All I Want For Christmas Is A Cure To Pediatric Cancer | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

All I Want For Christmas Is A Cure To Pediatric Cancer

Join us in the fight this season of giving.

94
https://www.instagram.com/p/BheVYcKhRa8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
@nova_dance Instagram

Do you remember Christmas as a child? Think back for a second, or close your eyes, if you need to. As I close my eyes, I fondly remember Christmas Eve celebrations with my family, opening presents, and tracking Santa online anxiously awaiting his gifts under the tree the next morning. I remember waking up extra early, shaking awake my brothers at six in the morning to come to the family room and see what Santa had brought us. As I grow older, of course, the meaning of Christmas has matured, and the "reason for the season" is obviously more than presents under a tree. Christmas should be about love and family.

Unfortunately, not every child can experience the same good memories during this holiday season. Every day, approximately 46 children are diagnosed with some form of pediatric cancer, and that is 46 too many. That means that from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day this year, approximately 414 children will find out that they have pediatric cancer.

Think about what this means for the child, for his or her family. No child should have pediatric cancer at any time of year, let alone the Christmas season. Think about all the Christmas and holiday memories that these children deserve to experience just like you did. Since Christmas is about giving, you may be thinking to yourself, "What can I do to help?"

The Andrew McDonough B+ ("Be Positive") Foundation is a children's cancer charity foundation that provides direct financial aid to families of children with pediatric cancer. Many college campuses throughout the country, such as Villanova University, work in partnership with The Andrew McDonough B+ ("Be Positive") Foundation to provide year-long fundraising for children and their families that are affected by pediatric cancer and research that focuses on finding a cure.

During the spring, Villanova sponsors a 12-hour dance marathon, also known as NOVAdance, which focuses on raising as much money as possible that will directly go to families and research. Every child who The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation sponsors becomes a "B+ Hero". During NOVAdance, Villanova also invites all the B+ heroes in the greater Philadelphia area to join us in dancing, games, arts & crafts, karaoke, and much more.

This past March was my first experience with NOVAdance, and I was blown away in awe. The hours I spent on the dance floor are some of my favorite memories from my first year of college, and I am eagerly awaiting the days till NOVADance 2019. I loved spending time with the B+ heroes, who taught me how to make some string bracelets, broke out their best dance moves, and beat Villanova students in a game of half-court basketball.

Moments like this are precious to not only me but to our B+ heroes and their families. This is why The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation needs your help to make as many of these memories as possible for these B+ heroes and their families.

You are probably still asking how you can help, so donate to the Andrew McDonough B+ ("Be Positive") Foundation. No donation is too small because every donation goes directly toward a family and help fighting for a cure. Join us in the fight against childhood cancer so that no child ever has to hear that he or she has been diagnosed with pediatric cancer.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187632
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13241
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456621
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25859
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments