Reflecting on why we are here...

As we head into the final weeks of the year - a time when kids are home from school, and family comes to visit; when some of us will take vacations and all of us will welcome a New Year – we would like to pause for a moment to remember some of the children who have lost their lives to cancer in 2009.

These children remind us of what is important in life, and their lives have forever changed us – they are why we are here, and they are the reason we continue to fight to find better treatments and ultimately cures for childhood cancer.

Please take the time to read about these children, they are our heroes. We honor all of them, remember all of them, and will continue to fight for them until the day that cures become reality.

Here are only two of these amazing hero stories. For more of these hero stories, visit our website.

To celebrate the giving spirit of the holiday season, consider making a donation in honor of all of these kids today.

-Liz & Jay Scott, Alex's Parents

Henry Scheck



Our son Henry was born on July 22, 2004 and was diagnosed with Anaplastic Medulloblastoma on October 13, 2007. He was 3-years-old at time of diagnosis and courageously underwent his treatment over the ensuing 9 months at Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Henry had his tumor removed, had three cycles of traditional chemotherapy, two cycles of high dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant and had full head and spine radiation over the course of six weeks.

Henry came through all of that with flying colors and was a normal boy enjoying life as a 4-year-old for three months before he relapsed. His relapse was gentle on him, allowing us very good days throughout the fall and winter. Early in 2009 however the tumor growth caught up with him very quickly. Our hero fell on February 25 in our family room at home surrounded by love.

We miss him terribly. We love you Henry.

Written by: Bryan Scheck, Henry's Father

Leah Chapman



Leah Chapman was a vibrant, healthy 13-year-old, who loved playing soccer, enjoyed gymnastics, running track, going to the beach and was an honor student. A few months into her 8th grade year, she was crippled from trigeminal nerve pain. It appeared on her first MRI that Leah had a trigeminal schwannoma (a benign tumor). Leah under went surgery in January of 2008 to remove the tumor, but the neurosurgeon quickly discovered it was not benign but was actually a form of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma. Leah was immediately referred to the Children’s Hospital. Leah received excellent care from the oncology team and had changed her dream of being a teacher to an oncology nurse practitioner.

Leah's treatment plan called for 4 chemotherapies for a year and daily radiation for six weeks. Leah bravely endured these treatments one day at a time. After 9 months, her tumor resisted all of these treatments and started to grow, causing her crippling pain again. Leah never gave up hope and tried three more treatment protocols to stop her cancer. She had everything to live for, a lifetime of dreams, she was only 14.

Leah, her friends, and family, quickly got involved at her school Alex's Lemonade Stand in September 2008. Thanks to organizer Riley G., they raised over $10,000. Leah was honored when she was able to attend the 2009 Lemon Ball in Philadelphia. Getting dressed up and supporting such a great cause was a dream come true for Leah.

Leah remained determined, positive and hopeful along with her parents, Ray and Christina, and younger brother Eric, that she would be able to survive this devastating illness. Leah's big smile, generous heart, courage, strength and faith during her illness will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Leah ultimately lost her life to the disease with grace on April 4th, 2009.

Written by Christina Chapman, Leah's Mother.

A Great Week at ALSF!

Above: Lemon Ball Preview Party at G in Philadelphia

Above: Holiday Party for Kids with Cancer

What a wonderful – and busy – week it has been for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Yesterday, Wednesday, December 9, 2010 the foundation had two events – a holiday party for kids with cancer, and the preview party for our annual gala celebration, The Lemon Ball. Both events really reminded us of why we are here – for the kids! We were able to see some childhood cancer fighters and their families open presents, and spend the evening with some of our supporters at G Lounge creating a lot of excitement for the upcoming Lemon Ball.

We were also proud to make a big announcement at the preview party thrown by Govberg Jewelers. With the support of sponsor MIKE AND IKE® Brand Candies, ALSF will welcome Grammy nominated recording artist, Jordin Sparks, to the 2010 Lemon Ball on Saturday, January 9, 2010! This has always been an amazing event celebrating Alex’s legacy, honoring children and families who have and continue to battle childhood cancer, and recognizing our amazing supporters for allowing us to continue what Alex started. Jordin will only add to that, and if it is possible, make the evening even more special.

To make things just a little bit more hectic this week, we have been busily packing in anticipation for our move on Friday. Over the past few years we have outgrown our current office and are moving to a larger space. We are staying in our home of Wynnewood, and only moving around the block, so if you are planning a visit soon, please make note of our new address – 29 East Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096.

Check out some photos above from yesterday’s events, and click here to learn more about The Lemon Ball and Jordin Sparks’ appearance!

-Liz & Jay Soctt, Alex's Parents

The Final Weeks of 2009

With Thanksgiving behind us, we are officially entering the final weeks of 2009. It’s hard to believe that another year is nearly over, and though we are very excited for what 2010 will bring, our efforts to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer never stop.

As you know, the mission of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer is to find a cure for all childhood cancers. However, while we fund research leading us toward these cures, it is also important to improve the lives of children with cancer and their families now. We are constantly looking for news ways to make a tangible difference, as evidenced through both our nursing grants program and our Travel Fund. One other thing we are doing to make the lives of childhood cancer fighters and their families a little brighter is hosting a holiday party next week.

Speaking of the holidays, there are several ways that you can help us reach our goal for 2009 while also celebrating the holiday season. Whether it’s using our holiday cards to send to friends and family, purchasing ALSF merchandise or products that support ALSF as holiday gifts, or even holding a cold weather lemonade stand (here’s a tip – use hot chocolate instead of lemonade), there are so many creative ways to make a difference in 2009.

Thank you so much for all your support this year, let’s make this holiday season the best one yet!

PS - If you’re on Facebook, here’s one more way you can help:










Regift the Fruitcake – ALSF is participating in this holiday campaign to raise awareness of childhood cancer. If we raise the most money, we will be awarded $20,000, if we earn the most points, we’ll win $5,000! Visit our website to find out how you can get started today!

-Liz & Jay Scott, Alex's parents