Young Leukemia Fighter Turns Lemonade Stand Into Gift of Hope for Ashland County Families
ASHLAND COUNTY — Some acts of kindness are powerful enough to stop a community in its tracks.
For Chloe, a young girl currently facing her own battle with leukemia, a simple lemonade stand became much more than cups, ice and a summer drink. It became a way to help others who are walking a difficult road of their own.
Chloe was diagnosed with leukemia in March after routine lab work was done while she was trying to recover from a cold. What began as a checkup quickly changed into the start of a cancer journey for Chloe and her family.
On June 26, Deputy Kyle Pidgeon with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office reached out to ACP News to share that Chloe was holding a lemonade stand and asked if the word could be spread to the community. It was a small call that helped shine a light on a much bigger story — one of courage, kindness and a young girl determined to give back while facing her own battle.
While receiving treatment at Akron Children’s Hospital, Chloe learned about Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, an organization started by a young girl named Alex who wanted to help fight childhood cancer. Inspired by that story, Chloe decided she wanted to do her part.
Her lemonade stand was set up on Troy Road, across from Troy Road Market, where community members stopped by to support her cause. Chloe’s mother, Kelly, said the idea came from Chloe herself.
“This is actually Chloe’s idea,” Kelly said. “She wanted to help them reach their goal, and she also wanted to raise some money for the Ashland County Cancer Association, which helps local families and cancer patients.”
The lemonade stand was donation-only, and Chloe said during the event that she had already sold a little more than 50 cups of lemonade. But by the time her effort was finished, Chloe had raised an incredible $1,200 for the Ashland County Cancer Association.
For a young girl battling cancer herself, the gift carried a meaning far beyond the dollar amount.
Angela Woodward, Director of the Ashland County Cancer Association, said Chloe’s kindness is the kind of story that reminds people what true courage looks like.
“Some stories remind us what courage and kindness truly look like,” Woodward said. “While bravely fighting cancer herself, this incredible young lady chose to spend her time helping others. With a lemonade stand and her big heart, she raised an amazing $1,200 to donate to the Ashland County Cancer Association.”
The Ashland County Cancer Association helps local families and cancer patients with needs such as gas cards, wigs, transportation assistance and other support during treatment. Kelly said the organization has been a blessing to her family during Chloe’s journey.
“She wanted to recognize them too because they’ve been a blessing to us as well,” Kelly said. “It’s just her way of giving back.”
For Woodward and the organization, Chloe’s donation was especially meaningful because it came from someone who understands the battle firsthand.
“Every day, we are humbled by the generosity of our community, but this gift is especially meaningful,” Woodward said. “Even in the midst of her own battle, she thought of other families walking the same difficult road.”
Chloe’s lemonade stand was a reminder that strength does not always come in loud moments. Sometimes, it looks like a young girl sitting behind a table, offering lemonade, smiles and hope to anyone who stops by.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reminding us that strength isn’t measured by age, and that even the smallest hands can make the biggest difference,” Woodward said. “You are an inspiration to all of us.”
In the face of leukemia, Chloe chose generosity. In the middle of her own fight, she chose to help others.
And in doing so, she gave Ashland County a beautiful reminder of what courage, kindness and community truly look like.
