Alex’s Lemonade Stand Has Raised $300M For Pediatric Cancer Research
by Melissa Jacobs
This June, Alex’s Lemonade Stand celebrates 20 years of Lemonade Days, the fundraisers that have raised more than $20.5 million for pediatric cancer research. Lemonade Days, the family-fun festivals, are just one of the signature programs created by Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
From its headquarters in Wynnewood, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation works with corporate partners, organizes a Great Chefs event and oversees other programs that have made it the largest independent childhood cancer charity in the U.S., raising over $300 million to fund more than 1,500 research projects across North America and Europe.
But this 20-year anniversary is bittersweet because it also marks the death of Alexandra Scott, the foundation’s namesake. When she was four years old, Alex created a lemonade stand in her front yard to raise money to give to her doctors – so they could help other kids living with cancer.
Just before her first birthday, Alex was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. “Fighting cancer made her wiser and more aware of many things,” said Liz Scott, Alex’s mother. “Our experiences in life strengthen us. They make us wiser. In many cases, like Alex’s, they make us decide to fight for other people, not just ourselves.”
Photo via Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
Alex died when she was 8 years old, and by that time, she had raised $1 million for pediatric cancer research – and launched a national movement. Liz and her husband Jay Scott are co-executive directors of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and this June, they marked another milestone. There are now Alex’s Lemonade Stands in all 50 states.
The foundation has grown considerably over the past 20 years. Before their daughter’s illness, the Scotts owned a coffee shop, but didn’t have formal experience with a nonprofit – let alone one on the scale of Alex’s Lemonade. They learned about the business of running a nonprofit as they built the organization, Liz said.
Management skills have been a particular focus point for Liz. “What I learned over the years was how to recognize great people and make sure that you connect with them and appreciate them, and how to recognize when someone wasn’t there to support the mission,” she said. “Where I learned the most and grew the most is in navigating and managing people and dealing with those nuances.”
After deciding not to get her MBA, she read books and listened to podcasts to hone her leadership skills. “You need to understand your strengths, and not be afraid to use them,” she said. Lead in the way that is most comfortable for you, but “also go outside your comfort zone. That’s where I’ve had to push myself and say, ‘This is the way I would usually react or this is how I would usually contribute. How can I do better by changing my approach?’”
Liz remembered the advice given to her by an early mentor. Don’t be afraid to lead, he told her. “I knew he had hit exactly where I was at that moment and being afraid to co-lead with my husband,” she said. “That really helped me and I think about that when I question myself. Don’t be afraid to lead.”
Liz and Jay Scott continue to lead Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to raise money for medical research and to provide emotional, financial and logistical support to childhood cancer families that makes their challenges more manageable. To learn more, visit alexslemonade.org.
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