Sometimes, the most powerful fundraisers start with the simplest idea: a pitcher of lemonade and a whole lot of heart.
This summer, several young supporters showed how something as small as a lemonade stand can make a big impact on lung cancer research.
Stella hosted her stand at her grandma’s house this August to honor her dad, Jackie DeShazo Jr., who passed away from lung cancer in 2020 at age 35 — when Stella was just 3 years old. “My dad loved my grandma’s lemonade,” she said. “I wanted to honor him by making lemonade and raising money to support other people and families.” When asked her one word to describe her experience, Stella said, “Fantastic!”
Wynter spent her summer running a “LemonAID” stand to show support for her dad, Jeremy Heinen, who is living with lung cancer. “My daddy was diagnosed with lung cancer in April 2024,” Wynter said. “It has inspired me to raise money for lung cancer research so maybe someday no kid will have to watch their daddy fight this ugly disease ever again.”
Her mom, her mom’s best friend, and several of Wynter’s friends pitched in to set up the booth, prepare and sell treats, and accept donations.
Along with lemonade, Wynter baked cookies, made white ribbon bracelets, and poured love into every cup she sold to show her dad how much she believes in him.
“My advice for someone thinking about hosting their own fundraiser is to just jump in and just do it,” she said. “I’m only 10 years old, came up with this idea on my own, and we raised almost $10,000. If I can do it (with a little help from my parents and friends), then anyone can!”
The Duffy family hosts their stand every year before the Chicago Free to Breathe Walk in memory of Lesley DeMaio Duffy, who passed away at 41 in 2018. Their team, Team DeMuffy, brings all the kids together to sell lemonade, raise funds, and celebrate Lesley’s life and legacy.
All of these kids are proof that when you mix love, creativity, and purpose, you can turn something hard into something hopeful. They remind us that fundraising can involve the whole family — it brings people together, teaches compassion, and spreads hope with every glass poured.
“Any little bit helps. If it means it saves one person from this awful disease, or gives someone extra time with their loved ones, then it makes all of this worth it,” Wynter said.