Today was the 10th anniversary celebration of the first Alex's Lemonade Stand in which Alex Scott (at the age of 4) set up a lemonade stand to help raise money to build a children's hospital for kids with cancer. Fighting cancer herself since she was one, Alex wanted to do good and help other kids. Back in 2004, when my son was only one, I took him to the first big Alex's Lemonade Stand gathering. Alex was there that day but it was so hot that she was inside the school, resting as she wasn't feeling well. Only two months later, she passed away, but her dream to help kids with cancer lives on.
Every year, my family and I go to the event in support of Jay and Liz Scott and their family. And each year, I have to choke back tears as I walk around seeing how many people have come together to help raise money for such a great cause. This was the sixth year that my family and I started going to the event and one of the most touching parts is the releasing of the butterflies. Standing on the steps of the school that Alex used to attend, families whose children are struggling with cancer stand at the top of the steps and Liz Scott leads a tearful moment. This year she thanked everyone for their support and stood with the families at the top of the stairs. Her two sons read a short piece about butterflies and then, all of us in the audience, opened the little paper in our hands, and out flew butterflies. Hundreds of them. Some flew away, a few stayed on the ground, one stuck itself to my daughter's shoe and many swirled around, watching all of us in yellow, white and blue, with our children, holding so dearly onto them and praying for help for those kids who are fighting cancer.
But what wrenched my heartstrings the most today, was coming back to give some bottled water to my family to see Jay, dressed as a lemon, and his wife, Liz, leading a conga line. I do not know where they get the strength to be so strong and wonderful to have suffered so much yet turned their pain into a dream to help other children.
What I like so much about today's event is that, yes, it's about raising money, but nearly all of the activities are free. Food, drink, games, arts and crafts--all free for your family. You can donate, if you'd like, but the day is about a celebration--of life, love and family. I wanted to share this with you as my wife and I have chosen to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation over the years. It's a great organization that has helped fund more than 150 research projects across the country. If you're not familiar with Alex's Lemonade Stand, please visit their website to learn more. Thank you.
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