Catching Up
I apologize for not being timely with my updates on www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough and www.BePositive.org. We've had plenty going on and hopefully you're also following Ali's updates on our B+ Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/TheAndrewMcDonoughBePositiveFoundation She does a much better job with her updates...and nice pictures too! :)
7 Years
Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone for the very kind messages on and around July 14th, the 7th anniversary since my son went to Heaven. You might think that it gets easier each year, and maybe it does for some people and that's fine, but for us, it's still very hard. On July 14th, we watched some old family videos and were able to smile and laugh at some of the memories of Ali and Andrew when they were younger. If you want to see Andrew hit a home run, Ali's posted it on FB. I miss those times.
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon
I know it may seem like we're always asking for something, and I'm sorry if that's the case. Rest assured, though, we're not asking for ourselves but for the cause. As you may know, Ali and I are running with the B+ Running Team in the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon in Orlando on Nov. 8th. Between us, we have only ever run two 5ks in our lives. :) But, yes, we've been training hard (at least for us) and we WILL run 13.1 miles at Disney in the middle of the night. (The race starts at 10pm.) Ali and I, like all of our team participants, commit to raising at least $2,600 for The B+ Foundation. (As background, there's about $1,000 in expenses - flight, hotel, race registration, etc.) so the Foundation nets about $1,600. If you'd like to support us -- any amount of money helps -- we'd appreciate it very much. The links are below.
Ali's page:https://www.beposfdn.org/disney2014/IndividualLanding.aspx?RegistrantID=168111
Joe's page:https://www.beposfdn.org/disney2014/IndividualLanding.aspx?RegistrantID=168062
Thank you VERY much for the support. Only 4 more months of training! :)
Great B+ Nation Events
Thanks to everyone at Delaware Today magazine for selecting The B+ Foundation as one of your two beneficiaries for the "Best of Delaware" party that was held on July 17th. It was a really great time and I know we generated a lot of awareness for the cause. I'll let you all know when I find out how much we will receive.
Last Sunday, I headed down to Dewey Beach and Lewes, DE for the Cape SUP Challenge organized by East of Maui Surf Shop. Alfred and the folks at East of Maui organize a 10 mile SUP (stand up paddleboard) ocean race and a 3 mile ocean race. The water was REALLY rough making it a tremendous challenge for the competitors.
This Saturday will be the Parrothead Bay Bash at the Riverview Restaurant in Pennsville, NJ. The local Jimmy Buffett fans will be getting together for their annual party and have selected The B+ Foundation as their charity beneficiary this year. Looking forward to this one...
Thank You Note
"I want to thank you for the incredible monetary support that you have provided us. We are overwhelmed and quite proud to accept such a gift. I adopted my son last September. He is a 12 year old special needs child out of foster care and me - a single mom and high school teacher. This past May, we were stunned with the discovery that he has osteosarcoma...He is having surgery this month to remove the tumor in his leg/knee and likely much or all of the leg as well. This young man who has already survived so very much, has taken on this new path with incredible bravery. He proves to be my hero more and more throughout this difficult summer.
We are truly grateful...your generous gift is appreciated wholeheartedly. We are a tough little team - the two of us- and with the support of groups like The B+ Foundation, we are blessed and encouraged towards a valiant fight and a positive outcome."
This note was signed by both Mom and son. Our prayers are with all of our B+ families in the fight.
Your generosity is helping so many deserving families. Thank you.
B+
Proud to be Ali & Andrew's Dad