Top 11 Reasons to Fight Childhood Cancer

     This is another one of those things that I found, and just had to share.  The following is a top 11 list for 2011 from Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, (ALSF), was started by a child named Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, before her first birthday.  She wanted to raise money to end childhood cancer, and in order to do that, she started a lemonade stand in her front yard.  Her view was, “if life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” so that is just what she did.

     People everywhere were so inspired at what she was doing, that they began having their own lemonade stands around the country to help Alex’s cause.  In 2004, Alex passed away at the age of eight.  At that time, over $1 million dollars had been raised towards finding a cure for the disease that claimed her life.

     Since that first stand in 2000, over $35 million has been raised for pediatric cancer research, and people everywhere are helping Alex’s dream live on to become a reality.  This is proof that every person can make a difference.

“Top 11 Reasons to Fight Childhood Cancer

By Alex’s Lemonade Stand

This year is still brand new, and yet we already know of several children who have lost their lives to childhood cancer.

1. In simple terms, children continue to die from cancer, and that is unacceptable.
2. Current treatments cause side-effects that can last a lifetime.
3. On average, childhood cancer treatment lasts at least two years.
4. Children deserve to live happy young lives and experience all the normals associated with childhood.
5. Families whose children battle cancer often face financial and emotional distress during and after treatment.
6. Childhood cancer research is vastly underfunded. Currently, the National Cancer Institute gives only 4% of its grants to childhood cancer.
7. Contributing to a cure is easy by getting involved with a leading childhood cancer charity.
8. Hosting a lemonade stand, running a marathon, or any event for childhood cancer is a fun way to participate in community service.
9. Holding a fundraising event, or rallying around a local childhood cancer fighter brings communities together.
10. Spreading awareness is just as important as raising funds.
11. Why not? Here are 10 reasons why we should ban together to fight childhood cancer. Can you think of a reason why we shouldn’t?”

See http://www.alexslemonade.org/ for more information on the foundation.

What can we do to make a difference?