Fri. June 3rd

“Featured Family of the Week”

Can you imagine watching your child in a life-and-death battle, and if that’s not bad enough, your insurance company refuses to cover critically necessary medicine?

Alexa is a 6 yr old girl from MA who is being treated at one of the finest children’s hospitals in the country.  That’s the good news.  The bad news is that Alexa has an extremely rare type of brain tumor and her prognosis is very poor.  One of the side effects of her brain tumor is that she experiences frequent seizures.  Shockingly, the medicine prescribed to help minimize these seizures is not covered by their insurance company.  Because of the complexity of Alexa’s health situation, Mom has stopped working and is taking care of her daughter full-time.  Dad is working full-time, but his income is modest.  Needless to say, these parents are doing whatever it takes to keep Alexa on her medicine…even if it means falling behind on their other bills.  The family has asked The B+ Foundation for a $700 grant to pay for a few months of seizure medicine.  It didn’t take us long to approve this request.  It’s weird having so many different emotions at the same time — anger, sadness, and some small feeling of – I don’t know what – relief? – knowing that we’re able to help a little.

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The “boys” (B+ race car drivers Al & Hugh) made another hospital visit this week prior to Friday night’s Watkins Glen race.  They visited a children’s hospital in Rochester, NY.  I’m so impressed by Al & Hugh’s willingness to drive an hour or more, and pull themselves away from the track, to visit the kids.  Their competitors are probably at the track practicing things and prepping for the race, but our guys put that on the back burner to visit the kids!!!  Please see below for a nice note from one of the Social Workers at the hospital.  This is what it’s all about!

The highlight for me was when Al, Hugh, and I were leaving the outpatient treatment center to head over to the inpatient side. The timing could not have been better. Our newest Hodgkin Lymphoma patient had just walked in with her mom and little sister. I noticed how humble Al was about sharing his story so before he even had the chance I shared it for him. This young lady’s face lit up when she heard that Al too had Hodgkin’s. Mom immediately wanted to know how long ago. When Al told her he had been in remission for 14 years a huge smile and look of relief came over mom’s face. Of course, we both know there is no telling where this new patient’s journey will end, but for that moment a huge amount of hope was instilled. The message that there is life after treatment and even a life as exciting as race car driving is a powerful message for patients to receive!

So, thank you again-yesterday was a real treat for patients and staff alike. 🙂

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Don’t forget – the BEST 5k Run/Walk in Delaware is coming up on Thurs. June 16th at Salesianum.  Registration begins at 5pm and the Run/Walk starts at 6:45pm.  You don’t want to wait to sign up on the 16th, though, because it’s a crazy scene.  Sign up now – it’s easier and less expensive.  There will be free pizza, Chik-Fil-A sandwiches, Johnny’s hot dogs, Marini produce, soft pretzels courtesy of Tile Market, and much more.  Thank you to our primary sponsors, Horizon Services and M&T Bank, for your support.

Sign up now and send the solicitation email (available on the linked website below) to EVERYONE in your address book.  Come on, you know you send out a lot of less important crazy emails.  Send this one and ask for people’s support of our mission to fight childhood cancer.  Even if it doesn’t move your family and friends to donate, that’s fine.  You helped us spread the awareness by sending out the emails.  Thanks.

https://www.elleevance.com/BPos2011/EventLandingPage.aspx

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Make the weekend count — it’s totally up to you.

Live Like Andrew — live each minute like it’s your last!

B+

Ali and Andrew’s Dad

www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

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Wed. June 1st