Published: Tuesday, Jun. 16, 2009 / Updated: Tuesday, Jun. 16, 2009 04:08 PM
Cancer survivors raise money for research
Three happy families plus one supportive neighborhood equaled another successful year for the Alex's Lemonade Stand fundraiser Saturday afternoon in Baxter Village.
The event - lemonade, snacks, games and even back massages - was put together to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer. The three families who helped organize it share a common bond: their children are cancer survivors.
"This was a great day. It's been the best day for us so far," said one organizer, Lorie Lower.
Lower's daughter, Louise, was diagnosed with a rare cancer, neuroblastoma, at age 4, but has been cancer free for six years. Louise, who applied temporary tattoos on visitor's arms at the fundraiser, said her favorite part of the day was seeing all her friends have a fun time and that it felt good that she could help encourage other children who may be sick.
The family started taking part in the fundraiser five years ago when they lived in Virginia. This is the fourth such event in Baxter Village.
Also helping out at the lemonade stand were two other young cancer survivors from the community, Austin Lux and Vincent DeNobile.
"I think this is great," said Vincent's father, Scott DeNobile. "People are as excited about this lemonade stand as they have been any other year."
Since it began, the Baxter lemonade stands have raised more than $25,000 for childhood cancer research.
For more information or to make a donation, visit alexslemonade.org.
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