Mon. April 4th
As I learn more (believe me, I’ve learned plenty…and it’s pretty ugly) about the inadequacy of childhood cancer funding, I want to keep you abreast of what I discover. While you may have read my rants about how unacceptable it is that our federal government allocates less than 4% of cancer research funding to childhood cancer research, I think the shared responsibility for this unconscionable situation lies largely at the feet of the recipients of this money – the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Shockingly, the leadership at NCI believes that childhood cancer research is appropriately funded. With 46 children diagnosed today, how could an adult truly believe this? In fairness to our elected leaders, if a Congressman calls over to the head of NCI and is told “we’re good” on childhood cancer funding, it’s hard to blame him/her for not pushing it. CureSearch has done a great job lobbying elected officials to further the advocacy of childhood cancer. It may be time to modify the strategy. More to come…
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I get really excited when I come across great groups helping in the battle against childhood cancers. The group that I want to introduce you to today is Patient AirLift Services (PALS). You may have heard of similar groups, but PALS offers free airline transportation for sick children and their families who need to get to their appointments/treatment far away from home. The pilots donate their planes and pick up the fuel costs themselves. PALS is predominantly in the Eastern U.S., but they have arrangements with similar organizations throughout the country. The patient families pay ZERO and they avoid the usual stress of flying in and out of congested (and germ-infested) large airports. Thank you, PALS, for what you do!
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Another ‘thank-you’ goes out to the NAPA Service Pros in New Castle Co (DE) and in Southeastern PA. Eight NAPA shops and the local NAPA parts distributor have teamed up to ‘adopt’ 8 B+ Hero families. The shops are providing a great deal of free car care for a year. I can attest to the fact that when you’re in the battle against childhood cancer, you’re really not thinking about car maintenance…until it’s too late. It’s one less thing our B+ Hero families have to worry about. Thanks guys!
Buckley’s Auto Care
B & D Automotive Inc
Durkee Automotive Inc
J V Auto Service Inc
Kirkwood Auto Center
Interstate Auto Electric Inc
Ponte’s Auto Care
Foxrun Auto
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REMEMBER – this coming Sunday, April 10th — “B+ Touch A Truck” at the Hockessin Police Athletic League from 10am-3pm. There will be over 2 dozen different kinds of trucks from fire trucks to an RV to police vehicles and much more. Admission for children is $5/ parents are free. All proceeds benefit The B+ Foundation.
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“Featured Family of the Week”
Damian is a 15 year old boy with leukemia. The only treatment for Damian’s disease is a bone marrow transplant. The good news is that Damian’s sibling is a perfect match for him. The bad news is that his hospital is not a transplant facility and the medical team is trying to find a transplant facility that can provide this procedure despite the family’s lack of insurance. He is periodically hospitalized for extended periods for chemo and related conditions. Additionally, when he is out-patient, he is seen in the clinic at least 3 days per week. Mom is unable to work due to her son’s treatment schedule. The family is currently trying to prevent eviction. Your B+ Foundation has helped Damian’s family stay in their home while their medical team searches for an appropriate transplant facility. One less thing for them to worry about…for a little while. Thank you!
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Thanks, Allstate, for inviting me to speak at your Malvern, PA offices today.
Live Like Andrew — make a difference in the world.
B+
Proud to be,
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad
