April 28 09

WOW…it’s been a busy week!  Sorry I haven’t updated in a little while.

Last Friday, we had a very successful “B+ FUN Raiser” at Barclay’s Bank.  Thank you to Barclays, all of our sponsors, and everyone who joined us.  A special thank you to Catherine and Andrew Koenig, Drew’s parents, who were our guest speakers.  I think everyone had a good time, a decent amount of money was raised, and most importantly, I think we touched a lot of people.

As you know from a few months ago, we announced that we had selected a recipient for our inaugural research grant.  On Friday, we went public with who that recipient is.  After a national search, we selected the Nemours Center for Childhood Cancer Research (NCCCR) to receive a $250,000 grant.  NCCCR is a new cancer research facility staffed by very experienced researchers from around the country.  It is housed in a facility across the street from A.I. duPont Hospital where Andrew was treated.  It’s proximity to us is merely coincidence as we conducted a national search as I mentioned above.  We will be helping to fund a ‘High Throughput Screening” (HTS) apparatus, a robot actually, which will be critical to accelerating the timetable of drug discovery in our quest to eradicate pediatric cancers or, at the very least, improve chemotherapeutic treatments so that kids have a better chance.

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On Sunday, we were honored to be a beneficiary of two exciting events.  The Hockessin Mom’s Club sponsored “Touch A Truck”.  What a beautiful day and what a crowd.  It was tremendously successful and we are very appreciative of being included in this great activity.

The second event was the 12 hour “UDance” dance marathon at the University of Delaware.  1,400 people participated and $23,000 was raised for The B+ Foundation and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.  It was very heartwarming seeing our young “B+ Heroes” go on stage and receive the applause from the students.  Thank you to Marc, Alicia, Matt, and all of the students involved in UDance.  We look forward to even bigger and better next year. 

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For those of you in the Delaware Valley, enjoy the heat wave.  It’s hard to believe that it’s 90 degrees in April.

Live Like Andrew - go out of your way to do something nice for someone today.

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

P.S.  Please visit https://www.signup82north.com/BPos2009/EventLandingPage.aspx to create a team for our June 18th B+ 5k Fighting Pediatric Cancer Run/Walk.