Dec 12 09

Thank you to everyone who voted for us in the Chase Facebook contest.  I apologize for any issues that you had accessing the page.  I think the site was pounded with heavy activity over the past few days and they ran into some issues.  As a result, they have extended the voting until midnight tonight.  I’ll let you know when I hear the results.

~~~~~~~

Happy Hanukkah to all of our Jewish friends!

~~~~~~~

Six year old David Pic organized fundraising activities in honor of Jack Langseder, a young man who recently went to Heaven.  Last night, David held a Family Game Night at St. Mary of the Assumption Church Hall.  Would you believe that this six year old raised approximately $1,500 for The B+ Foundation in honor of Jack.  This is incredible!  This is why we say that OUR Foundation is all about “kids helping kids fight cancer”.  Thank you, David, you’re an amazing young man!

~~~~~~~~

Kudos to Jake Goorland who decorated a Christmas tree with a B+ theme for the St. Edmond’s Festival of Trees.  We really enjoyed the photos and appreciate your help in spreading the B+ message.  Jake is one of our most dedicated volunteers.

~~~~~~~

I would like to ask you for prayers for two families from Carlsbad, CA.  My niece, Danielle, has shared with us that two classmates at Carlsbad HS have been battling cancer.  Unfortunately, one of them, Chase Quartarone, just recently passed away.  Please pray for his family…I’m sure they could use your prayers.  And, please also pray for Danielle’s friend, Sam Reiser, who is battling lymphoma.  God bless the Quartarones and Reisers.

~~~~~~~~

This economy is straining so many worthy non-profit organizations across the country.  Our friend, Gerri, has informed me that, for the first time since 1963, the St. John’s Hospice in Center City Philadelphia is desperately begging the community for support.  Hospice workers are a special breed and really deserve a lot of credit for the support that they provide to families in the excruciatingly difficult, end-of-life period.  If you are so inclined to support this organization, I have listed their address below.  Thank you!

St. John’s Hospice

1221 Race Street

Philadelphia, PA  19107

~~~~~~~~

In the category of “Young People are Amazing”, I’d like to recognize and thank Stacie Polite from Hodgson Vo-Tech School.  In honor of Noxah Palomo, a B+ Hero battling AML (leukemia), Stacie organized a bone marrow drive at her school last week.  I had the privilege of stopping by Hodgson and meeting Stacie and some of her friends.  Beyond the money she raised and the people she registered, Stacie did a great job educating her fellow students on the challenges that are out there for others.  You are a very kind and generous person, Stacie.  Thank you!

~~~~~~~~

Thank you, also, to Robyn Bilmes and the folks at Astra Zeneca who invited me to join them on Tuesday to give them a patient family’s perspective.  I had the honor of speaking to a group of people who are involved in oncology medicines and I think it’s important for them to see the face of families going through the battle.  It also gave me the opportunity to thank them for what they do for families with cancer.  And, I also made a little plug for more research into childhood cancer medicines! 

~~~~~~~~~

Well, here in Delaware, it’s starting to feel like Winter.  Whether it’s cold, rainy, snowy, whatever, try to enjoy each day.  Make the most of today.  Be the agent of change that you want to be.   Make a difference in someone’s life.

Live Like Andrew - Faith, Family, & Friends!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.BePositive.org