Westchester Family Plans 8th Annual Lemonade for Leukemia

Written by Wendy Ann Mitchell

When Lael Porcelli’s niece Katie was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 5, she knew she had to do something to help. Her son Cole came up with the idea to have a lemonade stand, in honor of his cousin, and donate the money to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Together they sat in front of their house with a small pitcher of lemonade and raised $200.

Katie bravely endured over two years of chemotherapy and is now 16-years-old and 9 years cancer free. Her family continues to volunteer their time to raise funds and awareness to help kids diagnosed with the disease.

Lael said, “Too many people have lost loved ones to cancer, and even though we were the lucky ones, and my niece is 16 and healthy today, it was hard to watch my niece and her family suffer thru two years of chemo.”

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society funds research that helps find cures for all types of cancers and Lael said, “It’s time to find a cure-- now.”

The family has been involved in fundraising with Lemonade for Leukemia since 2003. The last two years in a row they raised $4,400. This year they hope to kick it up a notch and raise $5,000.

The 8th Annual Lemonade for Leukemia will be held Saturday, Aug. 9, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 38 Hobart Ave. in Port Chester, NY. The rain date will be Sunday, Aug. 10. Crafts, raffles, hot dogs and baked goods will be available.

For more information, visit their Facebook event by clicking here.

Photo credit: Lael Porcelli