Madison Martin, age 9. Treated for cancer at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.Once again, Anthem LemonAid is making life a little sweeter for area kids fighting cancer.
Every week, another child is diagnosed with cancer in Central Virginia. Last year, Madison Martin was one of them. In September, she began treatment for germinoma, a rare form of cancer most commonly found in the brain, at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR).
Since then Madison’s journey has included three spinal taps, a brain biopsy, 40 overnight hospital stays, four rounds of chemotherapy and 20 radiation treatments. Throughout it all, the smile of this spunky 9-year-old continues to light up a room. Earlier this month, Madison and her family received the long-awaited news from doctors that she is “cancer free.” Now she has her sights set on “having a big cancer-free party,” returning to the soccer and softball fields and of course, setting up an Anthem LemonAid stand this summer.
Sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Anthem LemonAid is Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ signature summer event and has been helping kids with cancer since 2001. Participants distribute cups of lemonade in exchange for donations and 100% of funds raised benefit the Hematology and Oncology Clinic at CHoR. It’s free to participate in the event and supplies are provided. Every registered participant receives lemonade mix, cups, a pitcher, a banner, stickers and sunglasses. Stands can be set up at an available retail site or at a place of participants’ choosing.
Along with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, other event sponsors include The Goddard School, Virginia Credit Union, RVA Primrose Schools, Call Federal Credit Union, Express Employment Professionals, Walmart, Kroger, Sweet Frog and Chick Fil-A. Great gratitude goes out to these partners who contribute to the success of Anthem LemonAid year after year.
This year’s event will be held July 19-21. To register for Anthem LemonAid or to learn more about the event, please visit www.AnthemLemonAid.com or call 804-228-5934.
About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals across North America, which, in turn, use the money where it’s needed the most. When a donation is given it stays in the community ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $6 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Visit www.CMNHospitals.orgfor more information.
All funds raised in Central Virginia through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ programs aid in the advancement of health care services for children treated at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Visit www.chfrichmond.org for more information.
About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. (serving Virginia excluding the city of Fairfax, the town of Vienna and the area east of State Route 123.). Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its affiliated HMOs, HealthKeepers, Inc., Peninsula Health Care, Inc. and Priority Health Care, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia is available at www.anthem.com.
