“Everything we do, we do for our B+ Heroes,” is not only a phrase that fills the halls of Jake Nevin on the day of NOVAdance, but serves as a constant reminder of NOVAdance’s purpose throughout the year.
NOVAdance works to support B+ heroes, pediatric cancer patients, both financially and emotionally throughout their cancer diagnosis. The Villanova B+ Hero program works in collaboration with the Andrew McDonough Foundation to pair these heroes with a student organization on campus.
Students Carissa Van Veen and Faith Bordenabe currently lead the Family Relations Committee for NOVAdance. In this role, they are responsible for emotionally supporting both the B+ Heroes and their families throughout the year leading up to the 12-hour dance marathon.
“We have 17 B+ heroes who have been diagnosed with cancer and who are paired with organizations on campus,” Van Veen said. “Our role is really to oversee peer liaisons from each organization who are paired with those heroes and get to know them, their family and really bring them into the Villanova community to be a support system.”
Throughout the year, NOVAdance holds multiple events for the B+ Heroes to attend on campus. These events include holiday hero parties and a campus-wide field day. The Family Relations Committee also works to plan events that celebrate the legacy of “Forever B+ Heroes” who have passed away.
“A lot of people see the Hero Program only through fun events and parties, but we’ve really gotten to learn a lot about our hero’s experiences with cancer,” Bordenabe said. “While a lot of our heroes are finished with their cancer treatment, NOVAdance is still such an impactful part of their lives, because cancer doesn’t stop when the treatment stops.”
The Villanova community will welcome many of these heroes to campus on Saturday for the dance marathon.
Meet the NOVAdance B+ Heroes:
Andrew, The Original B+ Hero
Andrew is the namesake of the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation and the inspiration behind NOVAdance. He was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and fought for 167 days before passing away on July 14, 2007. Both the foundation and dance marathon were created to honor his memory. NOVAdance’s “Be Positive” message is inspired by Andrew’s blood type and positive mindset as he navigated his cancer diagnosis.
Christos, Alpha Phi Omega
An avid Villanova sports fan, 13-year-old Christos can often be found participating in a game of “Knockout” on the marathon day. Diagnosed with B cell Leukemia in 2020, Christos embodies the B+ message by sharing his talents of public speaking with others and through his relationship with his sister, Nicolette.
Correll, Delta Delta Delta
A freshman at Widener University this year, 19-year-old Correll enjoys playing sports and video games. He was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Correll can be found cheering on the Wildcats at basketball games and spending time with his brothers.
Danny, Sigma Nu
Sixteen-year-old Danny has a love for all things Philly sports, fantasy football and card shows. He was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma at the age of two. Each year, Danny celebrates March 27 as his Gift of Life Day, the day he received his bone marrow transplant.
Ellie, Alpha Chi Omega
A theater lover and aspiring doctor, 16-year-old Ellie enjoys sharing her story with the Villanova community. She attended the B+ Ball this year where she gave a speech centered around her experience with B cell Leukemia and shared the “Be Positive” message.
Harry, Alpha Gamma Delta
Seven-year-old Harry can often be described for his bubbly and high-energy personality. He was diagnosed with B Cell Leukemia in 2020. Harry’s favorite things include making slime, spending time with his pets and learning about science.
Jack, Brothers of Jack
Jack is described as a “friend to all.” He was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. Jack enjoys playing video games, spending time with his pet lizard and being in the presence of his Villanova brothers.
James, Phi Sigma Pi
Seven-year-old James has a smile that lights up any room and embodies the B+ message through his positive personality. He was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia in 2020. He can often be found running around, spending time with his two sisters, or cheering on his favorite superheroes, especially the Hulk.
Julia, Chi Omega
The newest addition to the Villanova B+ Hero community, Julia will celebrate her first NOVAdance this year. Julia was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in January 2024. The ultimate girly-girl, Julia loves all things pink, mermaids, rainbows and princesses.
Lily, Blue Key
A star both on and off the stage, Lily loves to share her love of singing and dancing with others. Eighteen-year-old Lily was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis type 1. She can be found competing each year at the NOVAdance Lip Sync Battle with Blue Key members and this year is no different.
Pascal, Beta Theta Pi
Pascal joined the Villanova community in 2024. Pascal was diagnosed with Leukemia and has showcased his resilience by embracing his passions of the outdoors, learning how to swim and being around animals. He attended the first NOVAdance Field Day in the fall and spent time with his Beta brothers.
Sebastian, Pi Kappa Phi
Thirteen-year-old Sebastian can be found in Jake Nevin shooting hoops during the marathon. He was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma when he was four years old. Sebastian’s favorite things include running outside, playing basketball and video games.
Rebekah, Alpha Phi
The first B+ graduate, Rebekah is a testament to the mission of the B+ Foundation supporting heroes throughout her childhood and into adulthood. Twenty-three-year-old Rebekah was diagnosed in 2014 with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She graduated from West Chester University in 2023 and raises awareness by sharing her stories with others, including during a NOVAdance panel.
Blair, Forever Paired with Delta Gamma
Known for her spunky personality and love for Sesame Street and Curious George, Blaire battled a brain tumor before passing away on April 7, 2020. Her legacy continues to be celebrated on campus as Delta Gamma and NOVAdance host an annual event “Blair’s Nail Painting Party” in her memory.
Frankie, Forever Paired with Kappa Delta
Frankie showcased his “Be Positive” attitude through his love for Legos, Disney and spending time with his Kappa Delta sisters. He passed away from a brain tumor on April 3, 2024. NOVAdance hosted the first “Frankie’s Favorites” event this past month in collaboration with Frankie’s family to celebrate all the people, things and activities that Frankie loved.
Jibril, Forever Paired with Delta Delta Delta
Jibril shared his love of motorcycles, superheroes and baking with the NOVAdance community, especially his Tri Delta sisters. He passed away on February 28, 2016. His legacy and embodiment of “Be Positive” will always be remembered by NOVAdance.
Tony, Forever Paired with Alpha Phi Omega
Throughout his time with the Be Positive Foundation and Alpha Phi Omega, Tony showcased his support of the Eagles, love for hot dogs and curious nature as a collector of more than 100 fidget spinners. He passed away on March 20, 2018. Tony’s memory will always be cherished by the NOVAdance community.
Honoring Brandon Gonzalez
NOVAdance and Sigma Phi Epsilon will honor former Villanova student Brandon Gonzalez during Hero Hour. Brandon’s battle with cancer ended on January 12, 2023. As a Wildcat, Brandon served as a Team Captain for NOVAdance and was inspired to establish his own foundation, BRANDONSTRONG, which continues to work to ease the financial burden of treatments for pediatric cancer patients. His Sig Ep brothers described him as an excellent business student, friend, comedian and lover of sports and adventures. Brandon’s memory will continue to be celebrated by both the NOVAdance and Villanova community.
