This week marks 6 years since the founder of Alex’s Lemonade Stand, our daughter Alex, passed away after a 7 ½ year battle with cancer. She was 8 years old and we miss her every day. However, we are so grateful for her life and the gift she gave us in being able to continue to help children with cancer through the foundation. We are also extremely fortunate to know that Alex not only inspired us, but so many others in her life. In fact, through the years, we have received thousands of beautiful letters to Alex that are truly remarkable to read. So, as we mark another year without Alex, it seems fitting to honor what her life meant and continues to mean, not just to us, but to so many others. The “notes to Alex” below are all taken from letters we have received and we think that they serve as their own inspiring tribute to our amazing daughter!


Dear Alex, … I thank you for sharing your story. It has enriched my soul and reminded me to truly be grateful for the little things, to enjoy each moment fully and to not let anything hold you back from just enjoying life. There is a lifetime of memories in every breath if one only takes the time to recognize that and cherish the moment. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Dear Alex, You are a very inspiring person who has touched my heart. I am getting chemo treatments now as I have breast cancer. I was feeling low and all my bones ached. However, I felt much better after reading the story about you in the Inquirer. You inspired me to sit up, play a game with my children and make them feel happy just like you put a smile on my face.

Dear Alex, We sold lemonade and cookies from 8am to 12 noon and had quite a few customers!... At the end of the yard sale we counted up our earnings and came up with one hundred dollars! We were really excited. This made me realize that even though my friend and I are only two eleven-year-old girls we can help make a difference. I want to thank you for starting your foundation and letting everyone know how to help and for giving those with cancer the courage to survive


Dear Alex, Thank you for teaching me so much about courage and generosity by the example you set… Most of us in our lifetimes do not manage to accomplish even a fraction of what you have accomplished so far in eight and a half years. You are living your life “large” and making the most of everyday.

Dear Alex, Your story is a heartening, uplifting one – to be able to think of others and want to help other children with cancer demonstrated what a strong determined, selfless, loving girl you are. And you moved me to help. And you are doing a great thing! I thought, even I can put on a lemonade stand! What an easy and fun event to hold.

Dear Alex, Sometimes I get sad because I deal with a lot of bad situations in my work life. So I just wanted to say thank you for helping me to remember just how great people can be. You have an extremely warm heart and I hope you inspire more people (like me!) to lead a better life and to be a better person.




- Liz and Jay Scott, Alex's parents