Sun. Feb. 9th
B+ in Israel
A couple of weeks ago, Chris, Ali and I made a pilgrimage of sorts to the Holy Land. Regardless of your faith, the places you visit in Israel are just overwhelming. We stood in the holy sites where Christians believe Jesus was born and where he was crucified, died and rose from the dead. We stood at the Western Wall during Shabbat and atop Masada overlooking the Dead Sea (see photo). And we walked alongside the Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa Mosque. It is a tremendously moving place from both an historical as well as spiritual perspective.
And, as is customary, we placed prayers in the Western Wall. Needless to say, all affected by childhood cancer — the kids, the siblings, the families, the caregivers, the researchers, our supporters — all were included in our prayers.
And, how crazy is this? While walking through the Old City section of Jerusalem, Ali bumped into friends from the University of Delaware!!!
Please remember to send us your photos wearing B+ gear so that we can include it in our “B+ Sightings” on the website.
We Must Stem the Tide
Each week, we meet (virtually or in person) more children and family who have been forced to enter the world of childhood cancer. This past week, the similarities to Andrew were especially eerie for me. I ask you to pray for Mason Abate, a 14 year old freshman at nearby Malvern Prep in Malvern, PA. Mason has been diagnosed with leukemia (AML) and is being treated at a fantastic hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Mason’s big sister is keeping the world updated on Mason’s progress through her blog .
Fabulous Fifties Mom Prom
Last year, the Real Charitable Housewives of Delaware (RCHD) organized an ’80’s Mom Prom to benefit The B+ Foundation. It was an all-ladies event and it was wildly successful. I did get the opportunity to crash it to say a few words and the outfits were pretty incredible. Following up on that smashing success, the RCHD is hosting the “Fabulous Fifties Mom Prom” on Sat. April 27th in New Castle, DE. Last year’s event sold out very early so don’t delay. Order your tickets today. Thank you, Jill Fella, and all of the Real Charitable Housewives of Delaware.
Notre Dame
Ali and I traveled to South Bend, IN this past week to give 7 talks to various student groups about The B+ Foundation and bringing a B+ event to campus. I gave 5 talks one night and that is really emotionally exhausting re-counting the brutal events of 2007 while Andrew battled. What made this visit even more special, but also more difficult, is that Andrew’s dream was to attend Notre Dame. I couldn’t help but look at the students and think that my son should be sitting amongst them as a college junior. There has been a tremendous amount of enthusiasm over the past year among student leaders intent on bringing a B+ event to “Andrew’s college”. I’m confident that there will be a very successful event in the Fall and I owe a great deal of thanks to Matt, Cristin, Ali, MK, Pat, and Brendan and all of the ND students for their support of our battle to eradicate childhood cancers.
“Be who you are, and be that well.” (St. Francis de Sales)
B+
Ali & Andrew’s Dad