FUND-RAISER 'Alex's Lemonade Stand' is planned in 50 states

The young cancer patient wants to raise $1 million for cancer research.
WYNNEWOOD, Pa. (AP) -- An 8-year-old whose lifelong battle with cancer has captured hearts nationwide is holding her fifth annual "Alex's Lemonade Stand" Saturday in hopes of raising $1 million, a goal within reach thanks to the hundreds of stands planned in all 50 states.
Diagnosed just before age 1 with an aggressive form of childhood cancer, Alexandra Scott told her mother four years ago she wanted to set up a lemonade stand to help her hospital. Her first year's take: $2,000.
By expanding her network of stands yearly, Alex and volunteers have raised more than $200,000 to date. Last year's stand at the Scotts' suburban Philadelphia home brought in $15,000, and now Alex wants to raise $1 million for cancer research.
"She's determined about anything that's important to her, whether it's what kind of ice cream she's eating or raising money," said Alex's mother, Liz Scott. "I think [the stand] does keep her going sometimes."
Alex's form of cancer, neuroblastoma, is diagnosed in about 700 U.S. children every year. The survival rate for high-risk neuroblastoma, which Alex has, is just 40 percent.
"[Childhood cancer] is not a public health menace like lung cancer, but with pediatric cancers, the patients are innocent. You don't get neuroblastoma because you smoke two packs a day," said Dr. John Maris, who has directed Alex's care at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
A difficult time
Though excited about Saturday, Alex has been drained by a new attack of tumors that has forced her into heavy doses of chemotherapy and radiation, her mother said. After seven years of treatment, her cancer is considered incurable.
"She's tired. She's exhausted," Liz Scott said. "Her future has always been uncertain, but I don't think any of us -- me, my husband, her doctor -- has felt this pessimistic before."
Because of her frail condition, her parents and doctor have encouraged Alex to cut back on her fund-raising activities. But she insisted on appearing on NBC's "Today" show last Friday for the publicity.
When a reporter visited her home this week, the thin 8-year-old was so tired she never moved from under a pastel blanket on the couch. Her only communication was a strained wave goodbye.
After last year's stand, the Scotts put out a call over the Internet for help in every state. Advertising fliers were posted on Alex's Web site, and the Scotts sent out dozens of free Country Time Lemonade coupons.
A surge in support
A week ago Alex's father said he expected 300 stands to be held nationwide. But after the "Today" show appearance, hundreds of others contacted the Scotts. Jay Scott said he now thinks 1,000 stands will be held that will reach Alex's $1 million goal.
Her mom calls Alex "the bravest person I know," and she holds out hope her daughter can overcome her disease. But she knows the statistics are not on Alex's side.
"I'm obviously very proud of her but it's more than that," Liz Scott said. "I feel privileged to be her mom. I admire her. But really I wish she never had to deal with any of it. It's bittersweet that way. I'd give it all back to not have her deal with this."