Wed. June 8th
I thought you might like to see a picture of me, Ali, and our newest B+ supporter, Patrick Dempsey. We had a great conversation with Patrick in Watkins Glen, NY last week at our race. He is very committed to the fight against childhood cancers and I look forward to joining forces with him as we fight for the kids. Come out to “The B+ Foundation Heroes 200” at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ on July 23rd to see some REAL heroes – B+ Heroes – and maybe Patrick Dempsey as well. 🙂
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I’m just so proud of my daughter for so many reasons. You should see her at the race tracks teaching people about childhood cancers. I know this must be so hard for her to do, but if it doesn’t come from someone who’s living this tragedy, people won’t be able to understand as well.
Ali is also the biggest cheerleader for our upcomng “5th Annual B+ Fighting Childhood Cancer 5k Run/Walk”. It’s hard to believe that this is the 5th year. For whatever reason, registrations and donations are a little bit behind pace for where we need to be. Ali took it upon herself to send a note to all the 5k Team Captains. I admire her passion. If you haven’t signed up yet, please do. If you haven’t “Sent 10” solicitation emails to your friends and family, please do. If you have, please send more.
I would love to see a team for each school, swim club, track team, baseball team, soccer team, etc. Please sign up TODAY!!! It’s easier and less expensive than signing up at the race.
MESSAGE FROM ALI:
Hi Captains,
It’s Ali McDonough, “Andrew’s Sister”.
First off, thank you for stepping up and creating a team for the 5th Annual B+ 5K Fighting Childhood Cancer.
With the 5K less than 10 days away, we need your help. I’m begging you. Please, please, please send an email out to your address book, post it on Facebook and/or Twitter and ask your friends to do the same! Ask them to register, donate and invite everyone they know to do the same.
The registration/donation link is: https://www.elleevance.com/BPos2011/EventLandingPage.aspx
Last year, the largest team had 260 people registered and the team that raised the most money had over $12,300! This year, we’re very far behind that with the largest team having 77 participants and the team with the most money raised being just over $3,300.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate all you’ve done so far, but at this point, I’m desperate. It scares me to think that the B+ 5K, which had over 3,000 people in attendance last year, only has 795 people registered so far. It scares me to think that this event – which honors Andrew’s memory and the memories of B+ Heroes no longer with us, while recognizing the bravery of the surviving B+ Heroes – may be losing momentum.
The 5K is the largest B+ fundraising event that we run. Right now, we have $58,000 raised, which means we’re less than half way to our goal of raising $120,000 in the fight against childhood cancers.
Please keep in mind that the B+ 5K is one of the largest 5Ks in Delaware. Being the largest 5K in Delaware, it has the ability to raise a great deal of awareness to the fact that 46 children are diagnosed with cancer every school day. Please help us continue the streak in keeping the B+ 5K one of the largest in Delaware and spreading much needed awareness of childhood cancers.
In sum, please:
(1) Ask your current teammates to invite their friends to register for the 5K,
(2) Email your address book and post to Facebook asking your friends to register or donate if they’re unable to attend. I know asking for donations can be awkward, but it truly is the only way we can continue to assist families and fund research, and
(3) Remind your friends that there will be tons of free food (pizza, Chik-Fil-A, Johnnie’s Hot Dogs, fruit and more), free t-shirt to the first 2500 registrants, and recognition of B+ Heroes (children with cancer). It’s a fun family event for runners, walkers and kids!
In 2009, B+ Hero Molly (a bone cancer survivor) was pushed around the 5K course in a wheelchair. As she and her family approached the finish line, Molly got out of her wheelchair and used a walker to slowly but surely make her way across the finish line on her own. The determination in her face was so powerful. There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. In 2010, B+ Hero Joey (a leukemia survivor) was able to walk the 5K. He and his family held hands and raised them in the air as they crossed the finish line. Please join us by running/walking/donating so more kids like Molly and Joey will be able to cross the finish line.
Thank you, and see you on June 16th!
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Live Like Andrew – Be comfortable with yourself.
B+
Ali & Andrew’s Dad
www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough
P.S. B+ Nation, we need your prayers for a local girl, Gracie Firestone. Gracie is a recent graduate from Tower Hill School who is a really nice kid and an amazing 3 sport athlete. I had the pleasure of meeting Gracie when I spoke with her THS basketball team. For some reason, Gracie collapsed on Monday and was rushed to Christiana Hospital. Please visit Gracie’s CarePage and let her know that the B+ Nation is behind her and praying for her. I know it will mean a lot to Gracie and her family. Thanks.