Sun. Apr. 15th
2nd Annual B+ College Classic Soccer Tournament
Unlike last year, we had INCREDIBLE weather yesterday for the 2nd Annual B+ College Classic. The fields were in incredible shape, there were no serious injuries, the competition was great, and I think that everyone had a great time. I want to thank all of the teams, particularly the USNA Women’s team, for going out of their way for our B+ Heroes. As you’ll see in the picture above, B+ Heroes, Sydney Lysinger and Aryn Strigle, sat on the Navy bench for one of their games.
Yesterday was a very bittersweet experience. As I spoke to the Mens teams prior to the first game, I explained why we were there – to increase awareness of childhood cancer and raise money for our battle. As I looked out at the young men, I couldn’t help but look at several guys who were teammates and close friends of Andrew’s. They now represent different teams, but it was a great homecoming looking at old FC Delco pictures and just catching up. And beyond Andrew’s close friends, there were numerous others who knew Andrew from playing against him. I couldn’t help but wonder what color jersey Andrew would be wearing this day. As I shared with the group, Andrew’s goal was to play soccer at Notre Dame, but I think that there’s a good chance that Andrew would be a Delaware Blue Hen. As close as Andrew and Ali are, I kind of think he would have chosen to go to the same college as his big sister and best friend.
Prior to the Womens games, I had the honor of introducing of Bart Stevens, Amy’s Dad. The Women’s bracket is called “The Amy Stevens Bracket” in honor of Andrew’s friend and stand0ut athlete who died tragically in a car accident in Oct. 2010 at the age of 16.
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B+ Heroes 200 Presented by BCKSTGR
As you will see in the newspaper article link below, the 4th race of the Contintental Sport Car Challenge Series will once again carry our name. The race will be called the
“B+ Heroes 200 Presented by BCKSTGR”. Because of the generosity of BCKSTGR and Al Carter, we will gain tremendous amount of exposure from this race and, thankfully, we will not pay one penny.
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012204110332
The B+ Heroes 200 Presented by BCKSTGR will be held in Millville, NJ on Sat. May 12th.
Don’t know what BCKSTGR is? You will soon. It’s an exciting new company that is launching very soon. Check out their website at:
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Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Survey
Our friends at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation have embarked upon a really interesting longitudinal study of families who have or are battling childhood cancers. If you are one such family, or know someone who is, please share this link with them. The survey will look at family history, the health history of the child, demographics (things that are never asked during diagnosis and treatment like occupations of parents, where the family was living when the child was born not just when they were diagnosed), as well as the impact on the child and family economically, psychologically, etc. The potential for such a robust survey is very significant.
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B+ Running Team
Think of the feeling of accomplishment that you would get crossing the finish line of a Marathon or Half Marathon.
And, to make it even sweeter, you just helped us get closer to curing childhood cancer in the process.
Check out www.BePositive.org/Marathon to see how we can help you make this a reality. This isn’t just for people that live in DE/PA/NJ/MD. Regardless of where you live in the US, you can join our team. We’ll still pay for your travel to The Hamptons (NY) and cover MANY other expenses….including the services of a personal running coach. Check out the link and then join our team. Contact me with any questions (Joe@LiveLikeAndrew.org).
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Ali
Since many of you have seen this on Facebook and have asked questions about my girl, Ali, here’s the story. After a visit to her primary care doctor, neurologist, and 2 CT scans, Ali has been diagnosed with a concussion but she’s doing well.
How did this happen? Well, it’s actually a good story (if there is such a thing). We took a Spring Break vacation three weeks ago to Costa Rica and, while surfing, the board hit Ali in the head. Additionally, one of the fins hit her below her left eye and created a nice little gash. She’s been dealing with daily headaches, but the neurologist said to expect this.
How do you tell a 21 year old that they can’t text, send emails, go on the compter, watch tv, read, exercise, etc. After some cheating, she’s slowly regaining those privileges after getting the ‘green light’ from the neurologist.
I have to say that while sitting in the waiting room during her CT scans, I flashed back to 5 years ago when we sat in waiting rooms many, many times while Andrew had CTs and MRIs done on his brain and other parts of his body. I’m SO glad that, relatively speaking, this is pretty minor and Ali is doing well.
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Live today like the gift that it is.
B+
Ali & Andrew’s Dad
www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough