Alex’s Lemonade Days raising awareness about childhood cancer

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to finding cures for all kids with cancer, has selected 50 families across the country to represent their state and take a stand against childhood cancer during Alex’s Lemonade Days, June 12-14.

The 50 state representatives, all of whom have been personally impacted by childhood cancer, are working to spread awareness about the ongoing childhood cancer fight by sharing their personal journeys. Alex’s Lemonade Days is a volunteer fundraiser commemorating 8-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott’s challenge to raise $1 million for childhood cancer cures, one cup of lemonade at a time. During Alex’s Lemonade Days, volunteers across the country host lemonade stands over the course of three days to continue her mission and bring renewed attention to the fight against childhood cancer.

In an effort to amplify just how prevalent childhood cancer is across the country, affecting more than 12,000 children in the United States annually, ALSF wanted each state to be represented in the national fundraising weekend. As part of their “campaign” duties, the Hero State Representatives will each hold a lemonade stand during Alex’s Lemonade Days, spread the word about the initiative to their communities, enlist community members to host their own stands and even share why their state “stands” apart from others.

“Our family knows firsthand just how personal the fight against childhood cancer is,” said Liz Scott, Co-Executive Director of ALSF and Alex’s mom. “Our daughter Alex literally took the lemons of her situation, battling childhood cancer, and turned them into lemonade by empowering others to make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer. We are honored to know that these 50 families will do the same thing, inspiring those in their community to come together toward finding cures.”

Alex’s Lemonade Days began in 2004 when Alex Scott set her sights on raising $1 million to fight childhood cancer, including hers. Alex invited volunteers to join her in hosting lemonade stands to help achieve her ambitious goal $1 and one lemonade stand at a time. Through the help of these volunteers, Alex would reach her $1 million goal before losing her life to cancer in August of that year. Each June, the weekend before Father’s Day, Alex’s mission of raising $1 million returns through Alex’s Lemonade Days, when supporters everywhere contribute to a cure.

The Foundation was built upon the principle you’re never too young to make a difference in the lives of others. Following in the footsteps of Alex Scott, the Foundation encourages volunteers everywhere to participate in National Lemonade Days, including many stands held by children. During Alex’s Lemonade Days, ALSF offers support to all volunteers who sign up to host lemonade stands. In addition to having access to a member of the Foundation’s staff to help with any lemonade stand needs, Lemonade Days participants also receive a limited edition box while supplies last. The box consists of materials to assist in the fundraising process including: an ALSF square banner, posters, stickers, temporary tattoos and a prepaid return envelope.

In 2015, the Foundation will also encourage participant support through social media utilizing the hashtag #LemonadeDays. All participants, whether they will host a lemonade stand, visit a stand, or encourage others to do so, will utilize the hashtag to show their support for the Foundation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

For more information on Alex’s Lemonade Days, and to sign up to host a lemonade stand, go to AlexsLemonade.org/LemonadeDays.