WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. — The third annual Sophia the Fierce Lemonade Stand fundraiser is coming up on Aug. 17.
Sophia Benintende of Williamsville was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in July of 2021. This is a rare cancer that caused tumors on her rib cage and lungs. Her parents shared her story on their website.
In spring of 2022, Sophia was declared cancer-free, after many months of chemotherapy and radiation treatment in Buffalo and New York City.
After going through such a rigorous process, Sophia wanted to give back. She hosted a lemonade stand where she sold cookies, cancer awareness yard signs, and Bills tickets were raffled off. She raised $7,000 that day for Shine Gold, a Childhood Cancer Organization.
In addition, she and her parents sent a letter to Mayor Byron Brown advocating for September to be declared Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Buffalo. During a Shine Gold fireworks event, they were hand-delivered a letter from the mayor informing them of the new declaration.
Unfortunately in May 2023, Sophia passed away due to a relapse that caused tumors around her heart and lungs.
Sophia the Fierce continues to honor her legacy by hosting events to support more pediatric cancer research and support other families going through similar situations.
This Saturday, the community is invited to the third annual Lemonade Stand at the Main-Transit Fire Hall Pavilion on Main Street in Williamsville from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This event will include a cornhole tournament, carnival games, rescue puppies, kickball, live music, and more.
In the past, they've hosted other events such as a silent disco, which will be hosted again this November.
To register for the cornhole tournament and for more information, visit their website at https://sophiathefierce.org/.