The week her daughter, Samantha, was born changed Karen Salerno’s life in ways she never would have imagined. She had imagined going from one child to two children. She had imagined the differences in raising a daughter versus a son. She had thought about how her 2 ½ year old, Tony, would react to being a big brother and sharing his parents' attention. She worried about juggling it all and the early sleepless nights, and long, potentially colicky days. 

All normal concerns for a second-time mom. And then, Tony was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive type of childhood cancer. Suddenly, Karen had new concerns; concerns not mentioned in any of the parenting books. 

“Childhood cancer became my motherhood. It is basically all I’ve ever known,” recalls Karen. Karen managed a newborn and the oncology clinic. Through Tony’s battle, friends and family supported the Salernos and so many asked, 'what else can we do?' Karen looked to make a connection with a pediatric cancer charity and discovered Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). And for the past 18 years, Karen has led her family’s charge through Tony’s treatment, secondary cancer, a kidney transplant, and several terrifying medical emergencies — while also leading the way for cures for all children as an ambassador for ALSF. 

“ALSF empowered me to help be part of the solution to the illness, rather than just another victim or another number in pediatric cancer statistics,” said Karen. In the beginning, Karen shared her family’s story, found comradery with other ALSF hero families, and encouraged Tony with public speaking so he, too, could share his story. She wanted to do more and leaned into her hobby of scrapbooking. Each year, she hosts a big scrapbooking fundraiser that brings together family, friends, and her community. The annual “Lemonade Crop,” has raised almost $100,000 for childhood cancer research. 

Her involvement with ALSF gave her a mission — not just for Tony and Samantha — but for all kids battling cancer. Even more, it gave her a valuable lesson to pass on to her children.

“If Alex could be such a game changer, why couldn’t all children?” said Karen. 

Like Karen, Sarah Whaley found her motherhood shift completely when her son, Connor, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). At the time, Sarah had no idea how underfunded and overlooked childhood cancer is in the greater research community.  

With her family hurting and her son’s life on the line she wondered, like many families, how she could make an impact not just for Connor but for others who were similarly diagnosed. A hospital social worker mentioned ALSF to her and Sarah recalled learning about the Foundation years earlier after watching a Food Network competitor donate their prize winnings to ALSF. At the time, it just seemed like a nice charity; but now, touched by her son’s diagnosis, Alex’s story held more meaning. 

“Before Connor’s diagnosis, we would donate to families and pray for them. After becoming fully immersed in it, and living it day after day, we understand the absolute chaos pediatric cancer causes,” said Sarah. 

Sarah joined The Million Mile, a month-long virtual fundraising event for ALSF held each September, just six months after Connor’s diagnosis. Connor finished treatment and has been in remission since 2023, and his mom has led the family through more Million Miles, plus Lemonade Days and the Halloween Lemon Run. 

Sharing her family’s story feels like a strong responsibility to Sarah. She knows firsthand the pain, fear, and uncertainty. And she says, she also knows the moments of hope, love, and strength that can be surprising. Part of her mission as a childhood cancer advocate is to make sure that other parents know they are not alone — all of this makes sharing her story worth it. 

“Childhood cancer has changed everything both good and bad. I see everything through a different lens, one that’s more sensitive, and makes me always aware of how fragile life really is,” said Sarah. 

Kennedy Fuller is another mom who knows how much childhood cancer impacts motherhood in ways both good and bad. 

Kade was 2 years old when he was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a type of eye cancer. His mom, Kennedy, already had her hands full with her 6-year-old daughter Karter Rose and Kade’s twin brother Christopher. But childhood cancer doesn’t care how much you are juggling. For Kennedy, the fear, uncertainty, and struggles shaped her motherhood in profound ways. 

“When Kade’s life was on the line, the day-to-day trivialities became minuscule. It taught me to slow down and truly be present, to prioritize time over work,” said Kennedy. She became involved with ALSF right after Kade’s diagnosis. Their social worker connected them to the Foundation so they could get support through the Travel For Care program. And then, Kennedy and her family began hosting lemonade stands and her oldest daughter Karter took up her art supplies and began participating in drawing contests sponsored by ALSF partner ALDI. This year, Kade’s newest sibling, 11-month-old Kylo, will attend her first ALSF lemonade stand in June. 

For Kennedy, childhood cancer advocacy has opened so many doors for her family to bond with one another, while also doing critical work to find cures for kids with cancer.

“My hope and message to other childhood cancer moms is to remember that you and your family’s bond will grow stronger. You and your children are tougher than you think,” said Kennedy.