Here at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer we love our lemonade stands. We also love the many other creative ways that our volunteers choose to support us. Something we have seen become an increasing trend over the years is the support of athletes and sporting events in the battle against childhood cancer. Athletes from all sporting arenas and all skill levels support ALSF, whether they are simply participating in an annual softball tournament or taking us along with them to the pinnacle of their sport (ie. the Super Bowl). We are so amazed by their athleticism and dedication to the cause that we thought it was only natural to create a special campaign for them.

Hence, Team Lemon was born! Team Lemon gives athletes of all skill levels, including those who are striving to become athletes, a way to raise funds and awareness for ALSF while achieving their athletic goals. One example of this is a group of five cousins who decided to take part in the Mardi Gras Rock and Roll Marathon in New Orleans this year. They knew that running a marathon would be physically and mentally demanding, but felt it was an attainable challenge. So while they were training, they decided it would be appropriate to also raise funds for children who are on a much more demanding path as they make their way through their cancer treatments. With young cancer fighters as their motivation, these cousins finished the race in New Orleans last weekend, and raised nearly $8,000 for ALSF in the process!

When we think back over the history of ALSF, there have been so many athletes who have contributed along the way. In 2005, there was thoroughbred race horse Afleet Alex who joined the fight against childhood cancer not long after we lost our own Alex. Afleet Alex had a remarkable spirit, and showed us at the Preakness, that even after stumbling, you can recover, give it your all, and win the race. Then last year another amazing sports figure presented himself to the foundation, Kenny Herriot, a world champion wheelchair athlete, cycled across the US to raise funds and awareness for ALSF. What an inspirational person Kenny is, though he experienced several hurdles during his cross country trek, he did not give up and finished his amazing race for kids with cancer.

Finally, this year as we have entered the first months of our 10th Anniversary Year, more athletes and venues have been showing their support. First it was the NFL allowing us to set up lemonade stands at the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl, and now the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York City will welcome a lemonade stand! We cannot begin to tell you how inspired we have been by all the athletes who have ever supported ALSF, and so we decided it was time to do something about it! So, after a decade (or two!) of not running or exercising regularly, and with encouragement from my co-workers and Jay, I will be running in the 10-mile Broad Street Run on Sunday, May 2, 2010. Jay has generously agreed to run the race as well and we have already begun training. Although it seems daunting at times, we look forward to joining the ranks of the many athletes who have supported Alex’s Lemonade Stand and kids with cancer over the years. Thank you for your continued dedication, and for inspiring us to become official members of Team Lemon.

- Liz Scott, Alex's Mom