May 8 09
This photo came across my screen the other day and I thought I’d share it with you. This picture was taken when Andrew was 9. Watching Andrew water skiing was the funniest thing because he was pretty reckless but he rarely went down. Just when you thought he was going to wipe out, he’d re-gain his balance with a HUGE smile on his face. My brother said that Andrew looked like a circus clown skiing.
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Seventeen years ago today, my Dad went to Heaven. Dad, I love you and miss you so much. I know you’re taking good care of Andrew. My Dad passed away four months before Andrew was born.
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As you know, I usually write about some of the neat kids that I have had the honor to meet. Today, I would like to talk about 2 men. As background, for whatever reason, my Caringbridge updates on many of the people that I follow mysteriously stopped. So, you can imagine that, while reading the newspaper, I was shocked and saddened to see that my two new friends, Rocky Tharpe and Steve Romeo, had both passed away. I met Rocky through Caringbridge and I had the honor of getting together with him for lunch one day. He was battling lung cancer (and wasn’t a smoker) and just loved talking about his daughter. We had a great lunch and occasionally corresponded via email. Feighanne, it was my privilege to meet your Dad. It was obvious how much he loved you.
The other gentleman that I got to know was Steve Romeo. I met Steve in his hospital room and spoke with him a few times on the phone. I really enjoyed meeting Steve in the hospital. I felt a real connection with Steve. You know, it’s not always how long you’ve known someone that determines the bond that you have. It was obvious that Steve, too, was a great Dad. You could tell that Steve knew how sick he was but his only concern was for his wife, Mo, and their kids. To the Romeo family, I mean this very sincerely when I say that it was my honor to meet Steve. I am a better person for knowing him.
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As you know, we’re gearing up for our 3rd Annual B+ 5k Fighting Pediatric Cancer on June 18th at Salesianum School in Wilmington. I had the pleasure of taping a segment this week for Channel 6 (Philadelphia ABC affiliate) that deals with our Foundation and the 5k. I’m hoping this will generate additional interest in our mission. The show, “Perspectives Delaware”, will air on May 30th.
Create a team or sign up as an individual. Or if you can’t make it, please support an existing team or create a “virtual” team for those of you not in the Delaware area. We want to see teams for every school, office, neighborhood, sports team, hero fighting cancer, angels, you name it. It’s going to be a lot of fun.
https://www.signup82north.com/BPos2009/EventLandingPage.aspx
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Congratulations to Paul Eisenberg, Mika Maloney, and everyone at the Great Guy Group for a very successful fund-raising dinner this week. The Great Guy Group and The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation often work together in helping families in crisis.
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Hey Curly, please watch over us, give us strength, and help us to live like you!
Make it a great weekend!
B+
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad
P.S. Please take a minute and visit our newest B+ Hero, Aryn. I never cease to be amazed at the bravery of children. Let her know that the B+ Nation is praying for her.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/arynelizabethstrigle