Wed. March 9th
Ash Wednesday
It’s hard to believe that it was 4 years ago that we were in the hospital. As Lent 2007 started, I remember thinking that these 7 weeks were going to mark so much progress in Andrew’s recovery. I prayed SO hard for that. Andrew had to get better; he’s Andrew!
I trust that God has a plan, but I don’t think that I’m any closer to figuring it out. I don’t know if I ever will, at least in this world. I do know that Andrew made a tremendous impact on the world while he was alive and I know that he continues to touch people’s lives still today. That is important to me. A person once asked “If God gave you a choice before Andrew was born to either a.) be Andrew’s parents and live through this hell or b.) not have Andrew as our child and avoid this pain, what would you do?” It’s an interesting question with a very easy answer for me. I am blessed and honored to be Andrew’s – and Ali’s- Dad. God gave Chris and I the gift of raising Andrew for 14 years. When someone is such a big part of your life, though, the void is that much greater when they’re not here.
Andrew made – and continues to make – me a better person. Like all of us, Andrew was not a perfect person, but he was determined to work on his shortcomings. I am very proud of the young man that my son became. Andrew lived the Lenten challenge that I heard today as ashes were placed on my forehead:
Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.
I truly believe that God, too, is so proud of his son, Andrew, and how he lived in this world.
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It’s been a very hectic couple of weeks here at “B+ World Headquarters” 🙂 In the last 11 days, I’ve given talks to 24 groups! I appreciate every opportunity to be invited to speak as it provides us a platform to increase awareness of these terrible childhood cancers. And, of course, as a biased Dad, I could talk about my HEROES, Ali & Andrew & all of the B+ Heroes, for hours. But, it’s also pretty grueling re-telling parts of our journey at the hospital and over the past 4 years. Sometimes, I really don’t believe the words coming out of my mouth when I say that “Andrew died”. Thank you to all of the groups, in DE, MD, PA, and Illinois, who have hosted me over the past 2 weeks.
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After a lot of work, “UDance” is finally upon us. UDance will be held Sun. March 13th from 11am-11pm in the Field House on Rt 896. The event is open to the public and the B+ Heroes will be honored on stage at 5:00pm. U.S. Sen. Chris Coons will be joining us as well. By the time you read this, we will most likely have exceeded our fundraising goal of $200,000!!! Thank you very much to everyone who donated. All proceeds benefit our Family Assistance Program and our efforts to fund childhood cancer research. Come join us on Sunday for a lot of fun. (If anyone would like to volunteer to staff the B+ Gear table, please email me at joe@livelikeandrew.org. Thanks so much.)
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Please say an extra special prayer tonight for a few B+ Heroes.
Dorian (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dorianh ) is a first grader here in Wilmington who is just an absolutely super kid. Dorian and his Mom are going through a really tough time right now and could use your prayers.
Mackenzie is a 7 yr old girl from Wilkes-Barre, PA who was diagnosed with AML (leukemia) just last week. Thanks to B+ Supporter, Walt Connor, I had the true privilege of meeting this brave little girl and her Mom today at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Without violating confidence, let me say that when I got to her hospital room, I found another B+ Hero (who is no longer in the hospital and is doing SUPER) and her Mom in there providing support to Mackenzie and her Mom. Another example of the bond and kindness that is borne of shared adversity. I wish I didn’t know these families under these circumstances, but I am so proud to know them.
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As you will recall, B+ Hero, Rina Goldberg went to the “olam habah” (the world to come) on Dec. 29, 2010. Rina’s family has kindly given me permission to share with you Rina’s ‘Legacy Project”. This blanket was designed entirely by Rina and brought to completion by her art therapist. We are deeply touched by the presence of some many “B+”s on the blanket. Also, I am deeply honored that Rina chose to include a photo of a group of us (me, Ali, Katie, Ali’s UD sorority sisters) who visited her in November. Rina was one very special young lady in this world and she will NEVER be forgotten.
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I don’t want this update to go much longer, so I’ll hold off on sharing the exciting news about the B+ Racing Team until my next update.
Thanks for being a part of the B+ Nation!!!
Live Like Andrew – be good and do good!
B+
Proud to be,
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad