When Beth Cook’s then 8-year-old son Travis was diagnosed with childhood cancer, she did not know what to say. “I did not know what to tell Travis, but I had to tell him,” recalls Beth. “I told him there was something in his head that didn't belong there, but it was going to be ok because he had the best doctors in the world taking care of him. I didn't know if that was the right thing to say, but it comforted him. I was a lot less confident than I showed.” The story is similar for most childhood cancer families—the diagnosis is a shock and parents are left struggling with the right words to tell their child and then later their siblings, friends and classmates. We spoke with pediatric oncology social workers, child life specialists and childhood cancer families. Here are their seven tips for talking to kids about cancer.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) works with schools across the country to raise money through fundraising events such as the Great Lemonade War, Change Childhood Cancer and, of course, lemonade stands! To support schools as they support childhood cancer research, ALSF updated its school resources. These new lesson plans enrich the experience of learning about ALSF, while also adhering to the demands of the school day.
The new school year is right around the corner! Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) programs are a great way to teach students about how they can make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer while also enhancing lesson plan and curriculum development. As you plan the year, consider these six community service classroom activities that are easy to integrate into your lesson plans.
by Allie Neenan, founding co-President of the Dallas Lemon Club at the University of Texas
For the past three years, I have been a leader of the Dallas Lemon Club at the University of Texas (UT). We are a group of students from varied backgrounds with a common goal: curing childhood cancer. I learned about the club from its founder, my classmate and dear friend, Usman. I never heard of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation before meeting Usman, but his passion for this cause was contagious. Alex's legacy has that effect on people.
Guest post by Elisa Cobb and Angie Aselin, 2nd Grade Teachers, Spring Texas
Every year, our principal asks our team to come up with a second-grade level philanthropy project. While brainstorming new ideas, one of our team members suggested Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). The majority of us didn’t know much about it. As educators of 8-year-old children, it didn’t take much research to realize we had chosen our philanthropy—ALSF is all about kids helping other kids!
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation started because Alex believed so strongly in the power of kids helping kids. Whether it’s hitting a hole-in-one, challenging classes to a change war or cheering up SuperSibs, kids are thinking of creative ways to help the fight against childhood cancer. Here are five ways children across the country are making a difference:
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was founded on the belief that kids can help other kids! We’ve always had amazing schools and teachers supporting our mission and raising funds for research. Here are five schools making a difference one cup at a time:
1. How Can One Child Make A Difference: Erpenbeck Elementary School, Florence, KY
March is National Reading Month! All month long, students, teachers, and families celebrate reading and the magic of books. At Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, we have many fun, unique ways you can celebrate National Reading Month and help children battling cancer!
Collin is a social butterfly who loves to have fun. He was diagnosed twice with ALL, and after 12 wonderful years cancer-free, he was diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma and began fighting all over again. Today, he is staying positive in treatment.
