Each year more than 17,000 children are diagnosed with childhood cancer in the United States — more than a classroom full of children a day. Each of these kids face uncertain and scary treatments in the midst of their regular lives of playing with friends, attending school and just trying to be a kid. 

At Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, we call these kids our heroes because of the battles they face and the ways they inspire us to work hard to find cures. Meet four of our childhood cancer heroes:

1.    Drew
Drew is a witty and funny 9-year-old who always makes his family laugh. In 2019, after a few weeks of experiencing strange symptoms, Drew was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma located primarily in his right jaw muscle. But he never asked "why me?" Instead, Drew put on a tough face for his following 42 weeks of frontline chemotherapy and six weeks of proton radiation. He and his family were ecstatic when his port was removed in February 2021! Recently his mom shared that he's enjoying summer and held a stand during this past Lemonade Days helping raise hundreds for kids just like him. 

2.    Gabby  
Gabby loves animals, taking photos and making jewelry. Being stubborn and feisty, she wasn't going to let an osteosarcoma diagnosis get in the way of her dreams. During her fight, she has had her knee and part of her femur replaced with titanium. It took 15 months in a wheelchair before Gabby began walking unassisted again in 2019. At the end of this month, Gabby will have celebrated five years being cancer-free! 

3.     Hannah  
Hannah is a teenager with a bright disposition and effortless strength. In December 2019, Hannah noticed a small, hard bump had formed under her left eye and was growing. After a trip to the Mayo Clinic, she was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. A few days later, she started her treatment with chemotherapy, followed by surgery and more chemo. Fighting in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic meant she could only have one visitor at the hospital, but last September, Hannah finished her treatment and is doing well today! 

4. Jaxson
Jaxson is a fun-loving child who shows little fear like his favorite superheroes: Captain America and Batman. In November 2018, Jaxson’s parents discovered a lump in his neck, and by February 2019, he was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma. His treatment consisted of seven rounds of chemotherapy and 31 fractions of radiation which he faced bravely. Thankfully, today Jaxson has reached remission!