Turning lemons into lemonade is hard business. It takes a special kind of person to make the best out of the worst of times. This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating all dads who help inspire their families to keep fighting. 

Whether it’s becoming their child’s biggest advocate, supporting their dreams or teaching them the strength of paying it forward, dads have the power to make a difference. Here are three outstanding fathers who are taking a stand by raising funds for childhood cancer research.  

1.    Todd Schultz

“We don’t want any family to have to go through this at all. That is our number one goal – to try and fight childhood cancer.” – Todd  

Zack was 10 years old when it began to feel like tackle football and sudden illnesses were taking their toll on his body. His dad, Todd, suggested they get him checked out, and after many tests it was clear that Zack had leukemia.

After four years in treatment, Zack rang the bell. Today, he’s 18 and cancer-free. But ever since his son was diagnosed, Todd, together with his family, has been determined to help those still fighting with lemonade stands that benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). 

Each year, Todd and his family hold their lemonade stand at their local park, complete with a tent, balloons, streamers, cornhole and other games. Todd loves to get creative with Facebook posts to promote the fundraiser, and their community loves to take part. Together, Todd and his family have raised more than $11,000 in honor of Zack and all kids with cancer.

2.    Sam Oches

“This is a battle we all have to fight together, and we can do it through moments of joy like hosting a lemonade stand or supporting others that are getting involved.” – Sam

Sam’s son Jude was only 9 months old when a routine checkup raised some concerns. A pediatric ophthalmologist confirmed his worst fear – Jude had retinoblastoma. The next couple of years were spent trying everything from chemotherapy to laser therapy to radiation to treat Jude’s cancer.

Despite years of treatment, the tumor in Jude’s eye grew back and showed the possibility of spreading. Sam and his wife, Katie, had a difficult decision to make. After consulting their doctors, it was clear that the best option was to remove Jude’s eye. Today, his son is cancer-free, but Sam isn’t done fighting childhood cancer.

Sam and his family are determined to help more hero families find their happy ending. He joined the ALSF Advisory Board to continue to be a voice for kids fighting cancer. Beyond the Advisory Board, Sam and his family host their own lemonade stand to raise funds for safer treatments and more cures for all kids like Jude. Their lemonade stand is set to take place this June during Lemonade Days with a goal of raising $500!

3.    Jay Scott

“The Million Mile is an easy way for runners, walkers and cyclists of all abilities to contribute to the fight against childhood cancer, build community and reach their fitness goals.” – Jay 

Alex Scott’s first front yard lemonade stand sparked a fundraising movement that continues to this day. Now, the Foundation bearing her name continues to uphold her legacy with some major fundraisers – one of which was started by her dad, Jay.

Inspired by Alex, Jay wanted to think big on how he could rally his community to make a difference for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. What started as a challenge between friends to see who could log the most miles is now The Million Mile, a month-long fundraiser with thousands of participants all over the country.

Each year, Jay seeks to make his Million Mile team bigger and better than the last. Over the past 13 years, his team has moved more than 78,000 miles and raised nearly $170,000 for childhood cancer research during the month of September.
 
Happy Father’s Day, and thank you to all the dads out there making a difference! To start your own fundraiser, check out the options here.