May 4 08
Today, we attended a party where a local high school, Brandywine HS, unveiled their 2008 Yearbook. There was a page dedicated to Andrew. We were so touched! Andrew didn’t attend BHS, but many of the kids there knew him. Thank you Editor-in-Chief Molly Johnson, advisor Mr. Rick Shea, and all of the kids who were involved in putting the yearbook together. You did a GREAT job!
Last night, I had the PRIVILEGE of dropping in on a fund-raiser for Erin Brennan. As you know, Erin is a brave young lady who has been battling a brain tumor at A.I. duPont Hospital here in Delaware. (www.caringbridge.org/visit/erinbrennan) . It was really nice to have a few minutes to speak with Erin’s family. I feel like I have so much in common with them. Erin, when you get older and realize how much your family has done for you, you’re going to be as proud of them as they are of you!
Before heading to Erin’s fundraiser, Chris, Ali, and I (oh yeah, and our puppy Champ) walked in the Kelly Heinz-Grundner Brain Tumor Foundation walk on the Wilmington Riverfront. We have a very personal connection to this organization. Our friend, Eileen Jule, passed away after battling a brain tumor as did my friend Chris Grundner’s wife, Kelly. Chris is an amazing guy who has answered God’s calling and is on a mission to increase awareness about brain tumors. It was an amazingly successful walk. Great job, Chris. More information on Chris’ ogranization can be found at: www.khgfoundation.com.
Please keep Mrs. DiNardo and Mrs. DiSabatino and their families in your prayers. These two sisters were tragically killed in a car accident last week. While I don’t know the DiSabatino family, we have many connections to the DiNardo family. Two of Mrs. DiNardo’s sons, Bill and Mark, and their families have been so good to us over the past year. I don’t think I ever shared this story with you. Last year, the DiNardos were taking a family trip to New York. Ali’s friend, Deana, and her Mom, Sheila DiNardo, invited her to join them. This was while we were in the hospital. Ali really needed this trip. They had so many funny stories. I’ll never forget looking out the window of the PICU as the rented shuttle bus pulled up to the hospital to drop Ali off. Ali told me that Mrs. DiNardo was on this trip with them. We were so touched that they would include Ali on their family trip. And, for those of you who attended the Celebration of Andrew’s life, the beautiful voice that you heard from the young lady in the “For Good” duet was Mrs. DiNardo’s granddaughter. May God bless the DiNardo and DiSabatino families.
Let’s MAKE it a great week!
Live Like Andrew - do something nice for somebody.
B+
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad