Day 131: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

The support I have received for my journey has been overwhelming and I am inspired by all the messages. I have received some requests for places to donate to, so I am expanding my mission and will be picking a monthly charity to sponsor, and if you feel inclined please feel free to show them your support. As always, there is no obligation and if another charity I feature speaks to you more, please show them your support.

I decided to utilize Crowdrise as the project management tool for this month’s featured charity. Since September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, I wanted to highlight an organization working to improve the lives of children diagnosed with cancer, so I choose Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer is a unique childhood cancer charity for many reasons!
 
Changing Childhood Cancer, One Research Grant at a Time:   They are unique in their approach to providing grants, having donated millions of dollars to support life saving childhood cancer research. With careful consideration and consultation with leading researchers across the country, they have developed our grant program to make the biggest impact possible.   Their smart spending of your donations has translated into innovative breakthroughs, more access to new treatments, and a dramatic change in the landscape of pediatric cancer. All this leads to one very important change for children and their families — hope for new and improved treatments!

ALSF cares about the quality of life for childhood cancer patients and their families:  In addition to funding cutting edge research and making new treatments available to children with cancer, they are one of the only national charities that funds pediatric oncology nursing research and grants, designed to improve the quality of life and care as children battle cancer.
 
ALSF  helps provide resources for families battling cancer immediately: Through the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Travel Fund, funded with support from TD Bank, they provide families with lodging and travel expenses up front, rather than requiring them to apply for reimbursement.  Additionally, theor annual symposium is free and open to all families whose children battle cancer, at all stages of childhood cancer treatment.
 
One simple idea, a world of change: Alex Scott took the “simple” idea of holding a lemonade stand and combined it with the cause of childhood cancer, unknowingly becoming the catalyst for something much larger than she had imagined.
 
Kids helping kids: The concept of “fighting childhood cancer, one cup at a time” has allowed people who would not usually participate in fundraising, especially children, to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer. Lemonade Stands allow children to be a part of the change.
 
A simple but powerful lesson: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation believes that every person can make a difference in the world. Alex’s Lemonade Stands have been organized by a diverse group of devoted volunteers including inner city school children, senior centers, pre-school aged children, college students and even sports enthusiasts.

No donation is too small: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation has inspired people who would not likely donate to childhood cancer to make donations - no matter the amount.

Bringing Communities together: Lemonade Stands encourage charitable giving to communities and neighborhoods, making donating simple and rewarding for everyone.

Amount Donated: $71

To make a donation on CrowdRise* this month’s featured charity, please visit: http://www.crowdrise.com/LP-SEPT

*using CrowdRise will allow me to better track donations and update the inspired by totals accurately. You can choose to match my $10 donation or more. You might even win some prizes! Donate once or everyday, it’s up to you! Take the September challenge and join the Living Philanthropic team!