The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation – Established and founded in 2007 because of a tragedy for 14-year-old soccer player, Andrew McDonough, from Wilmington, Delaware. Andrew’s story is both tragic and POSITIVE! In January 2007, he went from leading his soccer team to a PA state championship to being diagnosed with AML Leukemia, all within 48 hours of that game. Amazingly, Andrew fought for 167 days before passing on July 14, 2007. In his honor, the B+ (BE POSITIVE) Foundation was formed. The B+ comes from his blood type, but most of all, because of how he inspired others to be positive and live life to the fullest.
Their mission is to provide financial help to families of children with cancer, to support childhood cancer research, to advocate for more funding, and to spread The B+ message: “It’s not a grade. It’s an attitude.” They also believe that every child has the right to grow up and that a family’s income should not get in the way of a child having the best possible outcomes.
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it affects the entire family in so many ways. Not only are they dealing with a devastating diagnosis of their child, but are now faced with challenges such as job loss, financial needs, family support, and so much more. The B+ Foundation financial assistance program provides emergency relief grants for the families of children fighting cancer. These grants help to provide a solution to some of the many needs families face such as paying creditors, housing, transportation, household bills, medical bills, and unfortunately for some, funeral expenses. Imagine the sense of relief these families have after having some of their burdens lifted during this most difficult time. All thanks to the amazing support received from The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, which allowed them to focus on their child’s care and difficult journey together as family!
To learn more about The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, their volunteer opportunities, and how you may be able to help, please visit their website at https://www.bepositive.org.