A group of UMKC students have brought the mission of the national Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation to Kansas City.
The group honors the life of Andrew McDonough, who battled complications of childhood cancer, leukemia and septic shock before passing away at the age of 14 in 2007.
The team supports this nationwide mission by helping local families affected by pediatric cancer through financial aid, awareness and emotional support.
“A lot of people don’t realize the other burdens that are associated with childhood cancer,” said Co-President Baran Basu. “The B+ Foundation covers some of those financial burdens so families can focus on the real fight which is childhood cancer.”
Co-President Alana Lopez witnessed firsthand the impact the foundation has on families across the country when she traveled to Delaware for the B+ Leadership conference.
“By fostering engagement, creating new opportunities for service, and connecting undergraduate, graduate and alumni members, we are building a collaborative community that uplifts the lives of local families in Kansas City,” said Lopez.
The group has relied heavily on the support of Greek life organizations, who are enthusiastic partners in the team’s fundraising efforts, said Lopez.
Both Lopez and Basu have backgrounds in Greek life involvement. The emphasis on philanthropy in Greek life is what inspired the co-presidents to take on leadership roles with the group.
Lopez’s experience serving as the vice president of service and philanthropy on the UMKC Panhellenic Council helped her realize she could bring a fresh perspective to the team’s philanthropic efforts.
“My main goal was to develop a program that fostered a deeper sense of community and created meaningful opportunities for engagement,” said Lopez.
Additionally, local businesses provide donations and sponsorships that help the team execute the meaningful events they plan for local families.
One way the team actively impacts families is by sponsoring children with pediatric cancer. The team currently sponsors two “B+ heroes” named Brooke and Olivia.
“We love to visit our heroes and make lasting memories as we include them as sorority sisters,” said Lopez.
According to Basu, an advisor handles the selection process. Once a child is selected, Lopez and Basu meet with the child and their family and get to know them.
“Just recently, Brooke was getting a round of treatment at Children’s Mercy, so the board worked out times to go hang out with her,” said Basu.
The foundation hosts events for the sponsored children and their families that aim to draw financial and emotional support from the local community.
Their next event, Roo’s Relay, is on Oct. 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m at Durwood Stadium.
“The Roo’s Relay consists of many field activities that allow teams to have fun with their competitive nature, earn points and raise funds for B+ all at the same time,” said Lopez.
Their B+ heroes, Brooke and Olivia, will be in attendance and Basu and Lopez urge students and organizations to come out and show support.
“Our primary support comes from UMKC students, alumni and families,” said Lopez. “By fostering a community-wide commitment to the B+ philanthropy, we ensure that everyone has a chance to come together and make a difference.”
