Health

Liverpool Girl Raises $22,000 for Childhood Cancer Research Through Decade‑Long Lemonade Stand

By TOI World Desk

Ava Marie Musci, an eight‑year‑old from Liverpool, New York, began selling lemonade in her neighbourhood to support childhood cancer research after learning about Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Over ten years, her stand has raised $22,000 for the foundation, funding 450 hours of research. The fundraiser grew with help from local businesses such as Wegmans, Costco, Walmart and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, turning it into a community‑supported effort.

Ava’s work earned her recognition as one of Central New York’s top high school students. She was among 20 students honored at the 2026 Best and Brightest Awards, presented by Syracuse.com and The Post‑Standard on November 5 at the Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse. The awards celebrate graduating seniors who excel academically, lead extracurricular activities, and contribute to their communities.

Sarah McIntosh of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation praised Ava’s leadership, noting how her stand “shows her strong leadership skills and ability to rally people together to make a difference and to push for a better future.”

The experience has shaped Ava’s future plans. She is pursuing criminal justice and forensics, has been selected for the BOCES New Visions Criminal Justice Program, and hopes to attend the University at Albany after graduation. At school, she plays soccer, wrestles, participates in the marching band, volunteers at her church, and works part‑time as a youth soccer referee.

The Best and Brightest Awards required applicants to maintain at least a B grade or 3.0 GPA, attend a regional school, submit academic and extracurricular details, letters of recommendation, and personal narratives. A panel of Syracuse.com judges chose the winners.