June 10 08
There is something that I’ve wanted to share with you, and I now have the “green light”.
As you know, one of the objectives of The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation is to help fund advances in research. Assisting in research is not only trying to find a cure for pediatric cancers, but also developing advancements in chemotherapy (which could be translatable to adults. It frustrated me tremendously to know that we had to eradicate ALL of Andrew’s white cells in his chemo regimen - the good and the bad cells. We need our natural defense system - our white cells. Well, this has hit home with me again!
About 3-4 years ago, my brother-in-law (Dan) was diagnosed with Lymphoma. With a potent regimen (is there any other kind???) of chemo, he “beat” the Lymphoma. That is until he was readmitted to the hospital a couple of months ago. While I don’t have all the scientific terms, what basically happened is that one of the chemo drugs that he took to ‘beat’ the Lymphoma has caused a more serious blood cancer illness. Doctors know this can happen and patients sign releases understanding the risk. What choice do you have??? Dan has been in and out of the hospital on the roller coaster of this terrible illness. I wish you could all spend time with Dan. Andrew must be SO proud of his uncle. Dan epitomizes the “B+” attitude. I ask him how he’s doing and he responds “can’t complain”!!! He is an incredible role model for all of us!
Please keep Dan, my sister, and their kids in your prayers. We’re back in the hem/onc (hematology/oncology) world all too soon. This is just unbelievable.
Thank you very much and may God bless you.
Live Like Andrew (and Dan) - keep a positive attitude! :)
B+
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad (and Dan’s brother-in-law and friend!)
P.S. As you know, I occasionally mention various brave little warriors around the country who are fighting pediatric cancers. If I fail to mention a relative or friend of yours, please understand it is no slight. If you would specifically like me to mention your champion, just email me at joe@livelikeandrew.org and I’ll mention them on www.BePositive.org and www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough. Thanks.