"B+": An Inspirational Story about 14-Year-Old Andrew McDonough
Andrew, age 14, was proud to be a 'straight-A' student at Salesianum School. Andrew had charisma, a fun-loving personality, and an affectionate nature. He excelled at all sports, particularly soccer and baseball.
But on January 27, 2007, everything changed.
Just 48 hours after playing four soccer games, Andrew went into cardiac arrest. When his parents brought him to the hospital, they were shocked to find out that he had leukemia. Andrew went into major septic shock and had to be resuscitated. He spent 167 days at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, DE- mostly in intensive care- fighting leukemia, multiple life-threatening infections, and brain surgery.
During that time, Andrew received numerous blood and platelet transfusions. Although Andrew ultimately lost his battle on July 14, 2007, those blood transfusions prolonged his life. Less than two weeks after his death, Andrew's father, Joe, donated blood. He also spoke to other donors that day- to thank them.
"People were surprised that I would thank them," says Joe. "I wanted to let them know that blood donors gave a precious gift to Andrew and our family. Their donations helped him be more comfortable- and to be with us longer. We are extremely grateful for that."
Joe continues to give blood and encourages others to do the same. "Giving blood is so easy- and knowing that it is helping someone makes me happy. It also allows me to perform an act of kindness in honor of my son."
The McDonough Family has established The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, with its motto, "Be Positive." Among other things, it is dedicated to performing acts of kindness. "What better act of kindness is there than giving blood to help another person," says Joe McDonough.
For more information, visit www.LiveLikeAndrew.org.
