Alexandra Scott

(http://www.alexslemonade.org/about/meet-alex ())

Jim Valvano once said, "Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul." This best represents the personality and character of Alexandra Scott, who was diagnosed with a severe form of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma days before her first birthday. Remarkably, Alex remained strong and lived most of her life dedicated to helping others who were in the same situation as her. Alex's hard work, selflessness, and perseverance inspired thousands of people all over the world, making her the ultimate hero.

(http://phillystylemag.com/living/articles/liz-scot ())

Throughout the difficult life Alex was forced to live, she somehow managed to remain selfless. After yet another doctor's appointment, Alex came up with the idea to host a lemonade stand. She believed it would be a great way to raise money to help fund cancer research. With the help from her family, they created "Alex's Lemonade Stand". In one day, Alexandra raised over two thousand dollars ("Meet Our Founder: Alexandra Scott"). The fact that Alex was concerned about others while she, herself was ill, is invigorating. She didn't keep a single cent, she proceeded to donate everything ("Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation"). Since her first day was so successful, Alex created an official foundation, "Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation". Her foundation continued to flourish as people all over the world donated to the worthy cause. Most kids Alex's age or older, wouldn't understand the importance of helping others. Like Henry Ford said, "To do more for the world than the world does for you, that is success." Many people would rather save the money they earned for themselves, but not Alex. She put others' needs and well-being before her own because she was dedicated to help as many people as she could.

(http://www.alexslemonade.org/newsroom/heroes ())

Despite Alexandra's growing tumors, she was determined to help advance cancer research to relieve others from the disease. Ever since she was four, she was passionate about the idea of her lemonade stand. As years passed by, as tumors began reappearing, nothing changed. Though she was extremely feeble, Alex continued to host her lemonade stand. She was committed to helping others. Alex wanted to make sure she made a positive effect, even if it was a little one. Battling cancer firsthand motivated her to work harder. People of all ages around the world saw and will continue to see Alex's determination as a symbol of strength and courage. Alex didn't allow her age or illness define her actions and dreams. Her story proves how anyone, no matter what the circumstances, can make an impact.

Alexandra is a huge inspiration to me, and others because of her strength and desire to help mankind. "News spread of the remarkable sick child dedicated to helping other sick children. People from all over the world, moved by her story, held their own lemonade stands and donated the proceeds to Alex and her cause," ("Meet Our Founder: Alexandra Scott"). Alex selflessly brought people from all over the world together to raise awareness and money for a worthy foundation. She used her voice in order to help and benefit others no matter her age or critical condition. Tragically she lost her life to cancer  at the young age of eight. Although, her legacy will live on in the hands of her family and supporters. Alexandra Scott was determined throughout her lifetime and thanks to her, cancer research has taken phenomenal steps forward.

Works Cited

Ainsworth, Martha. "Two Miracles Named Alex." Two Miracles Named Alex. N.p.,2005. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. <http://www.metanoia.org/martha/writing/alex.htm>.

Butler, Katherine. "8 Amazing Kids Who Changed the World: Alexandra 'Alex'Scott." MNN. MNN HOLDING COMPANY, LLC., 14 Sept. 2011. Web. 29 Mar. 2015.<http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/responsible-living/photos/8- amazing-kids-who- have-changed-the-world/alexandra-alex-scott>.

Hurst, Marianne D. "Phila. Child's Cancer Battle Inspires Giving." Education Week 8 Sept. 2004: 17.Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/MagazinesDetailsPage/

"Meet Our Founder: Alexandra Scott." Meet Our Founder: Alexandra Scott. Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, 2015. Web. 29 Mar. 2015.http://www.alexslemonade.org/about/meet-alex.

Scott, Jay. "Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation." The Huffington Post.TheHuffingtonPost.com, 12 Apr. 2012. Web. 29 Mar. 2015.foundation_b_1419219.html>.<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-scott/lemonade-stand-            foundation_b_1419219.html>.