The B+ Heroes Program sets our foundation apart from other fundraisers for childhood cancer. Through the program, children with cancer and college students, bond over shared interests, create lasting memories, and raise awareness about the battle these Heroes fight. For many students, the B+ Heroes Program is a life-changing experience. Read about the #HeroesofBePositive and see how they are leaving a footprint on college students’ hearts.
“When I walked in the hospital with some of my sorority sisters to meet Mahlai for the first time two years ago, the nurse said, “Mahlai, your friends are here to see you!” and Mahlai replied, ‘They’re not my friends…they’re my sisters.’ I immediately knew that I was in for something special.
Mahlai is a hilarious, loving, strong and unstoppable young girl. She radiates positivity and has a spirit that brightens a room. I’m always looking forward to the next time I see her, because I know we’re going to be playing and laughing all the way up until we have to go; and even then, it’ll be a long goodbye with lots of hugs. It has been the honor of my lifetime to watch her transition from treatment to maintenance, gain weight back, grow her hair out, and most importantly, continue to grow up. Her family, especially her grandmother and mother, have graciously welcomed us into their lives to share birthdays, holidays and even Kindergarten graduations. Mahlai always has been, and always will be a sister to me. It’s safe to say that having Mahlai as a sister has put life in a new perspective for me and many other students.”
– Molly and Mahlai, New York University
“As someone who had pediatric cancer, having the opportunity to spend time with other kids going through the same things I did was always something I wanted to do. Little did I know I would do more than just hang out with these kids, but instead be inspired by them in every way. Let me tell you about my buddy Jace, who recently turned 12. Maybe the most remarkable thing about him is just how ‘12’ he is. In other words, how normally he lives his life. He loves Fortnite—especially the dances—and winning any game you put in front of him. He’s also one of the best big brothers I know.
And then there’s 5-year-old Kevin, who will run you in circles until you fall over, and then make you get up and chase after him again (even in small clinics). ‘Speed Boy’ is a constant ball of positive energy. All the time I’ve spent with my friends Jace and Kevin are among the highlights of my college career. Both of them are true inspirations–going through treatments but continuing to live their lives like pretty much nothing is going on. Thank you to The B+ Foundation for bringing us together!”
– Jack, Kevin & Jace, Fordham University
“Ten years ago I met Aryn and her family. Simply put – they changed my life forever. I was a freshman in college, had just joined a sorority and was looking for a way to get more involved and UDance was the answer. Although it was devastating to talk to her family about all she had been through, I was so inspired to see her having the time of her life with her “sisters” as if a world with cancer didn’t exist.
Ten years later our friendship and sisterhood, remains strong – stronger than ever. Summer 2015, I was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor called an Astrocytoma. Just like that our roles had reversed. Aryn had defeated cancer and now it was my turn. Inspired by everyone involved with The B+ Foundation, especially, Aryn, cancer was not a sentence it was a just a word. When the cancer came back two summers later, Aryn and her family were there for me. I could feel the love and strength across state lines.
Aryn is my hero, always has been, always will be. I’m am so thankful for The B+ Foundation for it gave me Aryn, and her family. I am so proud to call Aryn a survivor, a friend and a sister. Together, we are going to continue to fight for a world where cancer doesn’t exist.”
– Sam & Aryn, University of Delaware
“When I first met Gabby she had just been declared cancer free. My older sorority sisters described this then 7-year-old girl as larger than life in both strength and attitude. I could have never imagined the impact she would have on my life, but five years and many memories later, having Gabby as my little sister continues to be something very special and important to me.
One of my favorite memories with Gabby happened just after she was diagnosed with cancer for the second time. The sorority and I arranged a bus to bring all of us to her town to attend a fundraiser they were putting on for her, which included Gabby being driven through the town in a parade as part of her grand entrance. When Gabby got to the end of the parade she refused to get out of the car but asked for me to come sit in it with her–I could tell she was feeling a bit nervous. For the next ten minutes Gabby and I laughed together in the car until she built up the courage to step out and greet the entire town after reminding her that all of her sorority sisters were waiting for her just on the other side of the car door. That day reminded me exactly the point of the dual relationship that occurs through The B+ Heroes program.”
– Alexa & Gabrielle, New York University
“Christian was a Star Wars aficionado, with unparalleled LEGO skills. We were dorky college students. Do the math. We clicked right away. The first time we met Christian we played games in the park. He didn’t bemoan his illness, he didn’t complain, he played hard. I’m talking Ninja, duck duck goose, and frisbee, an elementary school triathlon. We had a great time and it was the beginning of one of my most valuable friendships. Whenever our schedules would allow, we would make time to visit with Christian. Despite being there to make his day a little brighter, he always managed to be the highlight of my day. We were treated like family by him and his mother. Christian is a real-life hero. Even braver and more inspiring than the heroes in the movies he adored. Christian had the kind of courageous, fun-loving and generous personality that made you forget you were in a hospital.”
–Dallas & Christian, New York University
Christian passed away December 2nd, 2013 after bravely battling Neuroblastoma for five years. He touched many lives including those of the ZBT Gamma Chapter at NYU, who truly embraced him as a brother.
“Aniya is nine years old and was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016, when she was seven. I was introduced to her in December of 2016 and she has become one of my best friends. She loves to play with Barbie dolls, especially the Disney princesses and playing dress up. My favorite memories with Aniya are when she steals her Mom’s phone and FaceTimes me just to say hi and see how a college class is. She has a wicked sense of humor and is one of the funniest, sassiest nine year olds I know. I am so happy I got to meet her through The B+ Foundation at Fordham.”
– Jaclyn & Aniya, Fordham University
“Never in my college years did I think that one of the best, lifelong friends I’d make would be an 8 year old girl. Ava Kate, AK for short, stole my heart 3 years ago from the moment I met her and we shared the same love of manicures, oversized t-shirts, Nike shorts, and last but not least, Taco Casa. I think at first I took her by surprise because she was so shy and I couldn’t keep quiet, but I knew if I kept talking, maybe she’d open up. Boy did she open up! Now when I see AK, we walk hand in hand and talk about squishy toys, school, and what nail art we want to get matching next. The day AK’s scans came back clear of cancer will undoubtedly be one of the best days of my life, and I know that even though we live miles and miles apart, distance has nothing on our friendship. She is what keeps me going when life feels too hard, a workout too rough, or day not bright enough. She is the sunshine to my day and the smile I always look forward to seeing. Thank you The B+ Foundation for bringing us together!”
– Kiersten & Ava Kate, The University of Alabama