#35 Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: From Loss to Hope—Liz Scott’s Dedication to Her Daughter’s Vision to Cure Childhood Cancers

Welcome to Curveball, a podcast that explores how we handle life’s most unimaginable challenges—and how some manage to turn adversity into hope. In this episode, host Scott Reich sits down with Liz Scott, co-founder of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, and shares the remarkable story of her daughter, Alex Scott. Diagnosed with cancer just before her first birthday, Alex’s idea to set up a simple lemonade stand, at age four, sparked a movement that has raised over $400 million for pediatric cancer research.

Together, Scott and Liz dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of facing a child’s life-threatening illness, the raw pain and resilience that comes with loss, and how Alex’s spirit of gratitude and selflessness continues to inspire people nationwide. This is a story of heartbreak, love, and the power of community—showing that even the smallest act of kindness can grow into something with the power to change lives.

Tune in to hear Liz share personal insights, lessons learned, and the ongoing legacy that proves hope can endure, no matter the curveballs life throws our way.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. Both Liz and Scott talk about the emotional transition from panic to action following their children’s diagnoses.
2. Liz mentioned holding in her emotions to stay in survival mode.
3. Alex’s vision for her lemonade stand evolved from helping herself to wanting to help all children with cancer.
4. The foundation has raised over $400 million for pediatric cancer research.
5. Community and human connection play a role in responding to trauma, according to both Liz and Scott.
6. Liz spoke about how trauma and loss changed her perspective on life, parenting, and relationships.
7. Alex’s quote, “I’m happy for what I have, not unhappy for what I don’t have,” resonated deeply with her parents.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Grateful Child Sparks a Cause

(05:24) Overwhelmed Caretakers' Emotional Journey

(07:32) Action vs. Emotion in Adversity

(12:00) Resilience and Selflessness in Crisis

(13:10) A Child’s Hope and Legacy

(19:21) Community Inspires Hope for Change

(21:17) Legacy, Connection, and Transformation

(23:30) Finding Gratitude Amid Grief

(28:41) The Second Mountain of Purpose

(31:22) Grateful Despite the Struggles

(33:42) Gratitude Shaping Kind Personalities

(36:27) Parenting Amid Loss and Balance