We’re excited to introduce you this month’s Amazing KC Kid – Charlie Walsh! Charlie and his family are ambassadors for the local Kansas City chapter of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. In 2007, Charlie was diagnosed with AT/RT, an aggressive brain tumor. I sat down with this 15 year-old cancer hero and his mom, Paige, to find out how they got involved is ALSF. Read on to find out how the Walsh family works with ALSF and the fight for pediatric cancer research.
Charlie, tell me a little about yourself.
I just graduated from 8th grade at St. Michael the Archangel School and will be at St. James Academy and Blue Valley West in the fall. I like watching jet ski videos and dog videos on YouTube. I like listening to country music, and I enjoy playing the organ and singing at church. I like going to the lake with my family and riding a jet ski. Science and social studies are my favorite subjects at school.
Paige, what got you involved in Alex’s Lemonade Stand?
Charlie was in the hospital receiving treatment for his tumor, and we were settling in for the evening in his hospital room when I received a knock at the door from a family that was handing out ALSF pamphlets. I immediately knew that this organization would be a way for me, and most importantly my entire family, to get involved in the fight for pediatric cancer research.
What motivates you to continue your involvement with the organization?
Feeling helpless was not an option for me, and ALSF has empowered us and helped us to feel like we are making a difference. ALSF understands the personal side of having a child with cancer, and they know the impact that funded research can have for better treatments and cures. Charlie was recently diagnosed with another brain tumor, which we believe is a direct side effect of the radiation that he had when he was 3. This is unacceptable, and we need to find better treatments with less long-term side effects for our children. As far as Charlie is concerned, he enjoys meeting other kids that have gone through what he has. Even though the topic of childhood cancer is a heavy one, ALSF has brought so much joy to Charlie and inclusion. ALSF understands kids like Charlie and ALSF understands that cancer effects the entire family.
Who else has been instrumental in helping you with your work for Alex’s Lemonade Stand?
Every year we are in charge of a Lemonade Stand at Hy-Vee for Midwest Lemonade Days in June. We have staffed our stand and many other stands around the KC Metro over the years with countless St. Michael the Archangel students and families. St. Michael’s has been instrumental in raising awareness for pediatric cancer research in our community over the last 10 years. The 
children of SMA have grown up with this knowledge, and knowledge is power. Now there are SMA graduates who are leading their own Lemonade Stands in the area, and there are also SMA graduates who have started Lemon Clubs at their high schools. Who knows, maybe one or a dozen of those students will become a recipient of funding from ALSF in the future and find a cure! Also, Charlie’s Aunt, Susan Blowey, is a Community Outreach Specialist for ALSF, here in Kansas City. She works extremely hard on a daily basis to increase awareness of ALSF in Kansas City. She always says it’s not just a job to her; it’s personal.
Charlie, how are directly involved with Alex’s Lemonade Stand?
I go to events and sometimes speak at fundraisers. I made a speech at the annual fundraiser in January. I thank Hy-Vee for their help with Lemonade Days. I am a cancer hero. I met [Royals player] Alex Gordon through ALSF. He volunteers at our fundraiser. When I was recently in the hospital, he wore a wristband with my initials on it during a game. He had a great game and hit a home run. He gave me the homerun ball. I think he should always wear the wristband because it is his good luck charm.
What’s the next event for ALSF? Where does ALSF hope to be in the future?
Midwest Lemonade Days is coming up May 31-June 1. There will be Lemonade Stands at all KC Metro Hy-Vee stores. It’s a great way for the entire family of all ages to get involved and serve lemonade to all who support ALSF. If you would like to volunteer, please email [email protected]. Our 5th annual Lemon Mixer, an adult inspired event, will be on January 10th, 2020. ALSF has raised over $150 million and funded nearly 1,000 grants at 135 institutions around the world. These initiatives are having an impact and they are helping kids beat cancer. ALSF believes that every person can make a difference.
How can people help?
It’s super easy to get involved with Alex’s Lemonade Stand, whether it’s serving a cup of lemonade during Midwest Lemonade Days, or holding your own lemonade stand in your back yard. There are events held throughout the year in the KC Metro that children and families can be a part of. If you would like more information on holding your own lemonade stand or getting involved in other events, please contact [email protected] or go to www.alexslemonade.org.
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Commerce Bank and Kansas City Moms Blog are proud to offer the Amazing Kid series! Featured Kansas City kids will receive a $100 investment from Commerce to help with their endeavors. Do you know an amazing kid who deserve recognition for their invention, entrepreneurship, volunteerism or advocacy work? Let us know at info {at} kansascitymomsblog.com
