A New Year Means A New ALSF T-Shirt

For anyone who has been a longtime supporter of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, you know that each and every year the foundation introduces a new commemorative t-shirt. Dating back to the United Stands of America t-shirt in 2005, the foundation has worked to create a fun and inspirational t-shirt that our supporters can don in support of the cause. This year is no different, and the 2011 t-shirt has been completely revamped!

We are proud to officially unveil our 2011 tee!

This year’s shirt is navy blue and features the official ALSF crest in our signature color, yellow, on the front. Making the shirt even more unique, the back plays hosts to the phrase “One cup at a time” in Latin! We just received the first shipment of shirts in our office, and we are so excited to share this one-of-a-kind item with you! To purchase now, click here!

Since we are now utilizing a crest, like many colleges and universities, we thought it would be appropriate to mention something else new this year – College Lemonade Day. On April 16, 2011, college students everywhere are invited to take a stand against childhood cancer by holding an Alex’s Lemonade Stand on their campus. Similar to National Lemonade Days in June, College Lemonade Day will look to unite thousands of students across the country who hold Alex’s Lemonade Stands on the same day. To register now, click here!

Remember, it’s never too early to register your National Lemonade Days stand either! We’re looking forward to seeing all of our supporters this summer, and hopefully we’ll see some photos of them in the new t-shirt as well!

11 Long-term, Life-Altering Side Effects Related to Childhood Cancer Treatment

A few weeks ago, we shared information about 11 forms of childhood cancer. In our continuation of the “lists of 11 for 2011,” this week we bring you 11 long-term, life-altering side effects related to childhood cancer treatment. As we work to find cures for all children with cancer, we are equally dedicated to finding less harsh treatments. Many treatments that destroy cancer cells also destroy healthy cells in the process, which can cause long-term complications. Our ultimate goal is survival for all children affected by childhood cancer, and in the process we also want to help provide these children with the best quality of life possible. This can only happen through treatments that do not produce life-altering side effects.

Here are 11 common side-effects that children may experience as a result of current treatment protocols:

1. Cognitive issues including delayed speech, problems with reading, writing and memory retention.
2. Fertility issues.
3. Secondary cancers later in life.
4. Loss of limbs, or shortened limbs whose growth was stunted.
5. Cataracts, poor vision, damage to the optic nerve or other effects to the eye.
6. Hearing loss.
7. Cardiac problems including an abnormal heartbeat, congestive heart failure and increased risk of a stroke or blood clots.
8. Kidney failure.
9. Weak or thin bones that can break easily.
10. Anxiety and depression.
11. Teeth and jaw problems including missing teeth, smaller teeth, tooth decay and gum disease.

In conclusion, we would like to dedicate this blog to Kim Hill, the inspiration behind the creation of the Ronald McDonald House of Philadelphia. Kim passed away recently as the result of brain tumors caused from radiation treatments to overcome leukemia as a child. Kim changed the world of childhood cancer by allowing families to have a home during their child’s treatment and her legacy will live on through the many Ronald McDonald Houses around the country.

>> Learn more about Kim Hill in this article at the Los Angeles Times

The Lemonade Video Awards

The recent airing of the OSCARs inspired us to create an awards show of our own - with a twist! We are proud to announce our first ever Lemonade Video Awards. We're featuring our very own celebrities - Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation supporters. It's easy to take part in our Lemonade Video Awards and we have some really great prizes too. Help us raise awareness of the foundation by making a video and sending it around to all of your friends!

Here's all you have to do:

• Pick a category - Comedy, Best Lemonade Song or Wild Card.
• Record your video - Make sure it's under two minutes!
• Upload your video to www.filedropper.com, then send us the link using the form found here!
  
• We'll e-mail you a link to your video within 24 hours and then you can start getting views!

The video with the most views by 5PM on Friday, March 18, 2011 will be our 1st place winner and receive a 16GB iPad with WiFi. The videos in the two remaining categories with the most views will receive a 4GB Flip Ultra HD.

For more information on our contest, or to get started, visit
http://www.alexslemonade.org/lva

If you have any questions, e-mail Social Media Specialist Melissa Jones
at Melissa@AlexsLemonade.org