Tues. Jan. 31st
Andrew’s friend and FC Delco teammate (Jimmy McLaughlin) was recently selected to be on the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer. This is an incredible accomplishment. This accomplishment is made even more special when Jimmy told us the other day that he’s been given #20, which was Andrew’s number when he played on FC Delco. Jimmy said he always thinks of Andrew and plays for and like him, and now Andrew’s number will be worn by his buddy on the MLS fields. Congratulations and good luck, Jimmy McLaughlin.
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Today, I had the privilege of attending a press conference hosted by our friend and Congressman, John Carney. Rep. Carney (D-DE) and his colleague, Rep. Bucshon (R-IN), introduced the “Critical Drug Shortage Prevention Act” today in Congress. Can you imagine battling cancer – as an adult or as a child – and not being able to get your required treatment because of a drug shortage? This is a chronic problem and, as of this morning, there were 25 drugs on the shortage list. Many of the drugs in question, like Ara-C, Daunorubicin, and Propofol are drugs that Andrew took. I can’t imagine the utter despair that a parent must have watching their child go through the battle without access to the necessary drugs. Thank you, Congressmen Carney and Bucshon for your efforts!
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On a sad note, I received a beautiful ‘thank-you’ note from one of the many families that we have assisted. Young Joseph was diagnosed with a brain tumor in July, 2011 and he passed away on Dec. 11, 2011. I just love his picture on the ‘thank-you’ note and feel compelled to share it with you. Yes, Joseph, you are “UNSTOPPABLE”!
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Please stop by our new B+ Hero, Joey Farrell’s, website. I had the honor of meeting Joey and his family last Tuesday at A.I. duPont Hospital, before heading to the Daytona race for our B+ Racing Team. Joey is a student at St. Elizabeth’s HS in Wilmington and had successful surgery for medulloblastoma. Joey has radiation and chemo ahead of him and I’m sure would appreciate all the good wishes from the B+ Nation. Please take a minute to stop by. Thanks.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joeyfarrell
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Since I mentioned Daytona, allow me to share with you the great results from our race. B+ drivers Al Carter (Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor) and Hugh Plumb brought the #45 B+ BMW home in 4th place out of a field of 40 cars. Equally important, we had the opportunity to spread the message of The B+ Foundation and childhood cancer to hundreds of people. At every race, I meet people who, upon learning of our Foundation, express an interest in getting involved. So many doors have been opened for us, thanks to Al and Hugh. I also had the opportunity to tour a brand new children’s hospital (Nemours Children’s Hospital – Orlando) that will be opening this summer. I was able to give them some unsolicited 🙂 advice on a few things from a patient family perspective. It is a very impressive facility!
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Thank you to all for your continued prayers and support of all kinds. The dozens and dozens of kind notes on the 5th anniversary of Andrew’s diagnosis are so very appreciated.
B+
Ali & Andrew’s Dad