Sat. Jan. 29th
FROM ALI:
“1/29/2007, we were thrown into the world of childhood cancer. Andrew was diagnosed with Leukemia (AML), his body went into Septic Shock & his heart stopped. We were told he wouldn’t live thru the night. 4 years ago today was the first time I saw doctors do chest compressions, & it was on my little brother. Today, remember Andrew. Tell someone your favorite memory of him or an “Andrew Story” that makes you smile.”
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January 29, 2007 is a day that literally turns my stomach. How can we, as the best country in the world, turn our backs on childhood cancer. How can we allow only 3% of our federal cancer research funding to support all 12 major types (and many minor types) of childhood cancer – combined?
Over the past week, we took a small – but important – step in our fight against childhood cancer. Thanks to Congressman John Carney’s State of the Union invitation to me, we received a tremendous amount of publicity about our mission.
Tuesday evening was an amazing and bittersweet evening. Never did I think that I would be invited to attend the State of the Union (SOTU) Address. But, I know that if Andrew was sitting beside me healthy, I would not have received this invitation. The day started with me arriving at John’s office and then the two of us heading over to the Capitol for a reception in the office of House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi. Ms. Pelosi could not have been more gracious and sincerely interested in hearing the story about Andrew. She insisted upon taking me over to meet to meet a few other guests, three being Rep. Gabbi Giffords’s doctors and nurse from Univ Medical Center in Tucson, where I was last month visiting with B+ Heroes and meeting with student leaders for our upcoming Univ of Arizona B+ dance marathon. (In the category of ‘small world’, Rep. Gifford’s doctor, Dr. Lemole, is the son of a prominent doctor from here in Delaware.) I also had the opportunity to speak with numerous other Congressmen from across the country. I not only shared the story about Andrew, but shared my opinion on the inadequate funding level for childhood cancer research.
I then went to the House Chamber and through yet another metal detector. Security, as you can imagine, was insane. Unfortunately, cameras were not allowed in the Chamber. When the various guests were introduced to the Speaker – the Vice President, the Senators, the Supreme Court Justices, the Cabinet, and finally, The President of the United States, the Members and assembled guests rose to their feet in applause. The First Lady wasn’t introduced, but she too received a standing ovation. I don’t care what your party affiliation is, it is truly an awesome event to attend. Several of you suggested that I throw some B+ shirts down to the President and folks on the floor, but I didn’t really feel like spending the night in jail. 🙂 Yes, it would have been publicity for our battle against childhood cancer!
Following the Address, we had to remain in the Chamber while the President left. Once he left, I went down one floor to meet up with Congressman Carney for the mob scene press event. As I was going down the stairs, the Secret Service made us stop. I wasn’t sure why since I thought the President had left. Obviously not. A few seconds later, President Obama rounds the corner. It was a nice surprise. I was pretty close to him, but unfortunately, not close enough to talk to him about childhood cancer.
At the press event, I had the privilege of meeting longtime Representative, civil rights leader, and friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Rep. John Lewis of GA. He, too, seemed genuinely touched by Andrew’s story and asked if he could keep the B+ card that I gave him. (Needless to say, I’ll give him 100 if he wants them!)
On the downside, for those of you who watched the President’s Address, not one word was spoken about childhood cancer. I realize that there are SO many competiting priorities, but that is not going to dissuade us. Little by little, news story by news story, elected official by elected official, we will soldier on. Thank you, again, to Congressman John Carney for giving us this platform. You are truly one of the ‘good guys’!
Finally, many people have asked me about the up/down/up/down/etc of the standing ovations at the State of the Union. It was kind of funny – I was feeling guilty for not getting to the gym on Tuesday…I shouldn’t have felt guilty. I burned off more calories at the SOTU. I think this might become the new aerobic rage. I have to admit that I had an unfair advantage over others being a Catholic. We’re used to the up, down, and kneel! A couple of times during the Address, I forgot where I was and I knelt! 🙂 (just kidding)
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After getting home at about 2:30am from the SOTU, I grabbed about 3 hours of sleep and then headed to the airport for the debut of The B+ Racing Team in Daytona, FL. The true highlight of this trip was our visit Wednesday night at “Give Kids The World” village, a place where children and their families stay in Kissimmee, FL when enjoying their “Make-A-Wish” trip to Disney, Universal, Sea World, etc. I will tell you all about our visit in my next Journal Update as it was so important, I don’t want it to get lost in all of my other, lengthy ramblings today.
So, how did we do at the track? Check out the press release below.
TOP FIVE RESULT AT DAYTONA FOR AL CARTER
AND HUGH PLUMB AND THE B+ FOUNDATION!
Al Carter and Hugh Plumb, co-driving the #45 B+ Racing Fall-Line BMW, finished fifth today in the first round of the 2011 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge at Daytona International Speedway in Florida.
Al Carter and Hugh Plumb had a fast car all week and Al Carter qualified 2nd yesterday. Unfortunately, his time was disallowed after a tech inspection, for a small problem that really did not affect the car’s performance in qualifying. This morning Al proved again that his car was fast when he ended 2nd in the final practice session.
“I am very excited with this result,” announced Al Carter “I am so happy to give this first top-five finish to Joe McDonough and his Be Positive Foundation. What a great way to start the season with a new sponsor. I went from last in the GS class to second during my stint. My car was fantastic and I want to thank Fall-Line Motorsports for preparing this great BMW” added Carter.
Hugh Plumb had to battle hard with his teammate Charles Espenlaub at the end of the race but Plumb crossed the finish line in fifth place.
“I gave everything I had to pass Charles in the last laps,” said Hugh Plumb after the race. “I am so proud of my co-driver, Al Carter. He was amazing today. He went from last to second in less than 45 minutes! I am pleased to finish in fifth place. This is a great result for The Be Positive Foundation. I think we are going to have a great season, and I am already looking forward to Homestead in six weeks” added Plumb.
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Because of the length of today’s update, I will hold off sharing with you our “Featured Family of the Week” until my next update.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Live Like Andrew — MAKE SOME MEMORIES! No one or no disease can take those from you.
B+
Proud to be,
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad