The Childhood Cancer Blog

Let’s Cure Childhood Cancer (Your Get Involved Guide for 2024)

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By: Trish Adkins

Last year, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) was able to award 120 new research grants, help more than 360 families travel to treatment and support over 1,750 siblings on the sideline while their brother or sister battled cancer. 

It’s a new year and our resolve to cure childhood cancer remains the same. This year, over 400,000 children will be diagnosed with cancer at clinics and hospitals around the world. Their parents will hold their hand through procedure after procedure. Their siblings will worry and wait at home for their best friend to return. Their doctors will search endlessly for the best treatment. 

And ALSF, together with supporters everywhere, will work to fund research, raise awareness and provide critical support to families. Last year, ALSF was able to award 120 new research grants, provide financial support to over 360 families as they traveled to treatment and help more than 1,750 siblings through the SuperSibs program, which provides comfort and care mailings to the brothers and sisters of kids fighting cancer. 

In 2024, we are set to do it again. And we will keep doing it until there are cures for all children. Want to get involved? Here’s how you can join us and make an impact for kids with cancer:

1.    Get Inspired at the Lemon Ball
When: January 27, 2024
Registration: Open Now

Held each year in the Philadelphia area, the Lemon Ball is a night of yellow ties and gowns, elegance and charm, and hope and inspiration! Back for its 18th year, guests kick off their evening with a special cocktail reception featuring auction items and experiences available for bid. Then, waiting in the Grand Ballroom is a delicious meal, stories and interviews from childhood cancer heroes and families, and an exhilarating live auction. The evening concludes with dancing accompanied by a live band. 

2.    Join the One Cup at a Time Club!   
When: Today, Any day!
Registration: Open Now

Join the ALSF One Cup at a Time Club by committing to an automatic monthly donation! Your monthly gift will help sustain the work of the Foundation and give you access to members-only perks, like exclusive access to special content, swag and the knowledge that your donation is making an impact every single month. The amount of the monthly donation is up to you, but for as little as $5 a month, you can know you’ve funded more than an hour of research! 

3.    Unlocking Cures Livestream
When: April 13-14, 2024
Registration: Open Now 

Unlocking Cures is ALSF’s first-ever livestream fundraising event! Join a talented array of content creators including gamers, artists, musicians and more as they come together to showcase their skills and creativity to raise money for kids with cancer. Whether you create your own fundraiser or join an existing one, Unlocking Cures is an event you don’t want to miss in 2024! 

4.     Host a Lemonade Stand During Lemonade Days 
When: June 2024
Registration: Coming Soon!

Take your stand against childhood cancer as Lemonade Days returns this June! This annual tradition began with 8-year-old Alex Scott’s goal of raising $1 million for “her doctors” to help kids like her fighting cancer. Her belief inspired others to unite in the cause, and she raised $1 million before she passed away thanks to lemonade stands held by supporters like you. Join Lemonade Days this year by hosting a stand wherever you are and however you want — in your front yard, at your office or out in the community!

5.    Alex’s "Original" Lemonade Stand
When: June 1, 2024
Registration: Open Now

The event that started it all, Alex’s “Original” Lemonade Stand, is back to honor the life and legacy of our founder, Alex Scott. Hosted at Alex’s old school, Penn Wynne Elementary, friends and family will gather to celebrate a meaningful day of fun, food, and festivities.

Alex’s annual lemonade stand is a compilation of food, games, crafts, raffles, races and sweet lemonade sips. Everyone also gathers for a beautiful butterfly release to commemorate and celebrate the lives of all children affected by cancer. Entry to the event is free, but you can register for a $25 All-Access Pass which gives guests a limited-edition Alex’s “Original” Lemonade Stand t-shirt and covers all donations for games, food, activities, and lemonade.

6.     Dine with the Greats at The Great Chef Event
When: June 8, 2024
Registration: Open Now

The Great Chefs Event Philadelphia is back in 2024 for its 17th year! This event is the original ALSF culinary event hosted by Chef Marc Vetri and his business partner Jeff Benjamin. Superstar chefs from across the country will come together under one roof to serve their signature dishes at this family-friendly event. Taste amazing food, enjoy delicious wine and beer, bid on fabulous auction items and support the fight for cures. 

7. A Stand for Hope Telethon
When: June 20, 2024

The CBS Philadelphia Alex Scott: A Stand for Hope Telethon is an annual day-long fundraiser celebrating the life of Alex Scott and all children affected by childhood cancer. It includes stories from childhood cancer families, researchers, favorite CBS personalities and an airing of the Emmy award-winning documentary Alex Scott: A Stand for Hope, which tells the heartwarming story of Alex and the Foundation that bears her name. You can stream the Telethon on CBSPhilly.com.

8.    Track Your Miles and Raise Some Funds for The Million Mile 
When:
September 1-30, 2024
Registration: Coming Soon!

Held each September during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, The Million Mile is a month-long challenge that funds researchers so they can find better treatments and more cures for childhood cancer. Whether you’re a casual walker, an avid cyclist or a triathlete, YOU can make a difference in the lives of children fighting cancer from anywhere by logging your miles and raising money! 

9.  L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade
When: September 2024
Registration: Coming Soon!

L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade brings superstar chefs and mixologists to Los Angeles to lend their support to the fight against childhood cancer. Hosted by Chef Suzanne Goin and business partner Caroline Styne along with Chef David Lentz, this fun and family-friendly afternoon features one-of-a-kind food and drink samplings. Guests can mingle with the gourmet chefs behind the dishes and taste fine dining from across the country. With over $1.3 million raised last year, this event’s impact only continues to grow for all kids with cancer. Come join us this year for food and fun for the whole family!

10. End Childhood Cancer Walk/Run 
When: October 2024
Registration: Stay tuned!

The End Childhood Cancer Walk/Run is always in spook-tacular form each October! Hosted at the Philadelphia Navy Yard’s Marine Parade Grounds, this inspiring 5K (3.1 miles) always comes with some tricks and treats! Participants are encouraged to dress up in their best Halloween costume and have fun running, walking and raising money for kids with cancer! 

11. Become a Champion for Kids with Cancer
When: During Your Sport Season
Registratio: Open anytime!

Do you play a sport? Take your season to the next level by turning your athletic accomplishments into dollars for kids with cancer! By being a Champion for Kids with Cancer, you can demonstrate your dedication to being the best person you can be every day. Whether you are a basketball player scoring points, a goalie making saves, a baseball player stealing home, or a cyclist riding miles, when you sign up to be a Champion, you are committed to making a difference! 

12.    Show Support In-Person at an Event Near You!
When: All year long
Registration: Ongoing

No matter where you live, you can make a difference for kids with cancer all year long. Check out the full list of ALSF special events to find one in your local area or use our lemonade stand finder to support a stand in your neighborhood!