Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation launches 14th Million Mile for childhood cancer research

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation is opening registration for its 14th annual Million Mile campaign during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, asking people nationwide to log a million miles in September to fund pediatric cancer research and family support. The effort comes as childhood cancer remains the leading disease-related cause of death for U.S. children and as ALSF highlights both progress in treatments and the need for more research.

Why it matters: - Childhood cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for U.S. children up to age 20. - About 15,000 U.S. families receive a childhood cancer diagnosis each year. - ALSF says independent research funding is more important as pediatric research needs grow and support for research faces uncertainty. - The Million Mile turns everyday movement into donations for research, treatment access and family support.

What happened: - Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation launched its 14th Annual Million Mile during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. - Registration is open now for the September challenge at the Million Mile 2026 campaign. - Participants nationwide are invited to walk, run, bike, swim or otherwise move throughout September. - The goal is to collectively log one million miles and raise funds for childhood cancer research.

The details: - Since 2013, The Million Mile has raised more than $20 million. - The campaign has logged nearly 12 million miles since it began. - ALSF says it has raised nearly $400 million overall. - Since ALSF's first research grant in 2005, FDA-approved childhood cancer treatments have grown from 18 to more than 60. - U.S. childhood cancer survival rates have risen from 77% to 85%. - ALSF recently published its first Childhood Cancer Report 2026, a public resource that compiles data, research milestones and key insights. - The September 1-30 challenge lets participants register as individuals or teams, set fundraising goals and track miles with campaign tools and community support. - Funds support three core areas: research funding, treatment access and family support. - Research funding backs pediatric cancer studies at leading institutions. - Treatment access aims to expand use of cutting-edge therapies for children who need them. - Family support helps remove financial barriers to lifesaving care.

Between the lines: - The campaign is a grassroots fundraising model built around simple participation rather than a single event. - ALSF is leaning on community movement as a response to the gap between childhood cancer needs and available research dollars. - The foundation also frames the campaign as part of Alex Scott's legacy, linking the effort to the lemonade stand that started the organization. - Families affected by childhood cancer are among the participants, including people moving in honor of children whose survival made their participation possible.

What's next: - Participants will log miles and raise donations throughout September. - ALSF expects the campaign to add to research funding, clinical trial support and family programs. - The foundation is directing prospective participants to register and learn more through the campaign page. - Media inquiries are being handled by Jessica Buono of Pitch Parlor PR at jbuono@pitchparlorpr.com.

The bottom line: - ALSF is using a monthlong movement challenge to rally public support for pediatric cancer research at a time when the disease still kills too many children and research funding remains strained.