Wed. Jan. 12th
We are “RACING FOR A CURE”!!!
Thanks to the generosity of some very kind folks, the “B+” logo and our crusade to fight childhood cancers will be prominently featured on a race car this year in the Grand Am Series. Our car debuts in the ten-race series at Daytona International Speedway on January 28th. All races will be televised on the Speed Channel and usually air about two weeks following the race. This program will help us generate tremendous awareness and funds for our battle against childhood cancers. Drivers Al Carter of Wilmington, DE and Hugh Plumb, of Unionville, PA, are enthusiastic supporters of our mission. These two guys really “get it”. Al, Hugh, and I will be visiting children with cancer at Shands-University of Florida Hospital two days before the Daytona race. Shands-UF is one of the many hospitals whose families your Foundation has assisted. At Daytona, I will be speaking to as many reporters as possible to spread the word about our crusade. I can’t say enough good things about Al and Hugh; we are deeply indebted to them for embracing the B+ mission and wanting to touch children’s lives and make a difference. As we go through the season, I’ll also keep you updated on our progress on the track as well.
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If you’d like to hear some great music, come out and join us on Sun. Feb. 13th from 3:00-4:30pm at St. Helena’s Church (Philadelphia Pike, Bellefonte) for the “3rd Annual Festival of American Spirituals”. The Festival of Spirituals is a FREE concert featuring the New Ark Chorale, DuPont Diversity Choir, Archmere Academy Mastersingers, St. Helena’s Church Choir, and the University of Delaware Youth Choral Ensemble. Each year, the Festival organizers select a different beneficiary to receive the donations and this year, they have selected The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation. I hope you’ll come out and join us! (By the way, earlier that day (Noon-4pm), we are co-hosting a bone marrow drive at the Jewish Community Center on Garden of Eden Rd in Wilmington. So, get on the bone marrow registry and then come over to St. Helena’s!!!)
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Thanks to our friend, Megan Rubenstein, we have been introduced to a young man who was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Austin is a Junior at Harriton HS in PA. I have not had the privilege yet of meeting Austin…I look forward to that and look forward to giving him a B+ Hero shirt. From reading his CB site, Austin reminds me a lot of Andrew! Please take a minute or two out of your day to leave Austin a message of encouragement from the B+ Nation. You don’t know how much it means for the kids to see your notes. Remember – you’re not a ‘stranger’ to him, you’re a ‘friend he hasn’t met yet’.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/austinwortley
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As you know from my recent Journal Updates, I have a special friend in a girl named Rina Goldberg. Rina is up in Heaven with Andrew now, but before she left here, this 15 yr old girl composed songs. I just LOVE one of the lines in one of Rina’s songs — “Your best day is a choice. It’s up to you!” Thank you, Rina.
Live Like Andrew and all of the brave B+ Heroes
B+
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad