By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
Alyssa Dima, age 11, will do her part to help fight pediatric cancer this weekend by selling drinks at an Alex’s Lemonade Stand on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the curb of her home at 263 South Sixth Ave.
"I feel bad that kids have to go through that and they shouldn’t have to go through a sickness that is cancer and hopefully they will find a cure," Alyssa said. "It is hot outside and people like lemonade."
Alyssa will make the lemonade and sit at her table under the tree during National Lemonade Month event.
Donna Marie Dima beams at her daughter’s act.
"I am very proud of her," she said. "Usually when we have a yard sale she asks if she could have a lemonade stand. If she is watching TV and sees a commercial for something, especially children and cancer, she is very emotional about it and she wants to help out. She has a big heart and just wants to help in any way that she can."
According to Alex’s Lemonade Stand website, the mission is to raise money and awareness of childhood cancer’s causes, primarily research into treatments and cures, and to encourage and empower others, especially children, to get involved and make a difference for children with cancer.
A Connecticut girl, Alexandra "Alex" Scott, gave birth to the idea. When Alex, who was diagnosed with childhood cancer just before her first birthday, was four, she told her parents she wanted to set up a front-yard lemonade stand. Her plan was to give the money to doctors to help them find a cure.
Her first "Alex’s Lemonade Stand," held with the help of her older brother Patrick, raised $2,000 in one day. While fighting her own cancer, Alex continued to set up lemonade stands every year. As news spread, people everywhere were inspired to start their own lemonade stands and donate the proceeds to her cause.
In 2004 when Alex passed away at the age of eight, her stand and inspiration had raised more than $1 million towards finding a cure for the disease that took her life. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was started by her parents in 2005.
Alyssa’s goal is to make $500. If you can’t stop by her house, you can make a donation at www.alexlemonade.org/mypage/1116322. The site will be available until the end of July.
Ms. Dima surprised Alyssa by saying that half of the proceeds from this weekend’s yard sale that the family is having will go toward Alyssa and Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Alyssa was happy to hear that from her mom.

