A Whole Lot Going On!
Childhood Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Symposium
The 2nd Annual Childhood Cancer Prevention Symposium was held at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX. To be clear, childhood cancer is likely not preventable by not eating x or taking a particular pill. But, it’s important to look at epidemiological issues of childhood cancers rather than just how to treat the diseases. Approximately 10-15% of childhood cancers are hereditary. This is a relatively new understanding. Why the other 85%-90% of childhood cancers happen is really a mystery. But, it’s certainly worth exploring issues like environmental and many other factors. Perhaps even more impactful from a pragmatic perspective are early detection interventions that may better identify and treat the child’s cancer. “Prevention” can be defined very broadly and also include preventing, or minimizing, psychosocial issues once the child is diagnosed. As shown in the picture, I led a panel discussion with a 2-time cancer “thriver” (he prefers this term over '“survivor”), his mother, a charity person that works to mitigate psychosocial issues, and a prominent psychologist who addressed the Psychosocial Standards of Care that were pioneered by Dr. Vicki Sardi-Brown and Peter Brown. The Prevention Symposium is the brainchild of Jonathan Agin of Prep4Gold. Please let me know if you’d like to be connected with Jonathan.
B+ Hero Lilly
“Our Lilly was born on 9/10/24 as a beautiful healthy 10lbs baby! She was full of life from the moment she arrived, radiating joy and bringing joy to all those around her.
At around 1.5 months we noticed a small bump on her head, we were told to monitor it and that it was more than likely a birth mark. Fast forward through the holiday season and the bump took over her entire forehead. We knew something was wrong. We were referred to John’s Hopkins All Children’s outpatient, and from there we’re told to immediately go to the ER.
In the ER, bloodwork confirmed our worst nightmare as parents of a 4 month old. Our baby was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Our world stopped and we have been living in the hospital since to start treatment on her immediately! As you can see, she is doing amazing and the bump is gone! But, this is a two year journey.
Because of the long diagnosis and my job as a teacher being dangerous, I immediately had to go on family medical leave and I will not return to work until after she is free of cancer. This is where B+ stepped in to help relieve some of the stress of the bills piling up! We will forever be thankful.”
UDance 2025
We have events on about 80 school campuses across the country, most on university campuses. The largest of our school-based events is at my alma mater, the University of Delaware. Our student partners at UD host the 3rd largest collegiate dance marathon in the country. Their goal this year is to raise over $2,000,000! Last night, I had the honor of speaking to 800-900 new sorority women at UD to introduce them to Andrew, The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, and UDance (www.udancede.org). I’m so proud of the Delaware students and ALL of the students who help us change the world for our families of kids with cancer. THANK YOU!
I will stay apolitical here, but we are in a very challenging time for childhood cancer research at the federal level. I will be heading to DC later this week. I’m scheduled to meet with all 3 members of the Delaware delegation and 3 members of the Mississippi delegation. We’ve got work to do. Wish me well.
Ali & Andrew’s Dad