July 26 10
The B+ Heroes never cease to amaze me!
In spite of the pain and challenges that she endures, Rina Goldberg (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rinag) has worked with students from Philadelphia University to design adaptive clothing for kids battling critical illnesses. As you’ll see on her site, she designed the shirt so that it can accomodate her various lines and other life-saving devices. You don’t think about these kinds of challenges until you’re in the hospital. Bravo, Rina!
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As some of you may know, B+ Hero, Alex Blythe (Mr. AB+), has experienced a recurrence of his osteosarcoma. AB+ recently returned from his Make-a-Wish trip to Greece and had surgery last week. It’s so cruel that Alex has to beat this beast AGAIN. AB+ is one tough kid…don’t ever give up the fight, pal. Alex is a fighter and a real wise guy (I say that as a great compliment). Just read today’s Journal Update on his site and you’ll get a good laugh.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexblythe
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Alexa Brown was an incredibly brave young lady from Toledo, OH who passed away last year. Like many of us, the Brown Family is on a mission to raise awareness (and government funding) of and for these terrible childhood cancers. I’ve attached a link below where you can watch the first part of a two-part series that a Toledo station put together on the Brown family and their little Hero. It’s quite moving. Believe me, it’s worth your time.
http://www.wtol.com/global/story.asp?s=12870236
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Another family on a mission is the Langseder family. Jack Langseder passed away Oct 6, 2009 of Ewing’s Sarcoma. Jack lived in Hockessin, DE and his family rallied to field the #1 fundraising team in our June 17th B+ 5k. The Langseders have started the Jack Langseder ForeverStrong Foundation to support research into Ewing’s Sarcoma. The ForeverStrong (”4evr Strong”) Foundation will be holding a 5k Run on Sun Sept 26th at 9am at Rockford Park. Please join us (”Andrew’s Angels” Team) by clicking on the link below.
https://www.elleevance.com/Jacks5K2010/EventLandingPage.aspx
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Finally, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the family and friends of John Schwind for allowing us to be a part of their “2nd Annual John Schwind Memorial Golf Tournament”. John is a father, husband, grandfather, friend to many, and Wilmington Police Officer who passed away in 2008 following his own battle with lung cancer. As with last year’s event, The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation was the beneficiary of this year’s outing. What a great way to honor John’s life. Thank you very much!
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Please keep all of the B+ Heroes, near and far, in your prayers. Until you go through this, you can’t imagine the hell. I pray that you don’t ever experience it. Unfortunately, there are thousands of families, in our country alone, who are facing the biggest battles imaginable - for the life of their child. Please feel good knowing that because of your support of The B+ Foundation, 350 families of critically ill children across the country have received a total of $300,000 in assistance!!! And, that doesn’t count the $250,000 in research money that we’ve given out. Thank you for helping us in this fight. We’ve got a lot more to do.
God bless you.
Live Like Andrew — let your loved ones know how much they mean to you.
B+
Forever proud to be,
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad