Flashes of Hope, a program of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, turns 20 years old this Fall. Which means for 20 years, nearly 2,000 photographers have volunteered and donated their time and talents in 87,000 photography sessions for children battling cancer. August 19 is World Photography Day, and I cannot think of a better day to highlight the incredible work of the Flashes of Hope photographers. Flashes of Hope photographers are matched with children and their families who are fighting childhood cancer at hospitals and camps around the country. They may be in treatment; they... Read More
The Childhood Cancer Blog
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from Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation!
Sandy Powers, from San Antonio, has been moved by the bonds and the depths of love she witnessed between brothers and sisters.
Ivan Martinez from Phoenix, recalled a session with a joyful, funny kid.
Steve Sattler, a Flashes of Hope volunteer photographer, feels he gains more than he gives.
Wendy Boedeker, from Denver, recalled one session: “Midway through the photo shoot his mom said: ‘Tell Miss Wendy that you earned each of those beads on your lanyard for every procedure you went through.’
Michael Hart, from Houston, carries the memories of each session with him.
Cat Gwynn had finished a year-long treatment for breast cancer, including radiation and chemotherapy that left her bald, and shared this story: “She silently took me in when we met, then quietly proclaimed: 'You’re bald.' Her family and I burst out laughing at her astute observation.
“For what might seem like a daunting task; it's truly anything but that," said Donna Green.
“Shooting portraits for Flashes of Hope is always the most humbling and inspiring day of my year," said photographer Len Tucci
Chemotherapy has long been a part of the frontline treatment plan for kids battling high-risk neuroblastoma. But when neuroblastoma becomes chemotherapy resistant, doctors are left with a dwindling list of options for children, who are desperate for cures.
For these children, it is critical that researchers work to understand what causes this chemotherapy resistance and then find a therapy that works. One Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) researcher, Dr. Patrick Reynolds, made a discovery that could be a game changer.
Using cancer tumor models and cell lines... Read More
Ethan’s parents were concerned.
In March 2018, Ethan was suddenly unsteady on his feet. Lying on his side made him dizzy, and he started sleeping more than normal. His parents took him to see multiple specialists, but none could tell what was wrong. Daily vomiting turned into hourly vomiting, until finally an MRI revealed a brain tumor.
The shock that Ethan’s family felt was indescribable, and their worries only grew as, that same week, Ethan was scheduled for surgery. Thankfully, surgeons were able to remove the tumor and Ethan began radiation treatment to rid his body... Read More
