Andrew McDonough and the B+ Story

Andrew was 14, a bright, talented kid, star soccer player, an 'A' student with a sense of humor and kindness for all. Never met a nicer kid. One day he was starring in a soccer tournament, two days later he was in intensive care with leukemia and sepsis in cardiac arrest. Over the next 167 days, the story of his courageous battle would draw over a million hits to his family's CaringBridge website, media coverage from across the country, prayers and vigils from teams and athletes he never met...including soccer stars from the U.S. National Team, Jeff Gordon of NASCAR fame, numerous pro baseball players, and even local soccer and baseball teams he actually played against! Following Andrew's story changed the way kids played their games, helped parents put things in perspective with their kids, and touched millions of hearts.

“B+”...“Be Positive”... was more than Andrew's blood type, it was his attitude...and now it’s the name of the foundation in his memory. To honor Andrew and spread his "magic", his family has started the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation to share the lessons that Andrew taught us throughout his full but far-too-short life. You can find out more at Andrew’s Story. Thank you for visiting. Please share our story.

 

LESSONS FROM THE INSIDE: One Family's Observations of Life in the Hospital.  A must-read excerpt from Joe's Journal last year.

2 NEW SALESIANUM SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
The B+ Foundation is proudly sponsoring 5 students at Salesianum School (Andrew's high school) — 2 Juniors and 1 Sophomore, who knew Andrew. We recently selected 2 incoming Freshmen to receive the Andrew McDonough B+ Scholarship. Joe and Chris were at Alex's graduation to formally present his scholarship.

 


Andrew McDonough B+ Award Given at
St. Mary Magdalen
The St. Mary Magdalen Athletic Assoc. presented the inaugural B+ Award to the 8th Grade student who best exemplifies the B+ spirit of sportsmanship, having fun, and using your talents. Coaches nominated candidates and this year's award went to Jack Mangan. Congratulations, Jack!  The sign behind Joe and Jack will be hung on the SMM gym wall to remind everyone to B+ -- especially in the heat of a game.  Thank you so much, SMM Athletic Assoc.!


Andrew McDonough Memorial Award at New Garden Elem., PA
Started by Andrew's cousin, Austin, this award was presented to the student who showed the best academic improvement.  Congratulations Jose!



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SAVE the DATE!
2ND ANNUAL B+ GOLF DINNER & AUCTION 9/15

Sign up online today for Golf and Dinner or just join us for dinner and the live and silent auction!
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Seaford

Joe Speaks at Seaford H.S. Graduation
Thanks to Rob Urell, Student President of Seaford (DE) High School for inviting Joe to be a keynote speaker at their graduation ceremonies. Joe gave a passionate speech about the lessons Andrew has taught all of us and shared his wisdom with these bright, young graduates.  You can watch a video of Joe's speech here.

 

players cup

 

ANDREW McDONOUGH PLAYERS CUP GIVEN TO FCDELCO CHAMPIONS
For the second year, FCDelco Soccer Club in Pennsylvania awarded the Boys Under 14 Champions the Andrew McDonough Players Cup. This year the Cup goes to the Olney Rangers from Maryland. Congratulations!

 

TREE TO HONOR ANDREW AT ST. MARY MAGDALEN

Tree

TREE PLAQUE

Andrew spent 7 years at St. Mary Magdalen School and was proud to represent his school in soccer, basketball, baseball and track. So we are pleased to have planted a Bonfire Sugar Maple tree next to the SMM gym to provide beauty, shade and a reminder to all future students to try their best and have fun!

WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT ANDREW!
The Fox Soccer Channel aired a segment about Andrew last year, which includes interviews with his FCDelco Roadkill coach and teammates. It's a beautiful tribute and you can watch it here.

WEAR YOUR B+ GEAR & START A CONVERSATION
We've got hoodies and T-shirts that have the B+ logo on the front and "It's not a grade. It's an attitude." on the back. We also have great looking black Performance T-shirts with a small white B+ logo on the front. We also have pink B+ T-shirts and green B+ T-shirts, along with wristbands and window clings. Check out photos and sizes of all the B+ Gear and order online.

Do Good:  "Pay it Forward" with B+ Cards
We're asking you to perform acts of kindness in honor of Andrew, and when you do, hand out B+ cards and tell us about it. Bet it makes you feel good to do good...
Share your B+ stories in our Guestbook. Contact us and we'll send you some B+ cards.

THANKS TO YOU...
The B+ Foundation has been able to help several families across the country who are struggling emotionally and financially with their critically ill children. If you know of anyone who can use help, have them contact us.

Here are a few who have received your financial help and could use your continued prayers.
Carrie in Mississippi
Sasha in Delaware
Felicia in Pennsylvania
Erin in Illinois
Xavier in Pennsylvania


You can now support the B+ Foundation with a secure online donation using your credit card. The B+ Foundation is an IRS-certified 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your donations are tax deductible and you’ll be able to print out confirmation for your taxes.
If you'd like to contribute to the B+ Foundation by check, we can provide acknowledgement letters. Kindly send your donations to: Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, 101 Rockland Circle, Wilmington, DE 19803.