The Childhood Cancer Blog

The Childhood Cancer Blog

Welcome to The Childhood Cancer Blog
from Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation!

Sixteen years ago, when I did not even know what USC was, or any university for that matter, I was diagnosed with cancer—tumors called astrocytoma were in my spine. I was just 2 years old at diagnosis, so my treatment and recovery plan was naturally placed in the hands of my parents. From that point forward, I lived with and relied on two adults who knew more about my condition than I did.  

For my four long years of high school, I woke up at 5:30 every morning to go to swim practice and then stayed up late nearly every night to finish my chemistry homework. I desperately wanted to get into my dream school, the University of Southern California (USC), nearly 3,000 miles away from my home in Connecticut. And then, I got my acceptance letter — reaching my long-awaited goal. Yet, my struggles were far from over.

I walked into my dorm room for the first time last August and, to the outside world, I looked like any other eager, nervous 18-year-old, ready to start her... Read More

There are several things you can do to support the affected student, keep them involved in classroom life, support siblings and to create a supportive and encouraging classroom environment. 

A childhood cancer diagnosis can be difficult for teachers, administrators and families to manage in a school setting. Not only does the diagnosis affect the child with cancer, but it reverberates through your school community, impacting siblings, classmates and school staff.

Despite the difficulties this presents, it is also an opportunity for the community to come together in support of the family and each other. There are several things you can do to support the affected student, keep them involved in classroom life,... Read More

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) works with schools across the country to raise money through fundraising events such as the Great Lemonade War, Change Childhood Cancer and, of course, lemonade stands! The support that schools give to ALSF each year is invaluable. 

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) works with schools across the country to raise money through fundraising events such as the Great Lemonade War, Change Childhood Cancer and, of course, lemonade stands! The support that schools give to ALSF each year is invaluable. 

To support schools as they support childhood cancer research, ALSF updated its school resources. These new lesson plans enrich the experience of learning about ALSF, while also adhering to the demands of the school day.

Here are three ways to... Read More

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