The Legacy of Alex and her Lemonade Stand

June 25, 2015

Written by Marykate O’Malley, mother of three wonderful children, Gladwyne, PA

Alex was a little girl, with a big dream, who has local roots. She lived only a few miles from us in Wynnewood, PA and attended a sister school Penn Wynne while she received treatments at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Her family moved from CT for this renowned hospital, arguably, the best in the country for sick children.

Alex had a dream to raise money for cancer research and treatment, as well as awareness about childhood cancers. The day after her fourth birthday, and a stem cell treatment, she told her parents she wanted to have a lemonade stand and give money to the doctor’s “to help kids like they help me.” Later that year, she and her brother opened a stand and raised an astounding $2000 towards her hospital.

While Alex battled cancer, her family held yearly lemonade stands, and inspired people all of the world to raise money and donate to her cause. She died at 8 years young, knowing that her concept, vision, and dedication raised 1 million dollars, her life goal. Today, her legacy foundation has raised over 100 million dollars towards fighting childhood cancers. 100 million dollars. All from a little girl who dared to dream big dreams, and had the tenacity to carry out her mission. Learn more about amazing Alex by watching the “About Alex” video here: Alex

Every year my children’s school has an Alex’s lemonade stand day where the children wear yellow and can purchase $1 strips of duck tape to duck tape a teacher (my daughter’s wonderful fourth grade teacher) to the gym wall. I mean who wouldn’t want to do that! Alex’s parents come and speak to the children, carrying her message of hope, and goodwill, and reminding them all of the difference they can make. The school learns a flash mob dance which is performed at school, and later with a larger group at the annual Alex’s Lemonade event. This year it was fittingly, Heroes (we could be). The annual lemonade stand at Penn Wynne School is complete with bouncy houses, carnival games, and of course, plentiful amounts of lemonade.

Annual Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Penn Wynne School

The original sign Alex created

Ways to support this tremendous cause:

Have a lemonade stand! What an easy and wonderful way for our children to give back. My Amanda was so moved and inspired by the lemonade stand event that she came home and quickly set up shop, raising $42 for Alex’s lemonade stand. Link here for kids helping kids ideas: lemonade stands

Buy the storybook of Alex’s lemonade stand. My mom bought this for my crew years ago and the inspiring story helps all children learn and understand how they too can make a difference. Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand
Purchase t-shirts, mugs, tote bags and other accessories to raise awareness and support a great cause: shop here
Or simply give (to receive) here: donate

Alex’s courage, vision, and passion has helped fund research for childhood cancers, pay for travel for families seeking treatment, and fund nursing grants which focus on the quality of care that patients receive. “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” Alex. A little girl with a big compassionate courageous heart, its amazing to consider how many people she touched personally with her cause. And truly astounding what she did while here on earth, and the legacy she left behind.