Philadelphia, PA (May 17, 2019) – Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) has partnered with Sydney Harper Foundation to support research in Wilms Disease. ALSF and Sydney Harper Foundation share a vision of funding childhood cancer research, to ultimately find cures for all children with cancer.

Sydney Harper Foundation was formed in 2018 after Sydney Harper passed away unexpectedly at just three years old from complications of Wilms Disease, a rare form of pediatric kidney cancer that often strikes without symptoms. The Foundation was created with the vision of a world where children and families impacted by Wilms Disease and other forms of cancer are given the hope and opportunity to overcome the challenges of the disease – so that they can enjoy the lifelong health and wellness they deserve.

Sydney’s mother, Brittany, says “we miss our Sydney Harper horribly. Sydney loved life, her family, bobcats, bacon and the color pink. The one thing we can do, in her memory, is to create this foundation, to ensure that she gave her life for a powerful purpose. I will make it my life’s job, though my precious daughter’s memory, to help raise awareness and help other children and their families fight this horrible disease.”

Wilms tumor, a nephroblastoma, is a form of cancer that originates in the kidneys named after Max Wilms, a German doctor. Although a rare form of cancer, Wilms tumors are the most common type of kidney cancer among children. Wilms tumors can be hard to find early because they can often grow quite large without causing any symptoms.

In honor of what would have been Sydney Harper’s 5th birthday on May 21st, the Philadelphia skyline will light up pink in her memory and to mark the one-year anniversary of the launch of the foundation bearing her name. Philadelphia skyscrapers, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and historic Boathouse Row will glow pink for the second year in a row. Many area businesses and homes will also participate.

 

WHAT:                 Light it up Pink
WHEN:                 May 21, 2019
                                7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

WHERE:               Eagle Gazebo at Fairmount Park

Sydney Harper Foundation supporters will gather at The Eagle Gazebo in Fairmount Park as Boathouse Row is lit up pink – and will mark their one-year anniversary by announcing their partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

 

About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of 4-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who was fighting cancer and wanted to raise money to find cures for all children with cancer. Her spirit and determination inspired others to support her cause, and when she passed away at the age of 8, she had raised $1 million. Since then, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement. Today, ALSF is one of the leading funders of pediatric cancer research in the U.S. and Canada having raised more than $150 million so far, funding nearly 1,000 research projects and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer. For more information, visit AlexsLemonade.org.

About Sydney Harper Foundation
Sydney Harper Foundation, based in Narberth, PA, was founded in 2018 following the unexpected death of three-year-old Sydney Harper from complications of Wilms Disease, a rare form of pediatric cancer that often strikes without symptoms. The Foundation creates and funds programs that provide education and awareness of pediatric cancer; increase knowledge around early prevention, detection and treatment of Wilms Disease and other forms of pediatric cancer; and provide support, resources and a sense of community to those impacted. For more information, visit Sydneyharperfoundation.org.