Alex's Mom, Liz Scott, read this heartfelt letter to her daughter Alex at the 2016 Lemon Ball.

Dear Alex,

It is hard to believe it has been more than 11 years since we were last together.    In just 2 days you would be turning 20 but yet in my heart you remain forever 8.   A lot has happened over the past decade… your brothers have grown into great young men. Patrick graduates college this year, Eddie graduates from high school, and your “baby” Joey is in 7th grade.  They are kind, caring people, and bring me joy every day, I am such a lucky mom.   Dad is his same old self, still loves to tease us all — over the past decade he has taken up running and also makes wooden bowls, I think you would love his bowls since you enjoyed creating things also.  We all miss you and I’m sure we all wonder what life in the Scott house would be like if you were still with us.

Honestly, Alex, I miss you so much sometimes it literally hurts to think about you.   But, I know you were always worried about me so I want to tell you I am doing really well.   Life has been very good to us, with our supportive family we have always had (many of them are here tonight to celebrate with us), and  so many wonderful friends, both old and new. OH, and I should mention that the work you left us with Alex’s Lemonade Stand has kept us pretty busy.  I hate to call it work because it has been a gift--  not only do we get to see your inspiration and impact every single day, but we get to meet extraordinary people who remind us of the wonderful world we live in, filled with generosity and hope.   But, what is truly a gift, is the way your simple wish to help other kids with cancer, has become a major force in the fight against childhood cancer.  Alex, your life has touched and continues to touch countless lives in ways you will never know. I am sorry that you aren’t here to see it all, I truly am.  But the good news is that we are all committed to making sure that other kids have the chances you did not have to see their dreams come true.

Tonight is perfect, the room looks amazing, we have a full house of supporters, and we are recognizing some extraordinary people who share your commitment to helping kids with cancer.

I wish you were here to celebrate with us, I wish you were here to just be my daughter, forget the lemonade, we could drink margaritas together! Well almost, you technically would only be turning 20☺.

But seriously, Alex, thank you. Thank you for everything, your life and your inspiration.  We all appreciate what you created and we promise we will carry it forward until there’s a cure.

And Happy Birthday,

I love you,

Mom