The United States National Soccer Team Players Association is proud to be associated with the B+ Foundation, created by the family of Andrew McDonough. Andrew was a soccer player from Delaware who turned tragedy into inspiration through his battle with Leukemia, the life he led on and off the field, and the example he continues to set for numerous people who impacted by his story.
How does a 14-year-old elite soccer player in seemingly perfect health go from playing four soccer games on Saturday to cardiac arrest on Monday?
That’s what thousands of people were asking each other when they heard the news about Andrew McDonough of Wilmington, Delaware. Known around town and on the soccer field for his mass of curly blond hair and magical personality, Andrew was leading a charmed life. The week before he was diagnosed, this straight-A student went skiing on Monday, had intense personal training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday, went to his high school dance on Friday, and played four soccer games to help lead his FC Delco team to the Pennsylvania Indoor State Cup championship on Saturday.
Unbeknownst to everyone, Andrew did all of this while his body was on the verge of collapse. He made a game-saving play with just seconds left on the clock to seal the state championship for FC Delco. When Andrew and his Dad met at midfield after the game, his Dad said, “I’m so proud of you. You’ve got the heart of a champion!” Little did they know how right he was. Continue Reading
