This year for Addison and Ella's birthday we decided to do a Alex's Lemonade Stand. For those of you who don't know about Alex, here is part of a decription of her written by her parents. "Many of you think of Alex as a hero ~ the sweet and courageous lemonade girl who inspired others to help children with cancer. Although she did not get the chance to live a long life, she showed us what it means to live a full life. Her bravery, strength, and love of life continue to inspire us every day. She is indeed our hero! " Alex started a lemonade stand in her front yard, and raised money and awareness for victims of childhood cancer. When researching which charity to donate to for Addison and Ella's party, I thought Alex's Lemonade Stand was a great charity. I remember hearing about it while Alex was still alive, battling her disease. She wanted to start a lemonade stand to help doctors find a cure for cancer. Her first lemonade stand raised $2000.00. In every article I have read about Alex, it clearly states that she was determined, brave and inspiring. Although Alex passed away in August of 2004, at the age of 8, she saw her charity hit the 1 million dollar mark before her death, when news of the lemonade stands quickly spread. What an inspiration, and a remarkable person to achieve that, at 8 years old, even while battling neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer. Alex's spirit reminded me so much of my mom, although they had different cancers, and clearly tell two different stories, Alex and my mom both, lived their lives to the fullest, never felt sorry for themselves, and their bravery was overwhelming. With this lemonade stand I strive to teach my girls about their grandmother, and the selfless acts that she did everyday for all of us. I want to carry on this example and always make her part of their special day. I want them to realize that a birthday isn't necessarily about getting gifts, but more about a celebration of their lives, and the lives of those who love them, and at the same time, we can help other children in the world who do not necessarily have the luck of "good health" I hope all of you feel the same way. Happy Birthday to my baby girls, and lets help to carry on the legacy of their Nannie.