Have you ever stopped to wonder what the world would be like without childhood cancer? For one girl diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer, at the age of 1, it was more than a passing thought. Though Alexandra had waves of huge accomplishments through her toddler years, by the age of 4 the cancer had come back.

For some, this news would have come as defeat. But for this determined and confident child, it came as an opportunity. Alex decided to go home and have a lemonade stand to help “give the money to the doctors to allow them to help the other kids like they help [her].”

With the help of her brother, they were able to raise $2,000 for her hospital within the first year. Her story spread all over the world, and so it came to pass that Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was created. With the help of others, Alex was able to raise more than $1 million to help find a cure for her disease.

Unfortunately, after four more courageous years of fighting the cancer, Alex passed away at the young, tender age of 8. Her legacy lives on, though.

Their mission continues today: To raise money and awareness of childhood cancer causes, primarily research into new treatments and cures. To encourage and empower others, especially children to get involved and make a difference for children with cancer.

As of today, they have raised more than $100 million and have funded over 475 research projects with the goal of putting an end to childhood cancer.

If you believe in Alex’s mission and want to help, you can visit www.alexslemonade.org/get_involved. You can help through your school, through your business, with your family, and more! The list is endless, but I would recommend holding your own lemonade stand or participating in Alex’s Million Mile — Run.Walk.Ride. If you do not have the time or resources to do some of these ideas, money goes a long way — probably farther than you think!

What your donation can do:

• Your donation of $50 will fund one hour of research.
• A gift of $400 will fund one day of research.
• A gift of $2,000 will fund a week of research.
• A generous gift of $8,000 will pay for an entire month of research.

If you want to be a part of something that can change the future for our children, now is the time. Help others like Alex to find a cure to childhood cancer and add one more smiling face to our future generation!