Why One Media Woman Joined the Lemon Run

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s Lemon Run 5K will be held Sunday at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia.

The event, in its fifth year, supports the battle against childhood cancer.

The Lemon Run's 3.1 mile course is a family friendly event, which also includes a kids’ dash as well as the participation of several childhood cancer heroes and their families.

Rosanne Marroletti and her family from Media are participating in Lemon Run to honor their cousin Harry, who battled childhood cancer. 

Marroletti tells her story, in her own words, of why she joined the Lemon Run.

In early 2010 our little cousin Harry was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer.

We all gathered as a family to do what we could throughout his treatment. One evening we were watching TV, and CBS3’s Alex's Lemonade Stand fundraiser special came on. Having just researched and learned about neuroblastoma, this caught my attention.

I was so inspired by the selflessness and thoughtfulness of this little girl, I thought the least I could do was support her cause, since it hit close to home.

So I created Team Harry.

I invited and bullied my family, friends, gym acquaintances and co-workers to join the team. It has become a bit of a competition among us, of who can get more donations in their name!

I was furthered inspired by Alex's mother Liz Scott, who I spoke to when I picked up our team shirts the first year we participated in the Lemon Run. I was so touched that she remembered and spoke to me as I approached the finish line, I knew then where Alex got her sense of caring. I also knew where I was going to put my energy for volunteering and fund raising!

I was proud to report that our team come in 10th for fund raising that year.

Just before my first Lemon Run, I started working for the department of radiation oncology at University of Pennsylvania, where we treat many patients from Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia who need radiation. I still continue to be inspired and amazed by the courage and strength I see in the pediatric patients and their families. It reinforces the decision I made to concentrate my fund raising efforts with Alex's Lemonade Stand.

Harry is still fighting his cancer and will receive scans in the near future to determine his status.

Lemon Run participants are encouraged to register in advance to receive the reduced rates of $35 (5K runner–timed), $25 (5K walker–not timed) and $15 per child, ages 10 and under (100 meter Kids’ Dash). Registration is also available on the day of the event, but increased rates will apply.