August 10 08
I’ve been slacking a little bit over the past week with my postings. :) A lot has been happening, though.
Last Tues. night, Ali and I traveled to Harrington, DE for the viewing of Matthew Faulkner, the courageous little 2 year old boy that we got to know when we were in the hospital last year. Seeing a casket that small just literally takes your breath away.
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YOUR Foundation has awarded FOUR more grants to families of critically ill children. The four, brave young folks are:
a 15 yr old NJ boy who is battling AML (Leukemia) which has caused him to be quadriplegic
a 17 yr old PA boy with Burkitt’s Lymphoma
a 7 yr old PA boy with biphenic leukemia
and a 2 yr old DE girl with ALL (Leukemia)
Thank you for your generosity!
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I had the honor to visit a new friend yesterday at A.I. duPont Hospital, Isaiah Smith.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/isaiahmarksmith
Isaiah is a 12 yr old MD boy battling Leukemia. Isaiah is a great kid who is a big Philadelphia Eagles fan. In talking with Isaiah, you would have thought he was a doctor. He was telling me about his counts, his meds, etc. Very cool kid! Isaiah, I hope you like your B+ shirt and B+ medal.
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I would like to ask for prayers for two more people today. Adam Dryden, a friend of Andrew’s, is sick right now and we prayed for him in church today. The doctors aren’t 100% sure what the actual diagnosis is. Let’s pray that it’s not too serious. Also, please pray for my brother-in-law, Dan. Boy, you want to see a guy with the B+ spirit! Dan was moved to HUP (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania) and has split time between the ICU and the Oncology units. There have been some very, very difficult days for Dan (and his family).
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I want to thank you all SO much for posting kind messages on Shayla’s website. It was so nice to see so many familiar B+ names on Shayla’s guestbook. I’m sure it means so much to Shayla. If you haven’t visited her site, you’re missing out. This kid is unbelievable!
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Finally, I’d like to thank Big Al Szolack for inviting me to speak at his basketball camp in Mullica Hill, NJ. And, thank you for allowing me to present the “Andrew McDonough B+ Heart of a Champion” award to young Mr. Mainart. You embody the “Heart of a Champion” spirit.
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Live Like Andrew - make the most of each day.
B+
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad
P.S. Happy birthday to Andrew’s buddy, Michael Lemonick!