NOVAdance, Villanova’s chapter of the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation (pronounced Be Positive), recently kicked off its year of campaigning for childhood cancer with the Honoring Andrew Campaign. Andrew McDonough was 14 years old when he passed away from childhood cancer.
Since NOVAdance was established in 2013 to honor Andrew, the chapter has become one of the largest supporters for the B+ Foundation.
Andrew McDonough fought for 167 days with cancer before he passed in 2007. His blood type, B+, became the motto for the McDonough family, and later the foundation created in his honor.
The B+ Foundation states that “The B+ Foundation was formed, with the goals to provide financial help to families of children with cancer, to support childhood cancer research, to advocate for more funding and to spread The B+ message: ‘It’s not a grade. It’s an attitude.’”
On Sept. 3, 2025, Andrew would have turned 33 years old. So to kick off its campaign year, NOVAdance shared how to “Live Like Andrew.”
A number of students joined together at the Oreo to create a video of how they try each day to live like Andrew did.
“Keeping a smile on my face at all times,” one student said.
“Trying new things,” another said.
While these were just a few of the responses from students, each represents what Joe McDonough, founder of the B+ Foundation, says of Andrew and his spirit.
Villanova was not the only college campus that fundraised this week. Working alongside other universities, the ultimate goal was exceeded.
This year, for Andrew’s 33rd birthday, the B+ Foundation had a goal of raising $33,000 on Sept. 3.
September also marks the beginning of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and as one of the largest providers of both financial and emotional support for families battling childhood cancer, the B+ Foundation knew they had to make it count.
On Sept. 3, the B+ Foundation raised a total of $42,027.08 for childhood cancer. Since it was the first campaign of the year, NOVAdance couldn’t help but celebrate.
“It was so amazing to see the community come together for the campaign and share how they ‘Live Like Andrew,’” Co-Executive Director Annie O’Brien said. “NOVAdance is truly a family, and I can’t wait to see everyone spread positivity across Villanova’s campus over the upcoming year.”
Lauren Markarian is the captain of the community and alumni subcommittee, and also voiced her enthusiasm for the fundraiser and the coming year.
“The ‘Live Like Andrew’ campaign at Villanova was a huge success,” Markarian said. “The campaign not only raised funds and awareness for the B+ Foundation, but it also was able to spark conversations amongst students to live with purpose and joy every day.”
NOVAdance is gearing up for another full year, with applications for Sidekicks, Engagement Coordinators, Team Captains and many more opening up for students of every grade on Villanova’s campus.
This will be an eventful year for NOVAdance as applications open and Morale Committee color teams are announced.
This past week, applications for hero liasions were also launched. This group works closely with the heroes and their fami
At its most recent dance marathon, NOVAdance raised $708,269.10 for families affected by childhood cancer, and their goals are only getting higher.
This year, Committee has announced that they’re shooting for $800,000.
The past few years, NOVAdance has continued to make $100,000 leaps.
Last year was the first time $700,000 had been raised.
This year, committee sees no exception when it comes to goal setting.
Within the coming months, committee has mapped out fundraising strategy. From canning trips to awareness week, NOVAdance is equipped to start the race for 8.
Look out as NOVAdance continues its “Why Wednesday” weekly campaigns, celebrate its very own B+ heroes, and catch volunteers all around campus recruiting new members and getting ready for another year of supporting the B+ Foundation with everything they have.
