Historic Childhood Cancer News!
The STAR Act is Signed into Law!!!
Yesterday, the STAR Act, the most comprehensive piece of childhood cancer legislation ever introduced in the United States Congress, was signed into law! STAR stands for Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research. There is still much work to be done, though, as we now need to work hard to ensure that the appropriation ($) comes through to fund this legislation.
There are so many people to thank for their hard work on this. This legislation was spearheaded by the Alliance for Childhood Cancer, of which The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation is a Full Member. Danielle Leach and Kevin Mathis deserve a ton of credit as the passage of this bill was their all-consuming focus for the last few years. So many childhood cancer organizations, families of kids with cancer, and good-hearted people who, thankfully, have never been touched by childhood cancer, all rallied behind the cause. My special thanks to all of the B+ Hero families who joined me over the years in DC as we walked the halls of Congress.
I would also like to tip my hat to two of the many elected officials who came together in a bipartisan fashion (unheard of, right?) to make this happen. First, the ultimate crusader for kids with cancer, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX). I can't say enough about Congressman McCaul's tireless support of the STAR Act and many of our other initiatives. On the Senate side, thanks go out to Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI)! Pictured below is Dr. Peter Adamson, Head of the Children's Oncology Group and Member of The B+ Foundation Scientific Advisory Board on the left and Rep. McCaul in the center.
12th Annual B+ 5k Run/Walk
TWO weeks from today, we will gather for the 12th Annual B+ 5k Run/Walk at Andrew's alma mater, Salesianum School in Wilmington, DE. PLEASE register today using this link. Creating a team, joining a team, or signing up as an individual is quick and easy. If you're not from this area, you can still participate. Join "Andrew's Angels" team and be a virtual participant. Run or walk on Wed. June 20th in your hometown or wherever you're going to be.
We always look forward to this event because it's special for so many reasons. It's Andrew's school, so it means a lot to us. We honor our B+ Heroes and siblings and keep the focus on where it should be (versus the time that you ran). And, you get to catch up with a lot of friends, neighbors, and co-workers and eat a ton of free food. What could be better?
So, please join us in person or virtually.
Thanks.
Ali & Andrew's Proud Dad