UPDATE: Dan is planning a celebratory BBQ at the completion of his journey to Havre de Grace, MD on Sunday, October 10^th. The celebration plans include an Alex’s Lemonade Stand, food, moon-bounce and other kid friendly fun! The celebration will take place at The Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House. (located off Erie Street at 817 Conesteo Street in Havre de Grace, Md) Celebration will take place from 1-5pm! Please RSVP to Laurie Zerumsky at [email protected] or call 610-459-5515.

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Dan Topp is gearing up to “Paddle for a Cure!” -- In an effort to join the battle against childhood cancer, Dan Topp, President of Topp Portable Air, has agreed to participate in a truly unique fundraiser! Dan will kayak(paddle for a cure!) approximately 180 miles down the Susquehanna River from Williamsport, PA to the Chesapeake Bay in an effort to raise awareness and critical funding for childhood cancer research. Dan is teaming up with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) as he kayaks through central Pennsylvania to his final destination in Havre de Grace, MD at the mouth of the Susquehanna River.  

Neuroblastoma took the lives of two five-year-old children whose families each had a meaningful connection to Dan. In 2006 Molly Allison Cavera passed away after a two and a half year battle with Neurblastoma. Molly was a joyful little lady who loved bunnies and the color orange. She was full of Hope, Joy, Peace and Love.  The Topp family followed her courageous battle through Care Pages and prayed for her daily. Dan was inspired to get involved with ALSF after later hearing the story of Liam James Kane, the son of Dan’s former employee and friend, Kevin Kane. Kevin recently joined ALSF to enlist in their fight to eradicate all childhood cancers.

Liam was 3-years-old when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, the same disease endured by Molly Cavera and ALSF’s founder, Alexandra Scott. Liam, like Molly and Alex, showed amazing strength and wisdom well beyond his years and became a tremendous inspiration for everyone around him. Sadly, after a heroic, 20 month battle, Liam succumbed to his disease in November of 2005. Liam was 5-years-old when he earned his angel wings. 

Let the Paddle Begin!

Dan will kayak down the Susquehanna River beginning in Williamsport, Pa and travel 180 miles to Havre de Grace, MD on the Chesapeake Bay. Dan will truly be “roughing it” for the cause while camping each night along the river bank for the anticipated ten (10) day adventure!

Dates: The adventure begins on Friday, October 1^st and ends on Sunday, October 10^th 2010.

How can you get involved? Multiple donation options exist. Thank you in advance!

Dan’s Company, Topp Portable Air will match all donations dollar for dollar up to $10,000.00 for this great cause so donate BIG! A donation of $1.00 per mile will be a $180.00 donation and equal $360.00 toward this great cause with TOPP’s Match.

1. Donate online via Dan’s ALSF Fundraising page at www.alexslemonade.org/paddleforacure  

2. Make checks payable to “Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation” and add a notation; “Dan Topp / Paddle for a cure”. Please mail to: ALSF, 333 Lancaster Ave, #414, Wynnewood, PA 19096

 ALSF (www.alexslemonade.org) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). 2010 marks 10 years since 4-year-old Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement.   To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $35 million towards fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 152 research projects nationally.  

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