Everyday, 47 children are diagnosed with cancer in the United States alone. Alex’s Lemonade Stand (ALSF) raises funds, awareness and a glass of lemonade to help kids fighting cancer. The goal of ALSF is to support the children and families that are impacted by the harsh reality of childhood cancer.
The foundation began when Alexandra (Alex) Scott, who was only four years old, began battling cancer herself and wanted to hold a Lemonade stand to help her doctors find a cure. Her first Lemonade Stand raised $2000 in one day. Alex unfortunately lost her battle in 2004 when she was only eight years old, but her parents decided to keep her kindness alive.
The Alex’s Lemonade Stand website reads; “Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is the living embodiment of Alex’s spirit of determination and hope. Like Alex, we believe that every person can make a difference. Together, we can bring about a cure.”
Foran held their own Lemonade Stand to help find a cure for childhood cancer, the leading cause of death by disease in American children, resulting in the death of approximately 1,800 kids each year.
Foran senior, Emma Honcz, whose family was impacted by childhood cancer, speaks on the support shown at the game last week stating, “It’s awesome to see the Foran community come together to support and raise awareness for childhood cancer. From my family’s experience, and knowing exactly what other families affected by the illness go through, it’s amazing to see how our school can contribute to a great organization that does all it can to help children in need.”
Student council orchestrated the stand and collected money during school and at the opening home football game. Paper lemons were sold for $1, where students and staff could write their name and show their support. These lemons were also displayed at the game. On Friday September 8 Foran raised over $1000 to fight childhood cancer.
Senior class Treasurer Isabella Sanchez says, “I loved being involved in Alex’s Lemonade Stand because I love supporting communities and people in need” she went on to add, “I loved getting the school involved with such a great event and fundraiser!”
Despite the football game having a short pause due to the impending storms and lightning, the student body still showed their support for the cause of childhood cancer. The student section was flooded with yellow and gold, representing the official color of the childhood cancer ribbon.
Not only did the student body show their support at the game, but so did the athletes on the field. The football team showed support by wearing yellow socks, tape, or armbands, and the cheerleaders wore yellow bows and a variety of accessories. Each football player wore a yellow armband and made sure to show their support.
Senior football player Gabriel Bonessi says he loves playing for a cause like Alex’s Lemonade Stand because, “it motivates you to really do good and gives you something to play for. It motivates you to get that win even more.”
At the game the Lions won against Hillhouse with a final score of 37 – 12. There were touchdowns by seniors Joshua Smith and Gabriel Bonessi, and junior Zachary Queiroz. Joey Gagliardi debuted as Quarterback #1 with 274 passing yards. It was a successful home opener and first game of the season for the Foran Lions.
