Maryland Women's Swimming Sets up Shop to Help Raise Cancer Awareness
5/20/2009 8:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
May 20, 2009
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - On Friday, May 8, the Maryland men's and women's swimming and diving team stepped out of the pool and on to the lawn for a good cause. The squad set up a traditional lemonade stand to raise money for the fight against cancer. Their efforts were inspired by Alex's Lemonade Stand, an inspirational foundation that raises money for childhood cancer research.
"Out of all the charities, we felt that this one was very deserving because no child, or anyone for that matter, ought to suffer the wrath of cancer," sophomore Jessalyn Crawford said.
The University of Maryland community not only agreed with Crawford, but responded. In only five hours, the Terps raised $331.60 towards cancer research, stemming from two large coolers of lemonade, dozens of cookies, and flat donations.
Members of the swim team took hour- long shifts throughout the day to keep the event running smoothly and efficiently. This act of charity was not only a way for the team to give back to the community, but it was also a great team-building activity.
"I know I can speak on behalf of the team when I say that we were all shocked and extremely proud of our efforts," Crawford said. "It gave us a good feeling inside to know that we were able to come together, and in doing so, able to help others."
Alex's Lemonade Stand began when four-year-old Alex Scott decided that she wanted to raise money for her doctors and hospital after being diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Four years later, Alex passed away but her family kept their daughter's vision alive by forming Alex's Lemonade Stand and turning it into a nationwide fund raising movement. More than $25 million has been raised through this foundation in support of childhood cancer research.
For more information visit www.alexslemonade.org.
