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A Guest Blog: How childhood cancer charities are coming together to take strides toward cures

Hello. I’m Max’s dad, Andy Mikulak. Our family’s childhood cancer story begins in October 2004, shortly after the founder of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Alexandra “Alex” Scott, lost her life to childhood cancer. Max, our youngest child at the time, was a typical 3-year-old boy: He had the expected love/hate/love relationship with his bigger sister Hannah; an all-encompassing fondness for things with wheels; and the usual, ever-changing assortment of bumps, bruises and dirt adorning his body on a daily basis. But, in September 2004, he started having many health problems, and finally a few days before Halloween, he was diagnosed with stage IV, high-risk neuroblastoma – just like Alex.

Fast-forward through hundreds of doses of chemo, dozens of radiation cycles, surgeries, and biopsies, not to mention almost four years of “living life to the Max” whenever possible, Max passed away on August 31, 2008. Throughout Max’s treatment and continuing after his death, our family was committed to doing what we could to help battle childhood cancer – to try to save Max’s life, but also to help others like him. We started Max’s Ring of Fire and the previous foundation I co-founded, MagicWater, to do two simple things: raise money, and direct that money toward innovative translational research that was going unfunded or underfunded. Combined, those efforts have raised over $1 million, and helped support the launch of over 10 clinical trials treating 150-plus patients.

In late 2010, I became involved in an organization called People Against Childhood Cancer (PAC2). PAC2 serves the childhood cancer community by sharing news and information, and by helping the community better work together, for the benefit of kids fighting cancer. Through my work with PAC2, an idea began to form about putting together collaborations between Max’s Ring of Fire and other childhood cancer foundations – in order to demonstrate that collaboration is possible, even amongst childhood cancer foundations that traditionally have “competed” for the same sponsors, donors and media attention.

MROF had held our first 5K run/1-mile walk in September 2010, which we called the Max Run. I wondered if in 2011 we might use the second Max Run to test a collaborative effort between MROF and another childhood cancer foundation. As luck would have it, in March of this year I heard that Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was looking to hold one of its signature Lemon Runs in San Diego. I wrote an email to Jay and suggested the idea of working together on a San Diego run in Fall 2011. Not surprisingly, Jay was game. He and Liz have always been open and accepting of doing whatever’s necessary to make the biggest impact in childhood cancer – a principle shared by Max’s Ring of Fire as well.



With that, Max Run II officially became Max’s Ring of Fire Lemon Run. This is truly a collaborative, all-hands, teamwork-driven effort.

Here are 3 reasons why MROF Lemon Run will be like no other run that has been held in San Diego before:

1 – A Meaningful Race Design: 4.6 miles. Why 4.6? Because every weekday, 46 kids are diagnosed with cancer. There is also a 1-mile fun run/walk. Both are family/stroller-friendly.

2 – A Most Important Cause: Cancer kills more children than AIDS, asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and congenital anomalies combined. The federal government continues to cut funding for childhood cancer, and drug companies focus almost exclusively on research and development for adult cancers. The money raised at events like MROF Lemon Run is one of the primary means for new and possibly breakthrough research to get funded. This is research that may mean that someday no parent has to hear the words, “your child has cancer.”

3 – A Really Fun Time: When was the last time you saw Star Wars Storm troopers at a road race? We believe that hard work for agood great cause means also having fun (something the kids affected by cancer have taught us). So there will be surprises and unexpected sights and experiences throughout the event.

The amazing progress made by other diseases has been the result of working together. My hope is that this partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation represents the beginning of a new era of cooperation and partnership in the childhood cancer community, born of the push to see a 100% long-term cure rate for children diagnosed with cancer within the next 20 years.

- Andy Mikulak

National Lemonade Day

Not to be confused with our national fundraising weekend, Lemonade Days (June 8-10, 2012!), the national day to celebrate one of America’s favorite beverages (lemonade!) is coming up this Saturday, August 20, 2011. That’s right, this Saturday is National Lemonade Day, a day to honor the favorite drink by mixing up a batch of your favorite lemonade flavor. Of course, it’s also a great time to show your support for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and the battle against childhood cancer. If you’re looking for something to do this Saturday, here are a few fun and simple ways that you can take part in the national holiday while continuing the quest for a cure.

1. Host an Alex’s Lemonade Stand (of course!) – what better way to honor one of the nation’s most loved beverages than by hosting a lemonade stand to raise funds and awareness for a worthy cause – the battle against childhood cancer. Though it might be too late to receive a mini pack of materials, you can still sign up for a stand on our website and use our downloads section to find everything you need. Alternatively, use your creative juices by pulling out the poster board and markers and creating your own signage.
   
2. Visit a Daily Grill location near you! – on Saturday, Daily Grill restaurants nationwide will donate all proceeds from lemonade sales to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. If you can’t hold your own lemonade stand, see if there is a Daily Grill nearby and order up a fresh-squeezed, hand-shaken lemonade and know that you are making a difference in the lives of children battling cancer.
   
3. Send a text to show your support – is your schedule already jam packed on Saturday? Why not show your support by simply sending a text and donating $10. It’s easy, just Text “Lemonade Day” to 85944! Make sure to tell your friends to do the same!
   
4. Tell your friends it’s National Lemonade Day – raising awareness for ALSF and childhood cancer is vitally important. Utilize the national holiday to tell your friends about the foundation and why you think supporting ALSF is so important. Post something on your Facebook, twitter or even draft an email to your friends. Maybe you’ll garner some new ALSF supporters who will be doing the very same thing next year!
   
5. Drink lemonade! – visit your local supermarket and see if they carry Alex’s Lemonade. If they don’t, grab some Country Time mix or some Paramount Citrus lemons and make your own glass. It’s fun, supports the cause and is tasty too!

Looking for more ways to support Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation on National Lemonade Day and beyond?

>> Check out our get involved section find out what best suits you!

Win instantly and support Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation!

A big hello to all of our Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation supporters, we have a few quick questions for you:

Do you have a Facebook account?
Do you like to win prizes instantly?
Do you like showing your support for the battle against childhood cancer?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, then we are happy to share an exclusive opportunity with you!

ALSF is proud to host our very first Facebook instant win game on our Facebook Page. Through the support of many of our sponsors, and the developers of the game – Real Time Media - we are thrilled to introduce the fun game that allows our supporters to learn about ALSF and win cool prizes at the same time! All you have to do is visit our Facebook Page, select a glass of lemonade to drink, and you could win!

Want to know what some of the prizes are? Volvo Cars of North America, Mike & Ike and TD Bank have donated items ranging from gift packs to Visa gift cards that you can win simply by choosing your glass of lemonade. The Grand Prize? The Philadelphia Marriott has provided a $500 gift card that can be used at any Marriott across the United States! Perhaps most importantly, while you play this game (and hopefully win!) you are raising funds for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation at the very same time! Country Time is donating $25,000 to encourage supporters to play, for each play, they will donate $.50! Additionally, CSM Bakery Products will donate $1 for the first 5,000 people who choose to click “Share” at the end of the game!

Sound like fun?

To play the game NOW and share it with your friends too, visit our Facebook page!

11 Ways To Get Involved with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

It’s been a while, but we’re returning to our theme for 2011, the top 11 reasons…! This week we thought why not provide you with 11 ways to join the battle against childhood cancer with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. We all know about Alex’s original fundraising idea – hosting a lemonade stand (which of course sits atop the list), but did you know there are lots of other things you can do to join the lemonade crusade? If you’re wondering how, check out the top 11 list below.

1. Hold A Lemonade Stand – of course! It’s Alex’s original fundraising idea, it’s simple, fun and appropriate for people of all ages.

2. Join Team Lemon! If you’re an athlete, or you’re just looking to challenge yourself, become part of Team Lemon. The athletic arm of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, participants walk, run, swim, and participate in all sorts of sporting events, all while raising funds for the battle against childhood cancer.

3. Send a Text – these days everyone has a cell phone, and if you’re looking for an easy way to donate to the cause, send the word “Lemonade” to 85944 to make a $10 donation. Too much? Send the word “Cancer” instead to make a $5 contribution.

4. Join or Start Your Own Chapter of The Lemon Society – are you a young professional, or do you still feel like a young professional? Join The Lemon Society of Philadelphia if you live in the area, or start your own chapter where you live. This is a great way to engage young professionals to come together to support a common cause.

5. Share the story with your friends – raising funds is important, but of equal importance is raising awareness of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and its mission to find better treatments and cures for all kids with cancer. If you’re on facebook, twitter or any other social media outlets, share Alex’s story on your page and encourage your friends to share it too! Make sure to tell your friends why you decided to join Team Alex!

6. Engage your coworkers – many offices get behind charitable causes when there is an easy way to do so. Suggest that your employees participate in a dress down day to raise funds, and why not host a lemonade stand too?

7. Collect Change – do you ever wonder what you are going to do with all the change you find in your car, couch cushions, in the bottom of your purse, or even laying around the house? Why not start collecting it and donate it to ALSF? We recently took a quick collection in the office and raised almost $20 – all in coins!

8. Read Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand – visit your local library and offer to read the story to kids during story time, or simply purchase the book to read to your own family. Not to worry, though this is Alex’s story, it does not involve the word cancer or Alex’s passing, instead it is an example of her efforts to help others!

9. Volunteer – if you live in the Philadelphia area, you can volunteer your time in our offices, we are also always looking for volunteers to fill in to host stands around the country. Alternatively, if you have a skill that transcends location (are you a great graphic designer? Do you a have knack for writing?), get in touch with us to see if there are ways you can help out!

10. Set up a fundraising page – are you really busy and you don’t have time to host a lemonade stand? Do you still want to raise funds for ALSF? Why not set up a fundraising page on our website and send it out to your friends, family, coworkers, community members and more to enlist their support. It’s easy!

11. Wear ALSF Gear – wearing ALSF merchandise might be the easiest way to show your support for the cause. Whether it’s our signature yellow tee, our fleece jacket, or even a small lemon pin, you are sure to be asked more about the foundation. What a great way to advertise the cause!

A Drag Race to Remember

Over the course of my several years of working for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, I have had the opportunity to travel to a countless number of lemonade stands and events. They have all been unique and inspiring, but I have to say that attending the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Denver, Colorado July 22-24, 2011 was certainly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Having been invited to attend the competition by TBC Retail Group, a long-time sponsor of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, I arrived in Denver on Thursday, July 21, just in time to visit The Children’s Hospital in Aurora. It was there that I would first meet Johnny Gray, the driver of the “Lemonator” Funny Car. Johnny’s car, which is sponsored by TBC, is decked out in an ALSF design that was voted on by fans on facebook. Though I confess to not knowing much about the drag racing world, it was an honor to meet Johnny and I soon learned of not only his generosity, but the generosity of the entire team which included Shane Gray (Johnny’s son) and Dom Lagana. Thus began my adventure into the NHRA world.

I should also mention that TBC has been supporting ALSF throughout the entire month of July with a grassroots fundraising effort in their stores across the country. Many have held lemonade stands, and TBC is matching up to $25,000 during its Text to Donate campaign.

On Friday, it was on to the Bandimere Speedway where I would be immersed in the world of drag racing, as well as a sea of ALSF signs urging fans to text Cancer TBC to 85944 to make a $5 donation. It was amazing to see how the racing community embraced the battle against childhood cancer, and I’m pretty sure that whether you were a fan of Johnny Gray or not, you were routing for his “Lemonator” Funny Car all weekend.

For me, the support of the racing community was inspiring and with the ALSF branding everywhere I’m sure we garnered new supporters last weekend. I have to say that the most surprising, and perhaps even my favorite part of my visit though was when I had the opportunity to stand at the starting line for one of Johnny’s trials. To say that I wasn’t prepared for what I was about to experience is an understatement. When Johnny and his opponent’s cars took off from the finish line, the excitement was palpable – literally, my body shook as the cars sped down the track. I was told afterward that standing on the starting line is equal to feeling an earthquake with a 3.5 magnitude.



Soon, the weekend would come to a close and I was back on the plane to Philadelphia, left with an experience that I would never forget. In fact, I had such a great time, I’m looking forward to doing it all over again when Johnny and the entire TBC team come to Reading in September for the Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to experience everything all over again, and having the opportunity to invite some of our supporters to join me!

Stay tuned for more details.

We Mean It!

"I'm proud that a lot of kids are helping other kids with cancer by raising money for Alex's Lemonade Stand and giving it to Doctors to help them find cures. I like speaking to people and visiting stands because it lets everyone know how wonderful Alex's is."

- Charlotte McAuliffe, 9-years-old
Brain Tumor Survivor

To coincide with our most recent e-newsletter, we wanted to take some time out to reflect on the reasons why Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation exists – to find cures for all kids with cancer. When we say our ultimate goal is to put ALSF out of business, we mean it! While we take pride in knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of all children battling cancer each and every day, we can think of no better day when we close our doors because all kids with cancer are cured!

In that regard, we are so honored that all of our volunteers, sponsors and supporters everywhere are helping us take strides to do just that. As our founder, Alexandra “Alex” Scott knew when she opened her very first front yard lemonade stand, every single donation counts! When we receive funds from a lemonade stand, an event, a text or a donation online, we use that money to fund research to help children and their families battling childhood cancer.

We hope you will take a few minutes out of your day today to view our video “We Mean It!” This video proves that each and every fundraiser and donation makes a difference and gets us closer to our ultimate goal – to help children facing cancer.



Thank you for your continued support and for joining us on our quest to find a cure for all kids with cancer!

The Lemon Run Runs On…To Two New Cities!

At Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, we are always looking for ways to reach new audiences and expand our quest to find a cure for all childhood cancers. Our foray into running events was one of those new ventures that literally took steps to reach a new and (athletic) audience in 2009. After much success, and two annual events in Philadelphia, we are pleased to say that The Lemon Run will run into Kansas City and San Diego in 2011, and of course the Philly event will also return this fall.

Kicking off the fall of festive runs will be the Max’s Ring of Fire Lemon Run in San Diego on Sunday, September 25, 2011. You may be wondering, why is the San Diego version of our run entitled the Max’s Ring of Fire Lemon Run? Well, if you live in the San Diego area, you may be familiar with the charity Max’s Ring of Fire, or MROF. Like our foundation, MROF was started by the parents of a young childhood cancer fighter. Andy and Melissa Mikulak started the nonprofit to honor of their late son Max, a courageous inspiration who was diagnosed with the disease at the age of three and battled hard for four years until the age of seven. Their foundation is now dedicated to working with cancer researchers and oncologists to speed up discoveries of potentially life-saving new drugs for children with relapsed neuroblastoma to find innovative, low toxicity, treatments through funding of clinical trials and other research. After holding their own run in San Diego in years past, we decided to team up to host the Max’s Ring of Fire Lemon Run this year! This run is a bit longer than the Philadelphia event, seeing participants run or walk 4.6 miles! We hope to gather together supporters of the childhood cancer community, both of MROF and ALSF - if you’re in the area, we hope you will join us too!

Next up will be the 5K Lemon Run Kansas City, slated for October 2, 2011 in Waterfall Park in Independence, Missouri. The Kansas City community has been integral to the success of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, supporting the foundation dating back to Alex’s million dollar mission in 2004. Since that time, the Kansas City Grand Stand has been among the top fundraisers, coming in second for Grand Stand fundraising overall, only behind Alex’s “Original” Lemonade Stand. We are excited to engage the KC community with this Lemon Run 5K, and are sure that KC athletes and supporters alike will get behind it.

Finally, The Lemon Run will return to its home, Philadelphia, on November 13, 2011. We are looking forward to having the best year yet and returning to Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park.

For those athletes who are not in the San Diego, Kansas City or Philadelphia areas, you can always join us on these days as a virtual runner in your neighborhood. Just pick a course of equal distance, sign up, fundraise, and know that you will be running with other ALSF supporters that day. You can also join Team Lemon and run in area events in support of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation!

>> Learn how to train for a 5K here!

Of course, in addition to raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer, all of the Lemon Runs are a great way to get your family and friends involved in a team effort. Funds are raised just from signing up and running the race, but why not honor a childhood cancer fighter, or family member who battled cancer by raising funds in their name? You could also challenge family members or even coworkers to do the same! Maybe even approach someone who would never consider running in a race, and make it a friendly competition. The most important thing to remember is that big things start with small actions, involving your friends and family can turn your individual effort into a team effort!

We are excited to expand out athletic events, and the Lemon Run is just the beginning. Why not battle childhood cancer and get healthy too!