This Mover & Shaker achieved triumph from personal tragedy. He’s moving boundaries locally, nationally and well beyond ALL in honor of his son, Andrew. What’s more, he’s probably the modest Mover & Shaker we’ve recognized yet. We are honored to spotlight Joe McDonough as a Top 10 North Delaware Mover & Shaker of 2015.
The president of the The Andrew McDonough B+® Foundation based in Wilmington, Delaware, Joe co-created the foundation to honor his son Andrew’s memory, a 14-year-old star — on and off the soccer and baseball fields. Andrew bravely battled leukemia, septic shock and complications of childhood cancer for 167 days with his “Be Positive” attitude and B+ bloodtype before earning his spot in heaven in July 2007. From that day forward, Joe McDonough has dedicated his life to helping families fighting childhood cancer.
B+: “It’s Not A Grade, It’s An Attitude.”
Joe works 7 days a week fighting childhood cancer. Through Joe’s hard work and dedication, The B+ Foundation is now a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Helping thousands of families at over 200 hospitals across the United States, the B+ Foundation is one of the nation’s largest providers of financial assistance to families of children with cancer.
The B+ Foundation spreads Andrew’s positive attitude and zest for life and has changed the way thousands of families relate to each other. The McDonough family has helped families across the country — financially and emotionally — as they care for their child with cancer. Not only does Joe lessen the financial burden of families of children with cancer, allowing them to focus on getting their child healthy, but he also frequently visits children in the hospital. He is a resource and support system for the parents and children. They have committed several hundred thousand dollars to children’s cancer research in the hope that soon no family will go through the loss that they have. Help us spread the B+ message!
bepositive.org
Joe works with The B+ Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board to fund critical, cutting-edge childhood cancer research. Children are alive today because of research funded by The B+ Foundation: 1. Pediatrics – Official Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics 2. Penn Live and 3. Seattle Children’s Hospital.
A motivational speaker, Joe’s done 600+ speeches in the past 8 years. He tailors the talk to his audience, ranging from elementary school students to commencement speeches to corporate staff meetings.
Joe’s Awards
- 2015 Governor’s Prayer Breakfast Keynote Speaker
- 2012 Delaware Gridiron Club’s Thomas C. Maloney Award for Community Service
- 2011 Congressman Carney’s guest at President Obama’s State of the Union
B+ is Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Joe McDonough, Founder and President of Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation National Charity, Motivational Speaker
Q & A with Joe
NDH: For which achievements are you most proud?
JOE: My wonderful kids, being married for 32 years, and helping to fight childhood cancer.
NDH: What local organizations, events or clubs are you currently involved with?
JOE: Mary Magdalen Church
NDH: Do you have a mentor?
JOE: My parents and my family. They are my rocks.
NDH: What’s your favorite North Delaware event?
JOE: The B+ 5k at Salesianum, one of the largest 5k run/walks in Delaware with approximately 2,000 attendees – 2015 marked the 9th annual.
NDH: Can you share how your involvement has impacted an individual or the North Delaware community?
JOE: The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation has helped many local families of kids with cancer being treated at A.I. DuPont Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). We are one of the largest providers of financial assistance to families of kids with cancer nationwide. This year, we’ll help 1,700 families from 250 hospitals.
NDH: Movers & Shakers are visionaries. What projects are you working on for future achievement?
JOE: Curing childhood cancer!
NDH: Have you faced any serious challenges along the way that you would like to share?
JOE: Yes, the death of my 14 year son and best friend – to leukemia. Kids should NOT die!!!
Happy 23rd bday to my son, Andrew, in Heaven. Miss ya buddy. You made.. & continue to make, the world a better place. pic.twitter.com/ECtH0HnvkM
— Joe McDonough (@JoeBePositive) September 3, 2015
NDH: How do you feel about being named as a Nominee of Movers & Shakers in North Delaware?
JOE: Humbled, appreciative, and a little embarrassed.
NDH: What’s your next big event in North Delaware?
JOE: We have a lot of events happening here and around the country. Our next in North Delaware is The Diamond State Classic, a national high school girls varsity basketball tournament held annually from December 27 through December 30 in which The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation is the primary beneficiary. Also our Udance marathon at the University of Delaware is set for March 2016. This event raised $1.3 million last year!
About The Diamond Sate Classic
Sponsored by the Diamond State Classic Foundation, and hosted by Saint Elizabeth High School, the tournament is operated and run primarily by IAABO Board #11 active and retired members, and other dedicated individuals who volunteer their time and services. Corporate sponsors have generously supported our efforts to provide a quality experience for all teams participating in the Diamond State Classic. A non-profit organization, the Diamond State Classic Foundation is dedicated to raising scholarship money to award to qualifying and deserving graduating senior high school female athletes in the state of Delaware. In addition to this, the Special Olympics Delaware, the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, and other Delaware charities have benefited from grants. Over the past 20+ years of operation, we have awarded over $950,000 in scholarships and grants.
Don’t miss a chance to watch the Diamond State Classic stars of tomorrow showing off their skills on Tuesday, 12/29! 2015 is the 25th Anniversary year and we are set for big things. Visit diamondstateclassic.org for more info. Twitter @DSCClassic and Facebook @diamondstateclassic
Joe’s Making Dreams Come True
.@BillyJoel THANK YOU for making B+ Hero Alex’s dream come true in Philly tonight. #BePositivehttp://t.co/JHCRto3tm5pic.twitter.com/ZoqQnJ5Ivs — The B+ Foundation (@BePositiveFdn) August 14, 2015
The Mission of The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation
1. Provide financial assistance for families of children with cancer nationwide. The B+ Foundation is one of the largest providers of financial assistance to families of kids with cancer in the United States.
2. Sponsor research to find cures for childhood cancers and improve treatment options. The B+ Foundation has provided research grants to institutions such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (TN), Dana Farber Cancer Institute (MA), Seattle Children’s Hospital (WA), Children’s Oncology Group, and the Nemours Center for Childhood Cancer Research (DE).
3. Keep the “B+” (“Be Positive”) message alive through outreach efforts and talks. Share the lessons that Andrew taught us, including: have fun, set goals and try your best, show affection, and be comfortable with yourself. We need to “Live Like Andrew” by having faith in God, making time for our loved ones, keeping our lives in perspective, and appreciating our blessings.
Follow Joe, The McDonoughs & The B+ Foundation
- www.BePositive.org
- www.Twitter.com/JoeBePositive
- www.facebook.com/TheAndrewMcDonoughBePositiveFoundation
- www.instagram.com/bepositivefdn
- Youtube
Thanks Joe!
For all you do for our North Delaware communities and beyond. #lovelocal
A Big Thank You to Budget Rooter, Sponsor of Movers & Shakers 2015.
Budget Rooter was established in Delaware in 1992 by Suzanne & Jeff Palady – a hard-working mother/son team with little more than $500.00 and a healthy dose of determination & drive.
Their mission? To provide excellent service at a fair price, to remain committed to the environment, and to treat their customers with integrity and respect.
Today, more than 22 years later, Budget Rooter has added thirteen employees and is fully equipped to serve the needs of their residential and commercial customers with a fleet of eight service trucks, three high-velocity water jets, and two excavators.
Budget Rooter offers truly free estimates that are valid for 30 days – there is no pressure, and no “selling” when you call. Need a plumber? Get a plumber, not a salesman!
For more info, check us out at www.budgetrooterinc.com!
Thank you, You recently spoke to kids at Hockessin Police Athletic League. My 8 year old grandaughter was there. You made a big impression with her. I am a breast cancer survivor and occasionally help raise money for cancer. She informed me that all the money raised for cancer research, only 3% goes to research for children. She wants to make sure that I help raise money for the children also. She feels very passionately and wants us to do lemonade stands and help raise more money for the children. I am sorry for your loss and grateful that you are taking the time to raise awareness among the healthy next generation!