Every day, there are almost 800 new cases of childhood cancer around the world. This adds up to an estimated 300,000 new cases of cancer that affect children under the age of 20 each year worldwide. And yet, childhood cancer is vastly and consistently underfunded with less than 4% of the federal government's total funding for cancer research dedicated to childhood cancers each year.

When Elora found out about Lemonade Days, she wanted right away to do a lemonade stand to help raise money for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. She may be young, but she understands the lack of funding given to childhood cancer. She's seen by watching her little sister how hard the current treatments are on little bodies even though we did our best to shield her from the worst of it. 

When Elora found out that we could hold our lemonade stand at the Flatwoods Arts and Eats Festival, her eyes lit up. "Let's do it! We'll be able to tell so many more people about childhood cancer!" She understands the lack of awareness. She's noticed how there are so many pink ribbon items in stores in October but no gold ribbon items in September. She's noticed that people don't seem to know much about childhood cancer. In her words, "I didn't either until Elsie was diagnosed,  so it makes sense. But we need to tell people so they know."

We're raising awareness and money. Funds are needed to research better, more effective, and safer treatment options. Organizations like Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation that fund research for pediatric cancer can help make this a reality.

$50 will fund one hour of research. Can you donate to fund one hour of research? I know $50 might be too much for you at this time. That's ok. Donate what you can. Every penny counts. 

And then consider hosting your own lemonade stand (or other event) to raise money for childhood cancer research.

Together we can make a difference... one cup at a time.