Campus Updates
Campus Update
The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation's voice against childhood cancer is hitting both sides of the country. The B+ Foundation has partnered with the students of the University of Washington in Seattle. We were their philanthropy during last week's Greek Week which culminated with a Husky Spirit 5k last Saturday. I'm pleased to report that the students raised almost $25k! Carly and I visited with the students a few weeks ago to share information about our mission and we were very impressed by the reception that we received.
On Sunday, LaSalle University (PA) Pan-Hellenic Council hosted their 3rd annual Halloween 5k. Thank you to everyone who wasn't scared off by a few rain drops prior to the start of the event. As always, the ladies of LaSalle do an amazing job. Kudos especially to Kara, the PanHel President and lead organizer of the event. The LaSalle Explorers raised $16k to help families of kids with cancer.
This week, I've also had the honor of speaking in person at multiple meetings at the Univ. of Delaware (UDance - 6th largest college dance marathon in the country), Fordham University (NY), High Point University (NC), The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), and the Sanford School in Hockessin, DE. I will also be Skyping in with our partners at the Univ of California-San Diego (UCSD) as they are hard at work planning their B+ dance marathon. (Skype can really come in handy!) It is really energizing seeing all the selfless, hard work of these students.
B+ Hero, Taylor Helland
Please keep B+ Hero, Taylor Helland, in your prayers. People don't often realize the sacrifices that kids with cancer have to make. Taylor is a Sophomore at TCU, a member of Chi Omega sorority, very involved with Bible Study, and numerous other activities. This would be a busy life for anyone, but Taylor also has battled colon cancer for many years. Because colon cancer is very rare in kids, and because her type is especially rare, Taylor and her family struggle to find the right options. This past week, after battling surgeries and clinical trials for the past few months, Taylor had to make a decision to withdraw from college because she was missing so many classes being in the hospital. I'm sure this decision came only after a lot of discussion and prayer. I don't know how Taylor juggles all the things she's had to this point. And, if you could meet this young lady, you would be absolutely blown away. She epitomizes the B+ spirit. She is so upbeat. Taylor flew up to join us at NOVAdance and UDance last year and wow'ed the crowd with her speech. I was fortunate to pop in on Taylor at Cook Children's Hospital in Ft. Worth when I was in Dallas a few weeks ago for a research conference. She is truly amazing. She doesn't ask for pity or praise, but she does deserve praise and does deserve your prayers.
To check in on Taylor, visit here.
Thank you for your patience on our license plate project. We're coming down the home stretch, but we're not there yet. We had some applications without VINs, so they don't count. If you're interested in a Conquer Childhood Cancer license plate, please reach out to me at [email protected]. There's no incremental cost; we're picking up the $10 fee. Thanks.
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Ali & Andrew's Dad