Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: ‘Fighting Childhood Cancer, One Cup at a Time’

By: Chloe Nittoly and Hannah Salsbury, Sports Editor and Content Editor

Every day, over 1,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) works to make life easier for those diagnosed by raising money for and spreading awareness about childhood cancer, supporting families in need, and providing a welcoming environment for all.

    The ALSF communications team explains the history behind the foundation, saying, “Alexandra ‘Alex’ Scott is the inspiration behind Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Alex (1996-2004) was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer, before her first birthday. At the age of 4, she announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Today, ALSF keeps that vision alive.”

    Foran fundraised throughout the week of Sept. 12-16 for this cause. Students, football players, cheerleaders, and many others sold paper lemons to hundreds of people.

    Senior football captain Joseph Gaetano says, “All of the guys bought lemons to help contribute. We’re also wearing some yellow accessories on the field during the game. Also, a bunch of the guys donated studies and lunch periods to promote and sell the lemons.”

    The football game against Lyman Hall on Sept. 16 was also dedicated to raising money for the foundation. Gaetano explains how this game meant more to the football team in comparison to other games in their season.

    Gaetano says, “This game is an opportunity for us as a football team and community to give back and support a great cause. It’s great to do this alongside all of our supporters who come out and watch us play every week.”

    The final score of the game was Foran 35 and Lyman Hall 7. After all of the fundraising throughout the week and the funds raised at the game, the school and Milford community were able to raise $2,127 for the foundation. Even more, there were three individuals who generously donated $100 each.

    The funds raised can make a huge difference in the world of childhood cancer.

    ALSF says, “All funds raised go directly to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research – a registered 501(c)3 charity. Careful distribution of our grants allows doctors to bring the most promising lifesaving treatments to seriously ill children. These grants, paired with ALSF-funded programs to support families throughout the treatment process, provide hope for childhood cancer patients.”

    Not only is this fundraiser important to the football team, but this cause is also very special to the overall Foran community. Mrs. Tammi Spose, a Student Council advisor and math teacher, encouraged the school community to get involved with the foundation.

    Spose says, “I believe it is important for communities to get involved in something like this. It promotes unity and helps families who are going through a really hard time. Building a community of strong, thoughtful people is not only important but inspiring.”

    This fundraiser has been held annually at school since 2018, with a few years missing due to the pandemic. Since then, the most money ever raised was this year.

    ALSF overall wants people to get involved, saying, “When Alex was diagnosed with cancer, what started out as a little girl with a big dream turned into a nationwide movement to fund childhood cancer research for more cures and safer treatments. It’s never too late to join the movement, and start making a difference today!”

    For more information about getting involved, visit www.alexslemonadestand.org.