Oct 21 08

First, let me congratulate everyone on a successful CureSearch Walk on Saturday in Wilmington. I was VERY proud of my little girl! All by herself, Ali got a pre-dawn DART (local mass transit) bus in Newark, rode it to Wilmington, took a transfer to the Riverfront, and registered herself for the Walk. (This was the first time Ali ever rode mass transit in DE!) And, she found the strength to go on stage and announce Andrew’s name and release a balloon in his honor. What a kid! Am I blessed or what!!!

I’d also like to thank Delaware Lt. Governor John Carney for acknowledging Andrew, his battle, and his on-going B+ message in his remarks. John has been a good friend to our family for 40-50 years and a good friend to the Foundation as well.

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Today was a tough day. This afternoon, I had the honor of paying my respects to Casey Eckman’s Dad and one of her sisters. Casey’s journey seemed so reminiscent of Andrew’s. Tremendously healthy, vibrant kids who touched so many people in this world with the potential to touch so many more. I’m sure Casey will continue to touch so many people from Heaven just as Andrew has done. It was so hard to see the pain on all those young faces of her ‘family’ of relatives and friends.

This evening, I traveled to Coatesville, PA to pay my respects to Ronald Phillips’ family. Ronald was a brave, young (13) man who was treated in the PICU at A.I. DuPont Hospital. Please keep Casey’s and Ronald’s families and friends in your prayers.

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As the weather is starting to get cooler, please check out our ’store’ at www.BePositive.org. We have some really nice, high quality hoodies. Also, our new shirt color has been designed by Hannah Gladnick — pink writing on a Carolina blue shirt. It looks really good. Inventory will be in soon. Please visit www.BePositive.org .

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I really like the new picture of Andrew that Ali has posted on the homepage of www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough . That’s my boy!

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A few more funny (at least I think they are) answers from Andrew’s questionnaire when he was 3.

Q. Worst nightmare?

A. “What’s a nightmare?”

Q. Favorite book?

A. All About Snakes

Q. Favorite celebrity?

A. Elvis. :)

Man, I miss my boy!

Live Like Andrew - hug your loved ones as if it’s the last time!

God bless you.

B+

Forever proud to be,

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad