March 6 08
For those of you who have followed our journey for a while, you will recall the important role that Kevin Kain played during our hospitalization. While we knew Kevin socially before going into the hospital, Kevin became like a member of our family during our time at A.I. duPont Hospital. Kevin is a wound care specialist and physical therapist by profession, but he is so much more. And, for us, he also became our sounding board and ‘jack of all trades’. I received the most incredible call from Kevin yesterday morning. Kevin’s wife, Theresa, gave birth to a healthy little boy and he was calling to ask permission to give their child the middle name of “Andrew”. How cool is that!!! He said that our Andrew had such an impact on their lives that they wanted to do this. I was just blown away!!! Kevin & Theresa, I hope you don’t mind me sharing this story…we’re just SO touched by your kindness. Andrew does live on!!! Kaleb Andrew Kain, welcome to the world --- Live Like Andrew. You’ve got an angel watching over you.
I am very honored to be the Confirmation Sponsor for two wonderful kids; my niece, Caroline, and my friend, Dylan. Caroline and Dylan are taking “Andrea” and “Andrew”, respectively, as their confirmation names. Hmmm, wonder where that came from! J Can you see me beaming through the computer?!! Tonight, we have rehearsal and Saturday morning is Confirmation with the Bishop. Andrew must be getting such a kick out of this!!!
We are humbled to report that we have been selected as a Jefferson Award for Public Service finalist for the State of Delaware. The Jefferson Awards is a national program that is run on a state-by-state basis. Ten nominees from each state are selected and one is chosen to represent their state at the national gala in Washington, DC. We thank Brother Ronald Giannone, Executive Director of the Ministry of Caring, for nominating us. We truly do not seek any recognition for us personally, but if the publicity generated for the Foundation can help our mission of helping families in need, then it is an acceptable means to an end. The awards luncheon for Delaware will be held April 23, 2008 at the DuPont Country Club; ironically, the Country Club is across the street from THE hospital.
This week, I had the honor of speaking to the Upper School of Chestnut Hill Academy (CHA) in Philadelphia. What an impressive place…mostly, because of the young men that attend. Whenever I speak, I always wonder ‘how many people (if any) have I connected with’? If I only connect with one, it’s well worth it. I have been blessed to have some really nice follow-up correspondence from a few of the CHA students. I know that it is hard for them to reach out to me, but it is so much appreciated. There are some really great young men at CHA, and I will keep them all in my prayers. I hope many of the CHA students will make a regular habit of visiting our websites and join in the “B+ Movement”. It’s your Foundation, folks. We are also appreciative of the generous donation that CHA has made to the Foundation. Thank you!
Well, in closing, Ali’s basketball team has one game left…the BIG GAME. Ursuline won their State Tournament Semi-Final game last night at the University of Delaware and will play for the state title on Friday night against their arch-rival, St. Elizabeth’s. They’re a great group of girls and the seniors will be missed. Have fun on Friday…especially to the Seniors – Ali, Elena, Erin, Kara, Karolena, Kayla, and Shannon. Soak it up and enjoy every minute.
I think I bored you enough for one day!!!
Live Like Andrew – Make Memories!
B+
God bless you.
Forever proud to be,
Andrew’s & Ali’s Dad