How We’re Making a Difference in Childhood Cancer Research

UDance Marathon has benefited the B+ Foundation since 2009.  Along with providing financial and emotional support to families of children with cancer, the foundation funds childhood cancer research in search of cures and advancements in treatment protocols.  To see what types of cancer research UDance has benefited through The B+ Foundation, let’s take a look at last years awards and grants.

In 2011 alone, The B+ Foundation donated a total of $270,000 in grants for childhood cancer research.  The grants were awarded to the following hospitals and organizations:

• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, MA. & Penn State Milton Hershey Children’s Hospital, PA.
  • Partnering with Solving Kids Cancer, The B+ Foundation helped contribute $145,000 for a Phase I clinical study focusing on Neuroblastoma patients.

• Clinical Trials at the University of Illinois-Chicago, Rush Hospital, and John Stroger Hospital.
  • $50,000 for clinical trials overseen by Dr. Mary Lou Schmidt that are currently giving thousands of children with cancer a better chance of survival.

• Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital, DE.
  • $25,000 to support Dr. Andy Kolb’s research in the Cancer Therapeutics Lab for Ewing’s Sarcoma patients

• Van Andel Research Institute, MI.
  • $25,000 for Dr. Giselle Sholler’s research in an innovative therapy that involves specific protein inhibitor

• Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital, DE.
  • $25,000 to support Dr. Ayyappan Rajasekaran’s efforts to develop a safer therapeutic approach to mitigate cancer treatment side effects in children.

The B+ Foundation’s 2011 grants display how contributions to UDance have a huge impact on hospitals and kids battling cancer around the country.  By supporting UDance and The B+ Foundation, we can contribute to the cause so that one day, no child has to battle cancer.

Tuesday’s UDance Events

There are two UDance fundraisers for Tuesday on Main Street:

Tuesday: UDance Fundraiser at Grotto’s (4p.m. – 9p.m.):

• Enjoy Mardi Gras with your friends and help fight childhood cancer!
• Bring the coupon below with you and 20% of your bill will go towards UDance
• This offer is only valid if you eat in the dining area!

 

Iron Hill Fundraiser

Tuesday: Fundraiser at Iron Hill (5p.m.-10p.m)

• Go out to dinner for a great evening at Iron Hill
• Just bring the ticket below with you and 20% will go to UDance

B+ Hero of the Day: Miranda Ram-Nolte

Miranda, Sigma Kappa’s B+ Hero, is our B+ Hero of the day.  In 2008, Miranda was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer, in her upper left tibia.  After more than a year of treatment, Miranda’s pathology report confirmed she was disease free in 2009.  Unfortunately, only three days after her sixteenth birthday, Miranda found out that her cancer had returned on Dec. 6, 2011.  This time, doctors found a significant tumor in her right lung.  She has intermittently been in the hospital over the past two months receiving surgery and chemotherapy treatments.

At school, Miranda is a member of student council and works hard in her honors classes.  Along with being an incredible singer, she had the opportunity travel to Hollywood in January of 2011 to play a role in the Barbie Movie, Barbie: Princess Charm School!

Miranda’s continuing battle with cancer reminds us of the incredible challenges our B+ Heroes must overcome.  Every day, these heroes need encouragement to give them the strength to fight this awful disease.  To write on Miranda’s caring bridge website, visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mirandaramnolte/journal/6.

B+ Hero of the Day: Hayden Godwin

Hayden, an eight-year-old from right here in Newark, Del. is our B+ Hero of the Day! Hayden was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on January 15, 2008. Despite only being five years old, Hayden remained strong through many surgeries and chemotherapy treatments. On April 16, 2011, Hayden finished his chemotherapy treatment!

Hayden loves Disney and is a talented singer! In 2009 he took his first plane ride to Florida, where he was met Mickey Mouse! Hayden was also a huge hit at our UDance Holiday Party.  He is quite the entertainer and has a great voice.  Hayden had an amazing time last year at UDance with his Lambda Chi Apha brothers. He can’t wait for this year to be bigger and better!

Some Words of Encouragement

Since its founding, UDance has created a difference in many lives.  The funds that University of Delaware students and community members donate go a long way for many kids with cancer and their families.  Below are words that have encouraged us to work everyday to fight childhood cancer.

“Thank you so very much for the money that you sent to Ben and our family!  We cannot tell you how much this means to us!  It not only allowed Ben’s dad to be with Ben during his last days, but it also made Ben feel loved and cared for, which we are eternally grateful for.”-Cara N., Mother of a Childhood Cancer Angel

“The B+ Foundation and the donors that contribute to it changed our lives, showing us that there are still folks out there who care.  Your read and see so much going on in the world that is wrong, and then there you are to help!  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.  You and your donors are in our thoughts forever.” – Lisa A., Mother of a Childhood Cancer Survivor

“Sadly, our son passed away May 15, 2010.  But because you so graciously gave, it allowed us to spend the most important time of our lives together as a family.  If you only knew what a blessing your are.” -Cynthia W., Mother of a Childhood Cancer Angel

B+ Hero of the Day: Molly Zahner

Molly, a strong and resilient twelve-year old, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a bone cancer, in her right femur on June 19, 2008.  After two rounds of chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor, Molly completed her treatment and is now cancer-free!

Since finishing her treatment, Molly has been active and strong despite other leg surgeries.   In December, she had surgery on both legs to help her legs grow at a proper rate.  Molly is currently recovering and doing physical therapy.  She is extremely brave and is fighting through the pain.

Prior to surgery, Molly had an active fall playing volleyball.  With a consistent serve, she helped her team reach the semi-finals!  We wish Molly all the best with her physical therapy and look forward to seeing her in March!

B+ Hero of the Day: Aryn Strigle

Aryn was diagnosed with Leukemia in December of 2008 at the age of 2.  After more than two years of treatment, Aryn finished her chemotherapy in February of 2011.  Aryn’s strength and courage to overcome the disease at such a young is an example of why we call these pediatric cancer survivors heroes.

This past fall was a busy time for Aryn.  Along with celebrating her fifth birthday and starting preschool, she also played on her town soccer team.  She is loving school and enjoys spending time with her teacher and classmates.

Aryn’s family is preparing to move into a new home over the next couple weeks.  She has embraced this period of transition and is excited for the move.  In the mean time, Aryn looks forward to attending Thon at Penn State University as well as UDance Marathon to play with her Kappa Alpha Theta sisters.

UDance Donation Letter

UD students can help UDance reach its goal by sending out the donation letter below.  All one needs to do is copy and paste the following letter into an email and send it out to family and friends.  It’s quick, easy, and will make a huge difference.

I’m participating as a member of NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION in the University of Delaware’s UDance on March 11th. UDance is the largest student-run philanthropy at the University of Delaware. My organization is trying to raise YOUR TEAM’S FUNDRAISING GOAL this year! The money raised will go toward finding a cure for childhood cancer in partnership with The Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation.

Please help me by making a contribution online.

1. Click here INSERT LINK TO YOUR TEAM’S DONATION PAGE on udanacedelaware.info

2. Find my name and click on it

3. Complete the online form and safely use your credit card to make a donation

4. You’ll receive an online receipt for tax purposes

Thank you for helping us fight to give the kids a tomorrow. Please forward this to others so we can reach our goal!

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The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation (www.BePositive.org) was born out of tragedy after athlete and ‘A’ student Andrew McDonough passed away from complications of leukemia on July 14th 2007, at age 14. Andrew’s blood type and the family’s motto was, and continues to be, “B+”… “Be Positive.” The overall goal of The B+ Foundation is to  “Do Good.”  With your help, they will continue to achieve their primary objectives:

• “Do Good.” With your help, they will continue to achieve their primary objectives:Sponsor research to find cures for childhood cancers and advancements in chemotherapy. In 2009, the foundation awarded a $250,000 grant, and they will soon award another $250,000 research grant.
• Provide financial assistance for families of critically ill children around the country. To date, families have been helped in 47 states with over $500,000.
• Keep the B+ message alive! Andrew taught us to have fun, show affection, set goals, try our best, and keep our lives in perspective. We should all “Live Like Andrew.
• Please visit www.BePositive.org to learn more.

B+ Hero of the Day: Alex Blythe

Alex was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer in the spring of 2009.  After successfully defeating the disease, Alex was told in 2010 that the Osteosarcoma had returned to his lungs.  Once again, Alex had to endure 48 weeks of chemotherapy.  Today, Alex is cancer-free and has achieved the amazing feat of defeating bone cancer twice. Throughout both battles, Alex maintained an amazing, positive attitude.  His incredible attitude made him known as Mr. AB+ throughout his community.

As a sixteen-year-old, Mr. AB+ recently received his drivers license along with his first fishing license.  Throughout the past spring and summer, Alex spent his time fishing and working as a camp counselor.  He is looking forward to spending time with his Alpha Epsilon Pi brothers in March during UDance 2012.