Reader’s Spotlight - Patrick Scott
When Patrick Scott’s little sister Alex was diagnosed with cancer, he and his family didn’t expect to end up learning some incredible lessons from her on living life to the fullest! At four years old she got the idea for the now nationwide charity Alex’s Lemonade Stand, which raises money for research into finding a cure for cancer, and helping the families of children with cancer, just by setting up lemonade stands! Even though Alex left us in 2004, the now 13 year old Patrick and his family are continuing the work she started. How did this all begin?
We held the first stand in our front yard. At first it seemed unlikely that anything would really happen, but she was persistent. My sister was on shows like The Today Show, The Early Show, and Oprah. The stand is still going and is stronger than when she was alive.
What was life with your sister like?
“Well, I thought it was normal at the time, but it could actually get rather hectic. Almost every day she would go to the hospital in the morning and not get back till 4-5pm. Life could get overwhelming at times.”
How would you describe your sister?
“She was an extremely kind person who would go out of her way to do nice things for people. Of course she was still a person and could sometimes get annoyed at things and had interests of her own, but she was genuinely nice.”
How much time do you commit to the charity?
“I volunteer a lot more in the summer. I would say a little over ten hours a week. Now I get involved mostly because I have seen all the horrible things that can happen to kids with cancer and I know that even the smallest things can make a difference.”
Does the work get in the way of being a regular kid?
“No. On the weekends I have time to hang out with my friends and go see movies and such.”
What’s your favorite Lemonade Stand story?
“On one occasion a boy who goes to my school and has cancer came up to me. He asked me if I was the brother of Alex from Alex’s Lemonade Stand. When I responded, yes, he just said thank you.”
Any advice for other kids who want to do more for others?
“Even the smallest good thing they do can help someone. Suppose they donate one dollar, that dollar could be the one that makes a difference. You don’t have to go above and beyond to be a great person.”
(photo: Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation)
