PHILADELPHIA, PA — Celebrating 25 years since its founding, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) has announced the funding of two pioneering research projects aimed at transforming early detection and prevention of cancer in children with predisposition syndromes. The two studies, each projected to receive $5 million over four years, represent a significant step forward for pediatric cancer care and prevention.
“For 25 years, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation has been dedicated to bringing hope and better outcomes to children with cancer,” said Liz Scott, Alex’s mother and Co-Executive Director of ALSF. “These groundbreaking studies represent the future of pediatric oncology—moving beyond treatment to prevention and early detection. Alex believed in the power of research to change lives, and these initiatives are a testament to her vision.”
Early Detection and Prevention
The first project, led by Dr. Sharon Plon of Baylor College of Medicine and Dr. Lisa Diller of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explores the use of newborn blood samples to identify cancer predisposition syndromes. Collaborating with Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and Texas Children’s Hospital, the team aims to assess if the widely used heel-stick blood test can also screen for cancer risks at birth. Early detection through this method could save lives by enabling proactive monitoring and early treatment of cancers in at-risk infants.
The second project, spearheaded by Dr. Uri Tabori and Dr. David Malkin at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), seeks to develop a cancer vaccine specifically targeting children with cancer predisposition syndromes. The research team includes prominent figures such as Nobel laureate Dr. Drew Weissman, celebrated for his revolutionary work on mRNA vaccine technology. This potential vaccine could serve as a preventative measure, reducing the likelihood of cancer development in genetically predisposed children.
The Crazy 8 Initiative
Both projects are supported by ALSF’s Crazy 8 Initiative, an ambitious program launched in 2020 to fund high-impact, collaborative pediatric cancer research. To date, Crazy 8 has invested $35 million across eight cutting-edge projects tackling the most stubborn challenges in childhood cancer.
These efforts are fueled by contributions from countless supporters, including the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, the Kaliner Family Charitable Fund, and the Murray Family Foundation, among others.
Real-Life Impact
The announcement brings new hope to families grappling with cancer predisposition. Stories like that of Cole Fitzgerald, who suffered from Li-Fraumeni Syndrome and battled multiple cancers before passing away at 19, underscore the urgency of this research. “Families like Cole’s are just waiting to get cancer, but surveillance and a vaccine would allow them to breathe a little easier knowing that it maybe could be prevented,” said Scott.
Continuing Alex’s Legacy
Since its inception with Alex Scott’s first lemonade stand in 2000, ALSF has remained at the forefront of pediatric cancer research. These new initiatives reaffirm the foundation’s unwavering commitment to improving outcomes and providing hope to children and families facing cancer.
Through strategic partnerships and visionary research, ALSF continues to honor its founder’s legacy while paving the way for breakthroughs in pediatric oncology.
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