Discussing Bonds and Empathy in the Childhood Cancer Community

Joe McDonough has devoted nearly two decades to supporting children with cancer and their families through The Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation, which he co-founded after losing his son Andrew. Over the years, the foundation has become one of the largest sources of financial assistance for families navigating childhood cancer in the U.S.

In December 2025, McDonough was honored at the Blood Cancer Heroes event, a celebration recognizing individuals who make a meaningful difference for people living with leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and myeloproliferative neoplasms. The event, hosted by CURE in partnership with Blood Cancer United, highlights those who strengthen support networks and amplify patient voices.

In this conversation, McDonough opens up about the connections he has witnessed within the childhood cancer community and the lessons these bonds have taught him about empathy and shared experience.

Transcript

In the midst of everything your family has faced, what has stood out to you most about the people you have met along the way?

We live in a very divided world, but cancer is a great equalizer. It doesn't matter if you're Jewish, Christian, Muslim, rich, poor, Republican, Democrat, urban or rural; it's like this cruel wheel spins and lands on you.

I have some wonderful friends that I have met because of childhood cancer. I wish I didn't know them under these circumstances, but it brings us together. When I am in the kitchen on the unit with my son back in his room and I come across you, we have this bond. You're fighting for your little girl; I'm fighting for my little boy. This may sound odd, but it's a beautiful thing.

I'm pulling for you, and you are pulling for me. I don't even know you, except I know you're a dad and I'm a dad, or you're a mom or a grandma. Childhood cancer doesn't care how much money you make, doesn't care what political party you are, and doesn't care if you're documented or undocumented. It happens, and we as a world, not just the United States, have to support the children and the families of kids with cancer.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.