April 23 08
Today, Chris, Ali, & I were honored to be recognized at a luncheon as Delaware finalists for the Jefferson Award for Public Service. It was very emotional. It was also very humbling to be in the company of the incredible, other finalists. We were not chosen as the winner to represent Delaware in Washington, DC but that’s OK. Delaware is going to be represented well by an incredible woman who has gone above and beyond to serve the needs of Delaware’s homeless. We are grateful to Brother Ronald for nominating us and bringing exposure to The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation.
Thank you very much for all of our friends who joined us at the luncheon to show their support, especially our family, Salesianum School, Ursuline Academy, Tower Hill School, the Blood Bank of Delmarva, the Waltons, and the Drydens.
~~~~~~~~~~
In case anyone has tried to reach me via my joe@livelikeandrew.org email address, I apologize. It’s acting up again. Please use joemcdonough101@comcast.net for the next few days until we can fix things.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Andrew’s cousin, Kalyn, is a senior lacrosse player at Unionville (PA) High School and was recently named Scholar Athlete of the Week by phillylacrosse.com. I’ve copied part of the article which speaks to the impact that Andrew has had on his cousin. Andrew and Kalyn were very close…and still are!
“…Come next September, however, McDonough will be heading to the University of Richmond for lacrosse (instead of football) while pursuing a career in physical therapy.
Again, it’s all about family.
Inspiring her career path is McDonough’s 14 year-old cousin, Andrew McDonough, who passed away in the summer of 2007 following a diagnosis of leukemia two days after he led his FC Delco soccer squad to an Indoor State Cup title. While admitted to the hospital, Andrew received care and support from the physical therapists, and Kalyn saw firsthand, “what a difference they made.”
“He was a great kid,” says McDonough of her cousin, who she warmly describes as, “funny, awesome, charismatic, and athletic.” McDonough tries to take the “magic” of Andrew, well-known for playing with “the heart of a champion,” to the lacrosse field.
According to Indians lacrosse coach Wendy Landry, the gracious and humble McDonough is more than successful.
“She has a take charge presence on the field and has been an impact player both offensively and defensively for us,” she said. “She is a valuable leader on and off the field.”
Not only a model of motivation for his cousin Kalyn, Andrew’s spirit became a source of inspiration for the Unionville lacrosse squad as they sport “Play Like Andrew” bands this season.
Off to a 5-3 start, McDonough anticipates a strong finish for a close-knit team consisting mainly of seniors and sophomores.
“I wouldn’t achieve any honors without my team,” said McDonough. “They’re great. It’s a lot of fun playing with your friends and people you like.”
Whatever the direction of the season, McDonough can always count on the presence of family - especially that of her role model, Andrew.
“I try to have fun when I‘m playing,” she said. “I just remember that he is always there with me.””
~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope everyone is gearing up for the 2nd Annual B+ Foundation 5k Run/Walk on Thursday, June 19th. Registration starts at 5:00pm; the running and walking begins at 6:45pm. Pre-registration will start soon. Get your team together and start raising money for a good cause. Or, just pay the entry fee and join us. For those of you not in the DE area, we hope you will join us by supporting one of the many teams. Thanks.
If you know a family of a critically ill child who could use financial support, please have them contact me at joemcdonough101@comcast.net.
Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. Andrew LIVES!!!
Live Like Andrew – SMILE!
B+
Proud to be,
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad