“Our World Stopped…”

B+ Hero Addie

Powerful words from Addie’s family. You never think it’s going to happen to you. I know I didn’t.

“To BE POSITIVE generous donors,

Our world stopped when our sweet one-year old daughter was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of brain cancer. We were told that Addie should undergo an intense chemo regimen that involved three stem cell transplants. The odds are not great and the risks are high. We dropped everything and gave Addie and her two brothers all the time, love, energy, and support they needed to get through the brutal chemo journey and so much time apart. Because of the incredible generosity of donors like you, the added financial stress that comes with the territory was lessened and that allowed us all to be healthier and stronger for Addie. We aren’t out of the woods and will likely face radiation next but Addie continues to smile her way through life and that’s undoubtedly, in part, because of all the love and focus we were able to give her instead of focusing on financial burdens.

With more love and gratitude than you’ll ever know, thank you”

Children’s Oncology Group

The Children’s Oncology Group (COG) is a cooperative group that oversees virtually all clinical trials in the United States. Over 90% of kids treated in the U.S. are treated at COG hospitals. When Congress appropriates money to the National Cancer Institute for childhood cancer research, virtually all extramural research is organized and conducted by COG researchers around the country and beyond. The COG is absolutely critical to improving treatment protocols for kids!

I attended the 25th anniversary celebration of the COG last week in New Orleans. The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation is a proud financial supporter of the COG. In an effort to incentivize young investigators, we fund the Dr. Peter Adamson Young Investigator Award. Peter is the past Chair of the COG. This year’s recipient is Dr. Andrea Branson of the University of Michigan. In the picture below are current COG Chair Dr. Doug Hawkins (l), Dr. Franson, and Dr. Adamson…and a baldheaded guy who is not a doctor! Congratulations Andrea and thank you so much, Doug & Peter, for your dedication and leadership!

Make it a great weekend.

Live Like Andrew!

Ali & Andrew’s Dad