I wanted to share a blog post about the B+ Foundation, in case you have missed what I have shared on Stories. A few of my friends from college work for this non-profit and it was important to me to help spread the word about such a good cause.
If you didn’t know, I went to school for and worked as a Child Life Specialist for many years after graduation. It was hands down one of the most challenging, emotionally fulfilling things I have ever done in my entire life. I will forever be grateful for my time in this role. While I worked on the Day Surgery unit, we also saw kids from the Hematology/Oncology unit for bone marrow, lumber punctures and a few other routine procedures. These kids will forever hold a place in my heart as I saw them and worked with them the most often.
My goal is to one day be able to give back in some big way, but while I am on that journey to figure out how, I will continue to share and support causes that are so incredibly important, like B+.
Sharing some more details below…
“Be Positive” Smiley Sweatshirt // “Be Positive” Mauve Sweatshirt
What is the Be Positive Foundation:
The Be Positive Foundation, a childhood cancer non-profit, is driven by kids helping kids fight cancer. The foundation honors the life of Andrew McDonough who lost his battle to Leukemia at age 14. His B+ blood type inspired the phrase “Be Positive” which became the family’s motto throughout his fight and inspires people everywhere to lead a life like Andrew.
The foundation funds cutting edge childhood cancer research and is the largest provider of financial assistance to families of kids with cancer in the nation.
65% of revenue is raised on college campuses with the help of students hosting events and fundraisers. University of Delaware (my college!) is their #1 program and their students raised $2.25 million last year!
The foundation has an incredible program that matches kids with cancer with groups of college students. Students adopt a B+ hero and are able to serve as big brothers and sisters and offer much needed support during trying times. Alpha Phi (my sorority) at UD is currently matched with a boy named Dane, one of the only boys with a sorority. When asked if he wanted to switch to a fraternity, he said no 🙂 You can watch this heartwarming video to learn more about the impact the program has had on children with cancer and the students involved.
Outside of fundraising events (which 80% have largely been canceled due to Covid) you can give back and support the foundation by purchasing “Be Positive” merchandise where 100% of proceeds benefit the fight against childhood cancer. They offer everything from sweatshirts/t-shirts to hats, masks and accessories. The message of “Be positive” is fitting now, more than ever. You can purchase your own “Be Positive” gear through their Etsy shop or directly from their general merch website.
Be sure to check out their website to learn more about the Foundation and how they are impacting children with cancer across the nation. There you can also find resources about how to become involved and host events as well as donate to current efforts. Be sure to follow along with the foundation on IG @bepositivefdn.
A few facts:
-There are 12 major types, and over 100 subtypes, of childhood cancers. They’re biologically different than those seen in adults.
-There are 71 potential life years lost on average when a child dies of cancer compared to the 17 potential life years lost when an adult dies of cancer.
-About 7 children in the US lose their life to cancer each day.
-The cancer incidence rate in children/adolescents has increased by 24% over the last 40 years.
-The average cost of a hospital stay for a child with cancer is $40,000.
-20% of families reported losing 40% of their annual income while taking care of a child with cancer.
