Stanley's Dream Gives $5K To CHOP In Honor Of Henderson Student For Brain Cancer Research

WEST CHESTER, PA — Since Stanley Austin Edwards died of brain cancer in 2002, the foundation his parents started in his memory has gifted Children's Hospital of Philadelphia more than $110,000 with the help of Chester County Community Foundation.

This year Stanley's Dream Foundation will give another $5,000 donation to CHOP for brain cancer research.

Donna and Stanley Edwards recently presented a $5,000 grant to Dr. Jean B. Belasco at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia via Webex. This is the fifteenth gift Stanley's Dream Foundation has issued to CHOP in an ongoing effort to fund research to find a cure for brain cancer.

Stanley’s Dream Foundation was formed to honor the memory of Donna and Stanley's son, Stanley Austin Edwards, who died in 2002 from brain cancer. In 2017 a room in C.H.O.P.'s Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care was named in Stanley's honor. The room is used for patient families to have private meetings.

The Stanley's Dream Foundation also awards scholarships each year to graduating Chester County high school students in honor of their son. To date, approximately forty-four scholarships totaling over $74,000 have been awarded in Stanley’s memory, according to Chester County Community Foundation, which manages its gifts.

Stanley Austin Edwards was a gifted athlete and devoted student who dreamed of attending Notre Dame University. Stanley was diagnosed with brain cancer at 12, when he was in seventh grade. After surgery to remove the tumor, Stan developed learning disabilities, because of the tumor's location. Paralysis in his right arm prevented him from participating in the many sports that he so loved. Stanley passed away at age 14 while a freshman at Henderson High School in West Chester.

Stanley's parents remember their son and keep his memory alive through the annual grants and scholarships awarded in his name. Donna Stanley remembers, "Stanley never complained during his courageous battle with brain cancer. He was determined that he would beat the odds and fulfill his dream. He inspired all who met him, and we love imparting his dream and strength onto others through the foundation."

Stanley’s Dream Fund will be holding a 5K Walk and Run on Jan. 1, 2022. Information on this and other future events can be found here. Gifts donated to Stanley's Dream Fund are managed by the Chester County Community Foundation.

For more information regarding Stanley’s Dream or the Chester County Community Foundation, go here, or call 610-696-8211.

Headquartered in West Chester's Lincoln Building, the Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter so their legacy philanthropy makes a difference now and forever. The Community Foundation holds nearly $90 million in trust and annually awards $4.5 million in grants and scholarships, according to its website.

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