Meet the Gaal family, ALSF's Childhood Cancer Hero family representing the many kids affected by cancer in New Jersey this year.
Alex's Lemonade Days is an annual 3-day fundraiser where supporters from coast to coast hold lemonade stands in a unified effort to raise funds for childhood cancer research. Support this family and all kids with cancer by hosting an Alex's Lemonade Stand in your hometown!
At the age of 9, Maggie Gaal was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. Her very normal 4th grade life - and the life of her parents, Jeff and Heather, and sisters Amanda and Emily - changed rapidly as they adjusted to the new world of cancer treatment. Over the next 10 months Maggie bravely went through chemotherapy, surgery, complications and the amputation of her left leg below the knee. Thankfully, the treatment was successful and now, at 17, Maggie is a team captain for her high school cheerleading squad. The Gaals continue to fight for other families and kids facing childhood cancer and will be holding a lemonade stand during Alex's Lemonade Days, June 12-14, 2015. Read more about Maggie, a childhood cancer hero.
The family answered some questions for us about themselves and the state they are proud to represent.
Members of the family:
Jeff, Heather, Amanda (26), Emily (20), Maggie (17)
Name of your childhood cancer hero:
Maggie
Type of cancer your childhood cancer hero was diagnosed with?
Osteosarcoma
What is his or her current status?
No Evidence of Disease (NED)
What are some of your favorite activities to do as a family?
We all love to travel – in country and abroad and spend most of our summer vacations at the beach.
Are you lifelong residents of your state?
No, parents and Amanda were born in NY but Emily and Maggie are lifelong NJ residents.
If friends were coming to visit your state, what’s one spot or attraction you’d tell them not to miss?
Our house is 15 minutes from the gorgeous Jersey Shore.
What food is your state known for? Do you like it?
We love those great Jersey tomatoes.
What makes your state special to you?
We enjoy NJ because of its proximity and great access to so many areas – the beach, the mountains, NYC, Philadelphia
Read about our other Hero Family State Reps and learn more about Alex's Lemonade Days
