Wed. Feb. 2nd
As promised, I would like to introduce you to “Give Kids The World” (GKTW) www.gktw.org . I had the privilege of touring GKTW in Kissimmee, FL last week along with our B+ Racing Team drivers, Al Carter & Hugh Plumb, and B+ Racing Team Marketing Consultants, Emmanuel Lupe and Mary Allison.
When you hear that a child is taking their “Make-A-Wish” (MAW) trip to Disney, you probably assume that MAW or Disney is putting them up and feeding them. While MAW and Disney are incredible organizations, there’s another group that you don’t hear much about — unless, of course, your child has a life-threatening illness — GKTW. Make-A-Wish identifies the child, screens them for medical eligibility, and handles the family’s transportation to Orlando. Once in Central Florida, the brave child and family stay at the 70 acre village known as Give Kids The World. Hugh Plumb labeled it “Club Med for Kids” and he’s right. There are 140 villas, swimming pool, movie theatre, beauty salon, restaurants, ice cream parlor (that opens at 7am!!!) and EVERYTHING IS FREE!!! Disney, Universal, Sea World and others representing Central FL attractions are on the board and provide free park passes for the families.
The folks at GKTW really put these brave children up on a pedestal. For example, in the family’s villa, the master bedroom suite with jacuzzi tub is for the child with the illness, not the parents! The characters, including “Mayor Clayton” (see picture with Al & Hugh), come to each child’s villa at night to play with them and tuck them in.
The kids come to Florida all excited about seeing Disney, Universal, and Sea World and they find an unexpected bonus in GKTW.
Thanks to Mary Ann and Cesar from GKTW, we set up a table inside the Gingerbread House during dinner and kids and their families (and volunteers, too) came over to meet our B+ Racing drivers, get autographs, and pick up some mementos. It was really great meeting so many families “in the club”. And, while we can’t show you pictures of the kids for privacy reasons, we heard some very sad, yet inspiring stories of more brave children. Unfortunately, my family and I never had the opportunity to visit GKTW when Andrew was sick, as we never left the hospital. But, we know SO many B+ Hero Families who have made the trip to GKTW. After hearing the great stories, I was so honored to see it in person.
I don’t think we could have kicked off the B+ Racing Season any better than our trip to GKTW.
(For more information about Henri Landwirth, the founder of GKTW, please visit their website. Mr. Landwirth, a survivor of the Holocaust, is truly a remarkable man!)
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“Featured Family of the Week” (FFW)
Our Featured Family of the Week comes to us this week from San Diego, CA. Ethan is a 5 year old boy with medulloblastoma (brain tumor). He has had 3 surgeries and has developed a condition which has left him unable to walk or talk. This little guy has endured 30 radiation treatments so far as well as an aggressive regimen of chemotherapy. His constant care has required one of his parents to stop working and the family is trying to hold it together, financially, emotionally, and spiritually. Through your generosity, The B+ Foundation has sent Ethan’s family a check to help with some of the most critical bills that they are facing. Thank you very much! Please keep Ethan, his family, and all families battling childhood cancer in your prayers.
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Congratulations to the Unionville (PA) HS “B+ Club” for organizing today’s UHS blood drive. I was with you in spirit as I was donating platelets today in Delaware. I hope my video helped spur on some donors!
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Live Like Andrew – live your life with exclamation marks!!!
B+
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad
www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough
P.S. It’s GREAT having Ali back from Italy. We picked her up at the airport last night!!!