Nov 7 09
I have asked some of our B+ Heroes for their personal perspectives on the battle with cancer. I just think we need to hear from the brave ones that are going through these battles. I am so appreciative to receive permission to print their thoughts. Thank you, Sydney Lysinger (www.caringbridge.org/visit/sydneylysinger), for sharing your insights in tonight’s posting. You are so brave and inspire us more than you’ll ever know. God bless you!
“I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in July of 2008. When I started my freshman year of high school, I had been through two cycles of chemo and already lost my hair. Freshman year can be tough. Most of us are going to a new school and meeting lots of new people and hoping to make new friends. Try to imagine doing this with no hair and unable to be at school for most of the first four months. Most of the people at school were pretty nice but I didn’t really know anyone and I felt alone. In the first few weeks (on the few occasions I was able to attend) another student made fun of the hat I wore everyday to school. It hurt my feelings but it also made me really mad. I really didn’t need someone picking on me while I was trying to fight this disease and try to fit in at school. It only happened one more time after that, but it hit me hard and broke me down inside. I didn’t feel welcome at this new school and that was very difficult. I had been looking forward to attending this school for over a year. Everything I was going through was huge – sometimes I thought it was too huge to handle. I often wonder if that student had any idea of what I was going through or what my family was going through. I still wonder why anyone would choose to be mean to someone going through something so horrible.
The one good part about having cancer was and is the people I have met and how it brought the people I love closer to me. I had the privilege to meet Joe, Chris and Ali McDonough, Savannah Pauley, Lara Philips, and so many other amazing people. My family and close friends were there for me. But even people I didn’t feel that close to – reached out and showed their support. All of these things made me happy even though I was very sick and very scared. My friends and family and the great people I met are the best things in my life. I am thankful for them helping me through my journey and beating this disease.”
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I’ve got to tell you about the surprise that I had yesterday. Ali had a busy week with a few exams and a presentation and surprised me by coming home and kidnapping me for a ‘road trip’. I had NO idea where we were going. I just got into the car with her and she told me which way to go…it was a little hairy at times with Ali trying to make sense of the mapquest directions! :) (i.e. like the time that I almost took out a few cones on the road because she told me to turn at the last minute!!!)
To make a long story short, one of the shows that Ali and I watch together is “Cake Boss” (on TLC) about a family-run bakery in Hoboken, NJ. It’s a pretty funny show and they make some amazing looking cakes. We've always said that we wanted to see if it tasted as good as it looks, so yesterday afternoon, we visited “Carlo’s Bake Shop” in Hoboken, NJ, home of “Cake Boss”. It took us about 2 hours or so to get there. After taking some pictures (Ali got to have her picture taken [above] with Mary, the sister of the "Cake Boss," Buddy) and wolfing down a cannoli and eclair, we then headed into Manhattan for dinner. Ali LOVES NYC! She spent a lot of time in the city when she was a toddler, but of course, she doesn’t remember it. Maybe it’s subconscious…. We met up with my nephew, Ryan, who goes to school in the city and had a nice dinner and then headed home to Wilmington. It was a blast! Ali and I had a great time and I was touched that she wanted to do this with ME! I’m a lucky Dad! (BTW, I later found out that Chris was in on the plan the whole time. Ali had been asking her for advice for the trip, if I had anything on my calendar, etc. Chris wasn't able to join us because she had a Book Club meeting...Next time!!)
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Last Tuesday, The B+ Foundation was privileged to be the beneficiary of a high school soccer game between Archmere Academy and Dover HS. Both teams wore B+ shirts as their game jerseys, B+ gear was sold, and Andrew’s best friend, Marco DiPrinzio, and I got a chance to address the crowd before the game. Our most heartfelt thanks to Dover Coach Paul Booton, Archmere Coach Bob Bussierre, and all the players and families.
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Please keep Molly Anderson, one of our B+ Heroes, in your prayers as she is also battling H1N1. (www.caringbridge.org/visit/mollyanderson)
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As a reminder, as many corporate United Way campaigns are kicking in, we appreciate you considering The B+ Foundation in your giving plans. Our United Way numbers are as follows:
United Way of DE — 11776
United Way of Southeastern PA — 47481
To date, we have provided financial assistance to 160 families in 26 states. We have distributed $250,000 in research assistance and $141,000 in Family Assistance Program aid. We thank you for your generosity. We ARE making a difference and we definitely couldn't do it without you!
Live Like Andrew - “Be who you are, and be that well!” (St. Francis de Sales)
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Ali’s & Andrew’s Proud Dad
www.BePositive.org