Oct 6 08
Happy 18th Birthday, Ali!!!
It’s hard to believe that my little girl is 18!!! Ali, your Mom, Andrew, and I are all so proud of you. As readers of this Journal, I think you’ve seen a little bit about what makes Ali so special. (I just love reading Ali’s Journal Updates!) But, there’s ten times more that you haven’t seen. We are so blessed! We love you, Ali!!!
(P.S. Ali made the DE voting registration cut-off by two days, so she is PUMPED up about voting in the election next month. She is very passionate about the election and I’m proud that she cares so much about it.)
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As Ali shared with you, Jeremy Wilson has gone to Heaven. Please keep Jeremy’s friends and family in your prayers. I’m sure the family would welcome your kind thoughts at: www.caringbridge.org/visit/jeremywilson
It also saddens me to report that Brendan Kizer, a 17 year old from Hawley, PA, has passed away as well. Please keep Brendan’s family in your prayers as well. Comments for Brendan’s family can be posted at: www.caringbridge.org/visit/brendankizer
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While I usually talk to you about kids, I want to ask for your prayers this time for a Mom. Her name is Deb and she is a 36 year old mother of two young children and she has advanced Lou Gehrigs’s disease. Please say a prayer for Deb and her kids.
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As you see from my updates above, it sometimes feels like we’re swimming upstream, but my friend (Denni) and I had the opportunity to visit the National Institutes of Health last Thursday and it was actually quite encouraging. We spoke with an incredibly bright and dedicated doctor, Dr. Thomas Walsh, about the research landscape. Dr. Walsh had consulted on Andrew’s care and is a brilliant and passionate advocate in the fight against pediatric cancer. As you know, one of the objectives of The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation is to fund research into pediatric cancers and improved chemotherapeutic medicines. I will keep you posted on how YOUR Foundation is doing on this front. Please pray that God will bless the researchers with wisdom and perseverance in this battle.
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Finally, I had a really nice visit with the “Hockessin Mom’s Club” last Thursday. The Club is running a “Touch a Truck” fundraiser in the spring and the B+ Foundation and the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation are the beneificiaries. It was an honor to meet Kari Kappes, Ryan’s Mom. Thank you, ladies, for allowing me to share some time with you and for your generosity.
Live Like Andrew - be comfortable with yourself.
B+
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad