Testimonials

Katie, B+ Hero Olivia’s Mom

“My daughter, Olivia, was diagnosed with Stage 3, Type IV, Sacrococcygeal Teratoma, in December of 2021. As a parent, there are so many moments during treatment when you put on a brave face and march through the turmoil for your child. The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation was my lifeline. The support they provided us financially so I could solely focus on my daughter’s health was such a stress reliever. Then having my daughter become an honorary sister at Alpha Xi Delta at The College of New Jersey was just amazing to witness. They bring such smiles and create such happy moments for her. The B+ Foundation, their supporters, and their B+ Hero Program were such a positive, bright spot in our journey during the most difficult time of our lives. We are forever grateful to them and Joe’s mission to honor Andrew, and the childhood cancer community.”

Juett, B+ Hero Gianna’s Mom

"My daughter Gianna was diagnosed with B-cell leukemia in March 2020. This has been far from an easy road for her, but I am always grateful that she was able to get through treatment with the help of great support systems. Along the way, we were introduced to The B+ Foundation, and they have been there for both Gianna and us as a family in tremendous ways. Gianna has big sisters from Delta Phi Epsilon at NYU who have cheered for her, celebrated her birthday, came to visit her at home, and played with her in times when she couldn’t be out in public because of being immunocompromised. She loves them so much and always looks forward to seeing them. B+ has also helped our family financially in times of need. This support has been tremendous. It helped us bounce back and ease the burden. We thank you so much for everything!"

Joseph, B+ Hero Jeriah’s Dad

“I can’t forget the first night in the hospital trying to figure out what was going on with my son. Seeing him in pain and bothered by the multitude of tests being done on him was difficult. Jeriah was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma epithelial. The moment we were told, it flipped our lives upside down. I left my job to care for him 24/7. The hospital became our second home and so began an entire year where my son didn’t get to be like any other kid.

Our oncology team told us about The B+ Foundation, showing us the support they provide for families going through similar situations. We reached out and felt lucky to have their help to catch up with all the financial problems we were having at home. Toward the end of Jeriah’s treatment, they told us that B+ arranges activities throughout the year and how they thought that Jeriah would have a wonderful time participating in The B+ Heroes Program. I can happily say that those events have been a blast for Jeriah. He is always much more active and happy when he gets to play with all the members of NYDM. We’re usually the last ones to leave because of the amount of fun and games they play with him. Even Jeriah would tell you that he can’t wait for the next time he gets to see all his friends at B+. We are extremely grateful for everything B+ has done for us.”

Julya, B+ Hero Sasha’s Mom

“We’re so thankful to The B+ Foundation not only for their financial support but also for being there for Sasha throughout her entire cancer journey. Being from another state and not knowing anyone in Boston where Sasha’s being treated, we’re so grateful for The B+ Heroes Program and the wonderful sorority sisters you connected us with.

We heard about B+ from our oncology team and are so glad we did. Connecting Sasha with her Alpha Epsilon Phi at Northeastern University sisters gave her the support she needed to push through treatments. She was so excited to have such a large group of girls cheering her on.

We’ve loved going to the park, doing henna tattoos together, swimming, and going to the coffee shop. Sometimes during treatments, the long days at the hospital and the chemo can really take a toll, but having the girls’ positive and bubbly personalities around really lifted us up. We are especially grateful to Preston from The B+ Team for being the best and making this connection possible. We thank you all so very much.”

Marianne, B+ Hero Zakk’s Mom

“Zakk was diagnosed will ALL Leukemia in December 2020. Just when we thought we’d all been shut out from the world due to COVID, we had to face the reality that Zakk had cancer. We’d been in and out of the hospital and going for chemotherapy every other day at times. The days seemed long and dark, but Zakk had a shining light about him that made the days feel a little brighter. Just when we thought we'd have to figure out the ups and down by ourselves, we were contacted by The B+ Foundation about The B+ Heroes Program. I immediately was curious to learn what a B+ Hero was, as I thought Zakk was already a hero. I asked Zakk if he would be interested in becoming a part of this amazing group and, without hesitation, he shouted ‘YES!’

In the days leading up to our first meet-up, Zakk started calling his new friends ‘his teenagers.’ He was so happy that the older kids wanted to play with him and get to know him. As a B+ Hero, Zakk has had so many great experiences. Whether it's a fundraising event, a fun day of tie-dying, making slime, or doing a scavenger hunt around beautiful Springfield College's campus, Springfield College Dance Marathon has a way of making him feel special every time we’re together. He loved meeting the President of the college, her dog, and the campus police. Everyone just makes him feel like he’s one of them. We’ll forever be grateful to The B+ Heroes Program and SCDM who’ve taken him under their wing and truly become his teenagers.”

Michael, B+ Hero King’s Dad

“We will always be grateful to The B+ Foundation for introducing us to the ZBT fraternity When King was admitted to the hospital, we could always count on one of the brothers to show up and keep King company during his treatments. They also played with King’s siblings while we focused on King’s care. It gave us time to take a break, speak with doctors, or schedule future appointments. We are also grateful to The B+ Foundation for connecting them virtually with NYU students who are involved with NYDM. These students took the time to call the kids, play games, and connect with them because they do not have many friends due to being homeschooled.”

Ryan, B+ Hero Lilly’s Dad

“In June of 2013 after failing her eye exam at school, we made an appointment with Lilly’s eye doctor. Lilly begged the eye doctor for glasses. Well . . . she didn’t get glasses, but the eye doctor did order an MRI of the brain. On July 5, 2013, Heather and I waited patiently in the hospital waiting room. A little while later, we overheard a doctor asking for us and it was then he sat us down to give us the news that Lilly had Optical Glioma cancer – a massive tumor behind her right eye – and would like to admit her as soon as possible. We went back to where Lilly was to give her the news she had cancer and, without hesitation, her exact response to us was ‘No worries, GOD’S GOT THIS.’

On July 8th her port was placed for weekly treatment, scheduled for a year. A few months after she started treatment, we were approached by The B+ Foundation. When Lilly was asked if she would like to be a B+ Hero, she looked at her mother and I and said ‘ I already thought I was a hero.’ Shortly after, she was paired with @UDGammaPhiBeta and went from having a few siblings to many amazing sisters. The ladies of Gamma Phi Beta went above and beyond with hospital visits, Spagami parties, nail dates, movie dates, etc. We’ve felt so blessed to get to know them and the amazing students of UDance over the years.

Thank you to B+ for all the many amazing moments and events we’ve been able to be a part of since being partnered together. September 5th marked five and a half years of remission for Lilly.”

Grace, B+ Hero Elliott’s Mom

“2019 was filled with optimism and happiness as we started the year with the birth of our daughter, Olivia. Our family was complete and we thought life would finally be normal – Elliott was born premature so there were many challenges during the first few years of his life. Shortly after his 4th birthday, we were devastated when he was diagnosed with leukemia. At the beginning of treatment, we were in survival mode but found ways to enjoy family time together on his 'good' days. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic caused Elliott and Olivia to live even more isolated lives. We managed through virtual kindergarten, working from home, and Elliott’s End of Treatment, but it was heartbreaking to see their early childhood years taken due to cancer and the pandemic.⁣⁣⁣

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Since Elliott completed treatment in October 2020, we have been learning to be a family again and, more importantly, to have fun. In 2022, we connected with B+, learned about The B+ Heroes Program and Elliott was matched with the brothers of Alpha Sigma Phi at the University of Delaware. I don’t know who was more nervous, us or the brothers. Since that first meeting, we celebrated Elliott’s 7th birthday at their 'castle' with over 30 brothers, and we attended our first UDance! Elliott loves talking about 'his bros' and he cannot wait until he sees them again! In addition to being amazingly wonderful with Elliott, the brothers always make sure Olivia is also having fun. ⁣⁣⁣

Elliott and Olivia are always treated like rockstars at every B+ event. These opportunities also allow me and my husband to stop for a moment, relax and watch Elliott and Olivia have FUN. We have shed many 'happy tears' at these events and these moments have helped our family to slowly heal.⁣⁣⁣

At times, I feel guilty watching Elliott and his sister enjoy life; laughing, smiling and having fun with B+ and Alpha Sig. But then I remember that Elliott has gone through something that no child should have to go through. And, even though he finished treatment, we continue to worry about relapse and long-term side effects. So, we embrace these moments and cannot wait to watch this relationship grow.” ⁣⁣⁣

Alicia, B+ Hero Katie’s Mom

“My name is Alicia. I gave birth to a real superhero! We call her B+ Hero Katie! Katie is my fifth child and she was born on April Fools Day. She was above average in height and weight with good health. At age six, she showed me signs that were of great concern to a mother. She always felt sick, tired, thirsty, had a bad headaches, and eventually quit eating. She was misdiagnosed many times. Fortunately, she was diagnosed properly at age seven. Unfortunately, it was brain cancer. She had two tumors that caused a lot of damage to her system. Telling Katie was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to tell a child. I explained to her, ‘The doctors know why you’re sick and your head hurts. You have brain cancer. Now you have to fight, and be strong and brave! We will be right here with you through it all!’ Katie said, ‘Ok, can I have my Reese’s peanut butter cups yet?” I knew right then that she was stronger than the rest of us in the room! She did four months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation, five days a week. Katie rang the remission bell on January 21, 2016.

One of my coworkers told me about The B+ Heroes Program and that I should look into it. I’m forever grateful for that information. It led us to find a wonderfully huge group of families just like ours and amazing students who Katie now calls her brothers and sisters! This organization gives us parents a sense of normalcy while having our children loved and supported by many. We couldn’t have asked for a better extension to our family!

My Super B+ Hero Katie is the strongest young lady I know. She is 14 now and doing great in school. Katie loves doing arts and crafts, loves her B+ family, and hopes that her support will help find a cure for childhood cancer. I feel blessed and proud to be her mother!”

Naomi, B+ Hero Caleb’s Mom

“'Momma, I'm almost grateful for cancer, because God's used it to bring good things. Like meeting our new friends,’ Caleb beamed as he spoke about his Alpha Epsilon Phi Fraternity brothers.

Our spunky, sweet, always-on-the-go Caleb was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in August of 2020. Side effects from chemo, precautions to prevent infection, and restrictions due to being on blood thinners changed Caleb's life drastically. Thankfully, in mid-2021, he was able to discontinue the thinners and his body became more adjusted to the maintenance phase medicines.

While effective, the length of treatment is very difficult, and by October of 2021, we knew Caleb and his six siblings needed some healthy connections and joyful experiences. I really believe God reminded me of The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation one rainy afternoon. To our surprise, within a month of contacting B+, Caleb was matched with AEPi! Our first meeting was at a park, and despite Caleb's typical reserved nature, he was instantly comfortable with the brothers. Since that day, he proudly reps AEPi as often as possible - regularly wearing shirts and telling people about 'his guys.'

Our entire family has been blessed by the thoughtfulness and kindness of the AEPi brothers, UDance Dance Marathon Executive Board, and B+ Team! There are not words to express the depth of their impact, and I will be forever grateful for each person who has helped put a smile on our kids' faces!”

Sanayia, B+ Hero Peyton’s Mom

“I am the mom of a really special little girl named Peyton. She was born full term and what we would consider a healthy baby girl. There were no complications and I couldn’t have been happier to be the mom of this beautiful baby girl. Becoming her mom was scary but so cool. We did so many things together. During this time, Peyton would run fevers but nothing more than a day or two so I assumed this was normal. When she would attend her doctor appointments, everything would come back fine. Until one day, she got a fever that wouldn’t leave. The doctor said it was viral and would pass. We finally got them to take her blood, and Peyton had no white blood cells – she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at just 2 years old.

Although this has been a crazy journey, I can express enough how much organizations like this one has helped and still contribute to how I’m able to cope with it all. I’ll forever be grateful for The B+ Foundation because they bring so much joy to Peyton’s life, as well as mine. An unfortunate situation has provided us with a forever family.

Peyton is currently in remission and doing great! She’s in kindergarten and a star in her school. She loves to sing and, academically, she’s doing amazing. She’s a light in every room she walks in and I’m honored to be her mother.”

Luisa, B+ Hero Christian’s Mom

“In December of 2008, my son Christian was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma at 3 years old. It had been an ongoing battle for almost five years in which he always kept positive and smiled through it all. In September of 2013, something changed. He became angry and sad. Once his doctors and nurses noticed the change, we knew we needed our smiling happy boy back. This is when we found The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation. He was quickly matched with Zeta Beta Tau Gamma Chapter at NYU for New York University Dance Marathon and once they met with Christian, it was love at first sight. They had an instant connection and became inseparable. Christian would always have his brothers at his side from being in clinic to inpatient to the park, they would always be there. The B+ Foundation had given us our Christian back and given him the best months of his life. 

Unfortunately, Christian transitioned on December 2, 2013, with his ZBT brothers by his side. It’s been a few years and The B+ Foundation, as well as Christian’s ZBT brothers, have been with me through it all and have become my biggest support system and my Family. I cannot express how much love I have for everyone who’s been a part of this journey, especially Andrew and his amazing family. All I can say is thank you for giving Christian his big beautiful toothless smile back and keeping his memory alive through the years.”

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.

Desiree, B+ Hero DeMira’s Mom

“My daughter DeMira was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma on July 25, 2020. She was hospitalized immediately and, within a week or two, I was contacted by B+. They asked me questions about DeMira to see what she liked to do, and when I told them she was a cheerleader, they had the perfect group to match us with through The B+ Heroes Program – the University of Delaware Cheerleading Team. They have been with us ever since, cheering us on.

Anytime I reach out to the cheerleaders, they are always more than willing to help keep DeMira spirits up. Some of the girls shared a liking of unicorns as DeMira does, and that helped her build a bond with them. The Zoom get-togethers are always fun and they have done many things from playing games to including DeMira in some of their practices (this always put a smile on her face, which made me very happy). They have made a difficult time in ours lives feel like smooth sailing.

Since being paired with the Cheer Team, DeMira has been included in all of the team’s victories. It was made clear very early on that she was part of the team and it’s truly felt like a sisterhood for DeMira. Most impressive of all, these women did not let COVID stop them from being engaged. I loved the fact they really took a genuine interest in my daughter. I will never forget the fun we had participating in UDance this year when the team took the time to help DeMira get a dance routine down for the talent show. I could not have asked for a better group for her to be paired up with. This journey has been amazing.”

Caryn, B+ Hero Michael’s Mom

“One of the most incredible opportunities offered to us during Michael’s treatment was connecting him with New York University students through the B+ Heroes Program. Through this program, Michael was ‘adopted’ by the men of Lambda Chi Alpha at NYU. These men have visited and spent time with Michael whether it’s been in the clinic, the hospital receiving treatment, or coming all the way to our home just to hang out. These men have truly become Michael’s friends and ‘big brothers.’

Back in February and March, the men sat with him and played with his Hot Wheels tracks and lined up his cars, amongst many other things. But most importantly, the men made him smile a lot. In April, we learned that the two rounds of chemo had failed. Although he was in remission, there was still a tiny bit of ‘residual disease’ left so we went to transplant which meant we had to transfer hospitals. Still, Michael’s ‘big brothers’ kept in touch with us despite the difficult timing of our new appointments.

Michael’s ‘big brothers’ are all college students who choose to spend their time putting smiles on children like Michael’s faces and genuinely enjoy doing it from the bottom of their hearts. I am sincerely touched by the people who didn’t know us before that have been able to be such a light in a dark situation.”

Christi, B+ Hero Daniel-Logan’s Mom

“Daniel-Logan was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) at the age of 3 years old. He completed his treatment and was looking forward to starting kindergarten when he relapsed. He began a new treatment and prepping for a bone marrow transplant in June of 2016. After his transplant, he had many obstacles to overcome with his health.

School never really panned out due to his compromised immune system. He is a 10-year-old boy that never meets a stranger. We were paired with the Delta Gamma at The University of Alabama through The B+ Heroes Program and it has been a blessing in so many ways to Daniel-Logan and our family. Since the pandemic, we've been homebound and it's been challenging, especially for a child that's been secluded through all his treatments and for most of his life. This program has helped with that.

Daniel-Logan and his little brother LOVE the Zoom calls with the UA students and seeing all of the friendly faces, and they are always so excited to be a part of something. Whether it's a simple Zoom call, a card in the mail that tells him happy birthday, or a gift delivered for a surprise, Daniel looks forward to each interaction. It's a BLESSING to see the light in his eyes when he knows his B+ FRIENDS want to hang out and chat. We look forward to when Daniel's B+ friends call or write, and we love being part of a program that has such a tremendous impact on so many!”

B+ Hero Aryn’s Mom

“When Aryn was 2 years old, she was diagnosed with ALL, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Within months of her diagnosis, Aryn became a part of the B+ Heroes Program and was ‘adopted’ by Kappa Alpha Theta at University of Delaware. Aryn met her Theta sisters for the first time at UDance, and I, as Aryn’s mom, was completely amazed by the instant bond Aryn and her sisters shared.

The women of Theta have made a huge impact on Aryn and I, and I cannot express how deeply I’ve been moved by a group of college students who are so dedicated to my child, much less, bring her an enormous amount of love and joy. During one of the B+ events, Aryn's Theta sister, Samantha, gently took Aryn’s hand and they strolled away from me. Samantha, a freshman at the time, turned and looked at me, giving me the look that said ‘Don’t worry Mom, I got her.’ And she did…and still does.

Aryn does not have any siblings - she craves companionship and she has found this in her Theta sisters, especially Samantha and Rina. Samantha was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2015. When Aryn found out, she knew she needed to be with her. Aryn said to me, ‘Mom, she helped me, now it’s my turn to help her.’ The love, friendship and support Sam had shown Aryn during her battle, was now reversed. Most recently, with help of Sam's family and Rina, Aryn (we) surprised Sam at a Brain Tumor Walk. Joyful tears to see her sister, Aryn wrapped her arms around Sam, squeezed her, looked at me with a stare…me knowing the words ‘Mom, I got this…I got her…Her Fight is My Fight!’”

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.

Maria, B+ Hero Zoey’s Mom

“In February of 2018, we discovered a lump on Zoey’s leg and immediately rushed her to the doctor. Turns out, she had a rare type of malignant tumor, Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. As you can imagine this is the worst news that one could ever receive. Zoey's spirits started to drop as time went on – treatment and recovery had been tough on her. Treatment had put an emotional and physical strain on her and it also took an emotional toll on us as a family.

Luckily, we had one of the most amazing opportunities offered to us by our social worker at the clinic, which was The B+ Heroes Program. We were so excited for Zoey to be able to connect with the wonderfully loving and caring students from New York University and have some joy in our lives again, free from the stressors and the constant reminders of her current battle. Zoey was adopted by the ladies of NYU Delta Phi Epsilon for NYDM, and we were immediately in awe!

These sweet ladies have visited and spent time with Zoey whether it was at the clinic, or coming to our home just to cheer her up. Once Zoey started to feel better and gain strength, we started attending events and she loved them, even so now with the Zoom calls with all of them. These amazing ladies have become family to us and, like Zoey will say, they are her ‘Unicorn Sisters.’

The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation and everyone involved are very dear to our hearts. Their mission and compassion to help, support and love our fighters and family going through this childhood cancer journey are incredible. Even after treatment was over, the communication love and support didn’t stop and that just shows how strong and impactful these connections have been. For that, we’ll be forever grateful.”

Dimitra, B+ Hero Christo’s Mom

“Christo was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) on October 11, 2020 at the age of 8, and he will be undergoing treatment for the next 20 months. Being an active kid, this has been difficult for him because he is not only restricted from any kind of activity or sports, but also from being around people since his immune system is compromised.

A few months ago, we were asked if we would like to be paired with Alpha Phi Omega at Villanova University through The B+ Heroes Program and our decision has been a blessing for the whole family. Christo and his big sister, Nicolette, LOVE the zoom calls, with our 'NOVAdance friends' and look forward to chatting with them. They were able to decorate cookies for Valentine’s Day, cook pasta just because, play UNO at the park and throw the ball around.

Seeing the smiles on their faces and how excited they get for every interaction they have with their 'Nova friends,' makes days so much better. We would like to thank each and every one of the amazing Villanova University friends, for what you do.”

Jackie, B+ Hero Emily’s Mom

“Through The B+ Heroes Program, Emily was paired with the University of Delaware Gymnastics Club for UDance two years ago. At the time, Emily was going through her second intense portion of her treatment. When Emily met the girls, there was an instant connection. The team has been there to support Emily at chemotherapy appointments, UDance events and even dressed up as Trolls for her birthday. They have lifted her up and are such great role models for Emily as she grows up. We are beyond grateful for the work that each girl on the team does to help Emily and raise money for other kids fighting cancer. Even though the team and Emily cannot see each other in person right now, they have worked hard to stay connected virtually. I look forward to watching their bond grow as Emily becomes older.”

Rick, B+ Hero Frankie’s Dad

“From the day Frankie, and his little sister Brooklyn, met the B+ team and his Kappa Delta sisters from Villanova University, it's been a magical experience. This amazing group of young women play games, build confidence, and just routinely go out of their way to make each moment with our family as amazing as it can be. Our kids look forward to time with them just as much as they would to do things like going to the beach or to Disney World - they can't wait! The positive impact they've had on all our lives has already left a lasting impression, and it's a relationship that we hope will last forever. We are eternally grateful for the friendship and support we’ve received from The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, the NOVAdance community, and especially the women of Kappa Delta."

Tanya, B+ Hero Mahlai’s Grandmother

“August 9, 2016 was one of the hardest days. Mahlai being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia B and T cells put my family and I into such depression. I'm forever thankful for our B+ family. Their ongoing support has been so amazing and much needed. They have been there for us physically, emotionally and financially. Everyone who knows Mahlai knows that she never stops smiling, and Carly and her Alpha Sigma Tau sisters at New York University have played a major role in that.”

Allison, B+ Hero Karter’s Mom

“B+ holds a special place in our hearts. Not only did they connect us with the exact support our fighter needed during this journey, they’ve become lifelong friends of ours. Their mission and compassion to help those fighting childhood cancer runs deep. The love and support didn’t stop when treatment ended, it simply grew stronger. They continue to support us through follow-up appointments and beyond. The B+ Heroes Program truly creates a big family unit to help carry you through when you need it the most and we are beyond thankful for them and the relationship and memories Karter has made with his new big brother Colton and the Texas fraternity men.”