Tues. Oct. 1
B+ Hero, Rocco DiGuglielmo
Here's a sad message that Ali posted on our FB page:
Our hearts are heavy with the news of another child taken from his family and friends by #ChildhoodCancer. B+ Hero, Rocco DiGuglielmo, passed away last Friday night, at the age of 6, after a brave fight against Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma brain cancer.
Despite all Rocco endured, Rocco didn't "lose the fight" or "lose the battle". Rocco NEVER gave up. He fought so hard and inspired many. Though he may be out of pain now, it's hard to say there is "better place" for a 6 year... old to be than here with his parents, sister and friends.
We may be the ones who "lost", given that we now must continue life without the important piece of our hearts that our loved ones, like Rocco and Andrew, filled. We "lose" out on seeing them grow up, graduate, and become great fathers and men. But never should the memory of these heroes be in the same sentence as "lost the battle".
Please keep Rocco's parents, his sister Ava, their family and friends in your thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Leave the DiGuglielmos messages at: Pray for Rocco
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CHOP Virtual Pediatric Cancer Summit - TONIGHT!
Tonight, from 7pm-8:30pm EST, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) will be hosting a virtual Pediatric Cancer Summit for anyone interested in learning about research and treatment advances and trends across the field. The preliminary agenda is as follows:
Tom Curran, Ph.D., F.R.S. Deputy Scientific Director, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute Topic: Collaborations to Advance Pediatric Brain Tumor Research
Anne Reilly, M.D., M.P.H. Medical Director, Division of Oncology Topic: Proton Therapy for Pediatric Patients
John Maris, M.D. Director, Center for Childhood Cancer Research Topic: The Promises and Challenges of Personalized Childhood Cancer Therapy
Frank Balis, M.D. Interim Chief, Division of Oncology Director of Clinical Research, Center for Childhood Cancer Research Topic: The Unique Aspects of Cancer Care for Teens and Young Adults
Stephan Grupp, M.D., Ph.D. Director of Translational Research, Center for Childhood Cancer Research Topic: Update on T-cell Therapy and Relapsed Leukemia Care at CHOP
Please click here to register for tonight's free program. Thanks.
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B+ Gear Sale
"National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" is over as far as proclamations go, but every day is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day to us. And, every day is a good day to "B+" and "Live Like Andrew". As a special, we're offering all of our neon tee shirts and hot pink tee shirts (while supplies last) for only $5! This is a limited time offer. Please visit http://bepositive.3dcartstores.com/Apparel_c_1.html to place your order.
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Hook 'em Horns!
I had the pleasure of having dinner last night in the AEPhi sorority house at the University of Texas in Austin. The Phi ladies, a group of about 250, invited me and Carly Bergstein to speak to them about The B+ Foundation and childhood cancer. We had a great visit last night and, in less than 24 hours, they have already raised over $17,000! These ladies are SO impressive...not because of the money raised, but because of how passionately they have embraced our cause. Last weekend, they joined their B+ Hero, Lisa Marie, for her 3rd birthday party. Don't let anyone complain to you about "the kids these days!" The "kids these days" are the driving force behind The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation. We wouldn't be where we are and making such a difference without them. Thank you Judy, Jen, and all of the ladies of UT Alpha Epsilon Phi.
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B+ Racing Season Ends
The B+ car racing season ended last Saturday in Lime Rock, CT. Prior to the race, B+ drivers, Al (Scott) Carter and Hugh Plumb, visited a children's hospital in Hartford. I can't thank Al and Hugh and the whole Eagle Technology/JetSet/Fall-Line team enough for their support of our battle against childhood cancer. It's really amazing seeing the "B+" going around the track and hearing the TV announcers talk about our Foundation. Little by little, we're increasing awareness of our country's terrible secret of dying children.
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B+
Ali & Andrew's Dad
www.BePositive.org
