The Childhood Cancer Blog

The Childhood Cancer Blog

Welcome to The Childhood Cancer Blog
from Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation!

Alex at her "surprise" party

Isolation isn't a new experience for me or my wife Liz. Like other childhood cancer families, isolation is familiar and necessary. 

Almost exactly 20 years ago, our family willingly went into isolation for one month.

A few months before our isolation, we were told that our daughter Alex was dying. Alex was fighting a childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. Her cancer spread as high as her neck and as low as the bones in her left foot. Doctors told us she had no hope to survive.

We didn’t... Read More

  • Pictured above, a note from ALSF founder, Alex Scott, to her mother. “You never know when a simple gesture will become a treasure to those you leave behind," said her mom Liz Scott
    Pictured above, a note from ALSF founder, Alex Scott, to her mother. “You never know when a simple gesture will become a treasure to those you leave behind," said her mom Liz Scott
  • Alex, with her cat Herbert. Herbert was one of Alex’s great loves. 
    Alex, with her cat Herbert. Herbert was one of Alex’s great loves. 
  • In 2004, Alex painted a picture of hearts and stars. Each year, supporters donate to ALSF for a chance to rent this painting. 
    In 2004, Alex painted a picture of hearts and stars. Each year, supporters donate to ALSF for a chance to rent this painting. 
  • Named after Alex Scott, Alex Dixon, pictured above, celebrated her 1st birthday and supported ALSF. Her father Paul shared his love of ALSF on social media to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation. 
    Named after Alex Scott, Alex Dixon, pictured above, celebrated her 1st birthday and supported ALSF. Her father Paul shared his love of ALSF on social media to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation. 

I have a little love note that I cherish. It simply says, “I love you, Mom,” in that sweet irregular handwriting that is the trademark of young kids. My daughter Alex wrote it for me when she was around 6 years old. 

I miss Alex every day. You never know when a simple gesture, like a love note, will become a treasure to those you leave behind.

This year marks 20 years since Alex’s first lemonade stand, and 16 years since Alex was last here to pour lemonade and write me love notes. But her legacy... Read More

  • alex scott's birthday celebration
    Alex, center, celebrating her 1st birthday with family.
  • alex scott's birthday
    Alex, center, celebrating her 4th birthday.

Today is my daughter Alex's birthday. If Alex were here, we'd be celebrating her 24th birthday. 

I cannot pretend that these 16 years without Alex have not been painful. Every day without our daughter is marked with pain and grief mixed in with normal, joyous and extraordinary moments. Alex's story—her impactful life, her strong spirit, her wisdom and her belief that anyone, even a kid with a front yard lemonade stand, could make an impact in the fight against something as big and scary as childhood cancer—that is a story I am so glad I get to live. 

Alex was always a... Read More

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