ALSF-funded researcher Dr. Jenn Kalish is raising money for Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) research with her Million Mile team.
By: Shannon OConnor
You know how the saying goes: teamwork makes the dream work. At Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), the dream is to end childhood cancer. Our founder, Alex Scott always planned to make this dream a reality, but knew she couldn’t do it alone. With help from people in her community, then soon, the nation, everyone took those first steps toward cures.
Today, Alex’s legacy of working together to achieve a dream continues. September is both Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the month for ALSF’s Million Mile – a virtual fitness challenge that encourages supporters of any age or athletic ability to get moving to raise awareness and fund research into finding more effective treatments and cures.
During September, people from all walks of life come together virtually to show support for kids with cancer. Everyone has the power to make a difference!
From researchers to university students, businesses to families and communities caring for a child with cancer, these are some of the inspiring teams Going Gold in ALSF's Million Mile this year:
1. Nathan’s Cancer Slayers 2021
Nathan Fleming was 18 when he lost his life to cancer. He is remembered as a smart, funny, and kind young man. Last year, Nathan’s family team raised more than $65,000. This year, they’ve teamed up with Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center while they support Nathan’s oncologists, Dr. Jeffery Toretsky and Dr. Aykut Uren, in researching a novel approach to fighting childhood sarcomas.
2. Making Lemons Into Lemonade 2021
Jackie Palko is using this year's Million Mile to celebrate 13 years cancer-free on September 13! Every day, 43 families in the United States are told that their child has cancer, so Jackie is committed to walking 43 miles this month in their honor. She is also dedicating her miles to her cabin crew from Camp Dost – a summer camp for kids with cancer sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House.
3. Team Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome and WAGR Syndrome 2021
ALSF-funded researcher Dr. Jenn Kalish is raising money for Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) research with her Million Mile team. Approximately 25% of kids diagnosed with this rare genetic disorder can develop cancer. Dr. Kalish’s Million Mile team has raised more than $1,000 towards their goal of $25,000 so far!
Wilton Auto and Tire is a family-owned business run out of Wilton, Connecticut, which isn’t new to supporting ALSF. In fact, they’ve been raising money for childhood cancer with ALSF since 2013. Over the past few years, they’ve raised thousands of dollars for pediatric cancer research through their fundraising efforts, and this September, they have a goal of raising $3,000!
Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, paired up its division III men’s and women’s cross-country teams to create the ultimate Million Mile team! Organized by junior, Sydney D’Ammadio, this team is poised to hit their ambitious 1,630 miles this month!
This September, you can make a difference for children with cancer. Follow along in the ALSF Blog to learn more, register for The Million Mile or sign up to be part of our One Cup At a Time Club.
