2020 has been a year that none of us could have imagined, but this was also the year where everyone united to support one another throughout some of our toughest moments. In celebration of the start of a new year, we want to reflect on some of our favorite moments from 2020.

We are always inspired by our B+ Heroes to remain optimistic and resilient, which we have proudly displayed throughout this time. During the month of October, we were able to accomplish so much thanks to our UDance community, and we’re excited to reflect on the moments that we’re so grateful for.

B+ Hero Maci was first diagnosed with cancer in September of 2018, and she successfully finished chemotherapy with optimism and strength. She was soon after paired with Sigma Alpha at the University of Delaware, and the paired organization quickly became her big sisters and closest friends.

B+ Hero Reena completed her cancer treatment in the spring of 2019, and that upcoming fall she was already back on the volleyball court, and being paired with the University of Delaware’s Club Volleyball Team. Her dedication and perseverance, as shown through her ability to bounce back from anything, has become the team’s biggest inspiration.

B+ Hero Danny was first diagnosed with cancer in 2010 at only two years old, and after four years and eight months of being cancer-free, his cancer sadly returned in 2017. Throughout this time, his paired organization, the Delaware Football team, stood by his side and supported him throughout his incredible display of strength and perseverance. He has become not only their B+ Hero, but the center of their team.

In celebration of B+ Hero Darren’s birthday today, we will be highlighting the bond between him and his paired organization, Pi Kappa Phi. Diagnosed with a form of brain cancer at only 8 weeks old, B+ Hero Darren has been a fighter and symbol of strength his entire life. These qualities, and so many others, have led B+ Hero Darren to become an incredible influence on those around him, as well as an amazing friend.

B+ Hero Hayden and the University of Delaware Women’s Lacrosse team spent their first UDance together during the spring semester of 2016, approximately a year after she was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma. In the four years of being paired, B+ Hero Hayden has been a shining light within their team and shown remarkable examples of bravery and perseverance. She has become the team’s little sister, and her energy has made every moment spent together even better.

B+ Hero Mateo and Alpha Phi Omega were paired in the spring semester of 2018, and since then, he has become the “musician rockstar” of their organization. The past two and a half years have been spent getting to know each other, creating memories, and becoming the close friends that they are today. Every member of Alpha Phi Omega has grown to adore B+ Hero Mateo, which can be expressed through their experiences as a paired organization.

In celebration of B+ Hero Riley’s last chemotherapy treatment on July 19, 2020, we will be showcasing the close bond that she and Delta Delta Delta have developed after being paired in the 2018 spring semester. The pairing began early during that year, and they have been there to support B+ Hero Riley through a long journey of strength, bravery, and perseverance.

B+ Hero Lilly was diagnosed with cancer on July 5, 2013, and is now over three years cancer-free. She was paired with Gamma Phi Beta in 2014, and they have since been with each other through the many steps of cancer treatment and recovery. Throughout that time, Gamma Phi Beta and B+ Hero Lilly have developed an unbreakable bond and grown to be each other’s best friends.

B+ Hero Emily recently celebrated her last day of cancer treatment on June 27, 2020. In honor of her bravery and strength, our first B+ Hero Blog will highlight the bond between B+ Hero Emily and the University of Delaware’s Club Gymnastics team.

On May 7, 2020, UDance launched our first campaign for the upcoming year: See 5, Send 5, Stride 5! We challenged our UDance community to complete a 5K (3.1 miles) by walking, running, or biking in support of The B+ Foundation, and to nominate their friends and families to do the same. Our goal was to reach 1,000 collective miles by May 14, 2020.

In response to the growing need for financial assistance due to the pandemic, The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation launched the “ COVID-19 Doesn’t Stop Childhood Cancer: The B+ Foundation’s Response to Families of Kids with Cancer Impacted by COVID-19” campaign on April 30, 2020.