The Childhood Cancer Blog

The Childhood Cancer Blog

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

  • alex painting stand
    Alex painting her stand in 2004.
  • alex and mom, liz
    Liz and Alex at Alex's Original in 2004.
  • community at alex's "original"
    Since the beginning, the community always came out for Alex.
  • alex and father jay
    Alex with her Dad, Jay.
  • alex at stand
    No one knew that Alex's first stand would kick off a movement to cure childhood cancer.

This weekend, we should have been holding our stand in Alex's memory in our neighborhood. 

For 20 years, this has been our annual family tradition. Of course, the first year, in 2000, we did not know it would be our annual tradition, or that her little front yard stand would become her legacy -- one that has raised more than $250 million to find a cure for other kids with cancer. 

There was so much we did not know then: like how many more years Alex would fight; that her treatment would take our family to Philadelphia where we would raise our kids; that her story would... Read More

Alex at her "surprise" party

Isolation isn't a new experience for me or my wife Liz. Like other childhood cancer families, isolation is familiar and necessary. 

Almost exactly 20 years ago, our family willingly went into isolation for one month.

A few months before our isolation, we were told that our daughter Alex was dying. Alex was fighting a childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. Her cancer spread as high as her neck and as low as the bones in her left foot. Doctors told us she had no hope to survive.

We didn’t... Read More

  • Pictured above, a note from ALSF founder, Alex Scott, to her mother. “You never know when a simple gesture will become a treasure to those you leave behind," said her mom Liz Scott
    Pictured above, a note from ALSF founder, Alex Scott, to her mother. “You never know when a simple gesture will become a treasure to those you leave behind," said her mom Liz Scott
  • Alex, with her cat Herbert. Herbert was one of Alex’s great loves. 
    Alex, with her cat Herbert. Herbert was one of Alex’s great loves. 
  • In 2004, Alex painted a picture of hearts and stars. Each year, supporters donate to ALSF for a chance to rent this painting. 
    In 2004, Alex painted a picture of hearts and stars. Each year, supporters donate to ALSF for a chance to rent this painting. 
  • Named after Alex Scott, Alex Dixon, pictured above, celebrated her 1st birthday and supported ALSF. Her father Paul shared his love of ALSF on social media to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation. 
    Named after Alex Scott, Alex Dixon, pictured above, celebrated her 1st birthday and supported ALSF. Her father Paul shared his love of ALSF on social media to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation. 

I have a little love note that I cherish. It simply says, “I love you, Mom,” in that sweet irregular handwriting that is the trademark of young kids. My daughter Alex wrote it for me when she was around 6 years old. 

I miss Alex every day. You never know when a simple gesture, like a love note, will become a treasure to those you leave behind.

This year marks 20 years since Alex’s first lemonade stand, and 16 years since Alex was last here to pour lemonade and write me love notes. But her legacy... Read More

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