The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference.The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.
Elie Wiesel

Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope... and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. ~Robert F. Kennedy


We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.
Marian Wright Edelman

21 July 2008

When Life Brings Lemons...Fighting Childhood Cancer One Cup at a Time

Link to ALSF on your own site!

"I'm Alex, I'm 8 years old. I have Neuroblastoma and I raise money for pediatric cancer research with the help of other kids and grown ups through my lemonade stand. I give the money I raise to research to find cures for pediatric cancers. " Alexandra Scott 1996-2004

Like many little girls Alexandra Scott wanted to set up a Lemonade Stand in her front yard, but Alex was not just any little girl. First of all she was all of 4 years old when she made this entrepreneurial decision and she also made the decision that the profits from her lemonade stand would go directly to her doctors to find a cure for other children like herself, children with cancer-"...because all kids want their tumors to go away." Alex's first stand raised over $2,000 for her hospital.

For the next 4 years as Alex battled her illness she set up her stand to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Alex lost her fight in 2004 but she left an extraordinary legacy as her single gesture to give hope and raise awareness inspired thousands to set up their own Lemonade Stands and contribute to Alex's wish to help. Alex raised over 1 million dollars in her short life. Imagine, all from one amazing little girl's simple idea.

What began as Alex's stand in her front yard has grown into thousands of lemonade stands and fundraising efforts in schools, corporations and communities across the country. Since Alex's first stand in 2000 over 7,000 Alex's Lemonade Stands have raised money and brought awareness to the fight for pediatric cancer research. As of this month, July 2008, The Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation has raised over 20 million dollars for pediatric cancer research, donating millions to cancer centers and research facilities working to find a cure. ALSF's Lemonade Days on June 6.7 and 8 involved over 2000 lemonade stands nationwide. Major corporations have adopted Alex's cause and helped to ensure that her wish to help and find a cure continues. Volvo has established the Alexandra Scott Butterfly Foundation award given to a child who like Alex shows caring and character. Other companies donate a percentage of their sales or their products such as Country Time Lemonade and Stacy's Chips. This Wednesday July 23 Blue Tulip will donate 15% of their proceeds to ALSF. Go shop!

On most days in the summer I wear a necklace and bracelet designed by Elyse Rosenstock of Elyse Ryan, made of pink and yellow crystals in memory of Alex and in support of ALSF. People often comment on them and I love the story that Alex helped Elyse with the design and now those pieces of jewelry are helping Alex's foundation grow.


Making giving so simple, so accessible, and teaching children the importance of helping and giving back are just some of the reasons I love and support this foundation. Every cup of lemonade does make a difference in the fight to find a cure for childhood cancer. Thenof course there is the memory of Alex herself,truly a special light who left a legacy and a lesson of turning heartbreak into hope.
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