Thurs. April 21st
As you know from Ali’s last Update, we got our B+ College Classic soccer tournament in last Saturday before the really heavy rains came. As Ali so eloquently said (as always), this tournament meant SO much to me. While all of our events are important, this soccer tournament was personal. It was a most fitting way to honor my son. Thank you to everyone who played a part in honoring Andrew and Amy Stevens.
I would be remiss if I didn’t take a minute to thank Ali and Chris for their tremendous support…not just with the B+ College Classic, but every day. Life is so, so hard without Andrew here by my side. But, as I’ve said many times, Chris and Ali are always there to prop me up and help me get through the moment or the day. Every day is tough, but holidays are even tougher. As Easter approaches, I can’t help but think of all the great memories of Easter Egg Hunts and getting the kids all decked out for church (See picture below from Easter 1995). This is a very sad time.
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A new family is asking for prayers for their daughter. Little Emily Hubbel is being treated for neuroblastoma at VCU Hospital in Richmond. Emily was diagnosed the week before Christmas and, as you will see on her CB website, she’s been through a lot over these past 4 months. Please take a moment and let her know that the B+ Nation is praying for her and her family. Thanks.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/emilys
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For those of you who read a lot of CaringBridge sites, you may be familiar with Sinjin. Sinjin is a brave young man from Texas who has been battling cancer. Unfortunately, his sister was just diagnosed with thyroid cancer, but the good news is that her cancer is highly treatable and her prognosis appears to be very good. Please keep this family in your prayers.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sinjinandrukates
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Featured Family of the Week
Another busy week with applications. I just wrote out $10,328 in checks for this week’s families. Last week was our record with $15,202 worth of Family Assistance Program checks going out the door. Amazing… over $25,000 in just two weeks. Needless to say, there’s a real unserved need out there.
This week, I would like to introduce you to 6 year old Maryam. Maryam is the youngest of four children and the THIRD child in her family to be diagnosed with cancer! She and her family came to the United States as refugees from Iraq in Feb. 2010 and she is now an American citizen. Maryam was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 3 and with a brain tumor at age 5. Two of Maryam’s older sisters died following battles with brain tumors. Maryam has a tough road ahead of her and we are pleased that we are able to help ease some of the financial burden that the family is facing. Please keep this little girl and her family in your prayers. I know the pain of losing a child; I can’t imagine losing two children while having another child battling the same potentially fatal disease.
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Whether you observe Passover or Easter, I hope you make the most of these days and remember the significance of these holidays. I hope you are able to spend some great, quality time with your families.
Live Like Andrew – B+
God bless you.
So proud to be,
“Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad” & “Chris’ husband”