1
Fund research
Donations support work aimed at creating better, safer, and more effective treatments for children with cancer.
$528K+
Raised for research
10 years
Of annual golf outings
One mission
A future without childhood cancer
Summer's story
Joyful, silly, sparkly, and deeply loved.
Summer was born in August 2014 and filled our family with joy, silliness, and positivity. She loved Disney—especially Pixar's Monsters, Inc.—music, sparkly manicures, and caring for her dogs Daisy, Buzz, and Lilly.
In March 2015, at seven months old, doctors discovered a 10 cm mass in her liver. What was initially believed to be hepatoblastoma was later diagnosed as a rare malignant rhabdoid tumor.
For more than a year and a half, Summer endured intensive treatment, major surgeries, a stem cell transplant, and radiation. She faced more than any child should have to face, while continuing to bring light to the people around her.
In May 2016, Summer's scans showed no evidence of disease. Tragically, she relapsed two months later and died at home in September 2016, shortly after her second birthday.
Summer's life was far too short. Her impact is not.
Our family and community
A family-led mission, carried by a community.
Summer Strong was created in Summer's memory by her parents, Bob and Gina, and has been carried forward by the people who loved her most.
Summer's brothers, Jack and Andy, her grandparents Susan and Timba, Jo-Ann and John, and a wide circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends have all helped build and sustain Summer Strong over the years.
What began with one family facing an unimaginable diagnosis has grown into a community united by love for Summer and a shared commitment to funding better treatments for children with cancer.
Why the fund matters
Funding better options for children with cancer.
The Summer Strong Hero Fund supports childhood cancer research through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Every donation helps move promising ideas toward safer treatments, clinical trials, and better outcomes for children and families who cannot afford to wait.
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Build community
Supporters of every age have carried Summer's name through golf outings, lemonade stands, school events, and races.
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Keep hope moving
Every gift helps push toward a future where a child never has to wait for a lifesaving clinical trial.
10th Annual Golf Outing
Ten years on the green. One enduring purpose.
On July 14, 2026, the Summer Strong community gathered at Pebble Creek Golf Club for our tenth annual outing. Golfers, sponsors, volunteers, family, and friends once again showed what can happen when people turn love into action.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the milestone possible. The outing may be over, but the work continues every day.
Remembering Grandpa Timba
A cornerstone of Summer Strong.
James “Timba” Semerad was Summer's grandfather, one of her most devoted supporters, and a driving force behind Summer Strong for nearly a decade.
During Summer's treatment, Timba made daily trips to be with her in the hospital. In the years that followed, he worked tirelessly alongside Susan, Bob, Gina, and the rest of the Summer Strong family to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer.
He was especially proud of the annual Summer Strong Golf Outing and played a major role in helping it grow into the tradition it is today.
Timba passed away in 2025, but his love for Summer, his generosity, and his years of work remain woven into everything Summer Strong continues to do.
In loving memory of James “Timba” Semerad, 1951–2025.
Read Timba's storyGet involved
There is more than one way to be Summer Strong.
Give directly, create a fundraiser, or simply help more people understand why childhood cancer research cannot wait.
Donate
Fund the next breakthrough.
Make a secure donation through the Summer Strong Hero Fund at Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.
Donate now → FundraiseCreate your own event.
Turn a birthday, race, lemonade stand, school event, or personal challenge into support for research.
Explore fundraising → WearOrder Summer Strong gear.
Shop apparel and accessories from the official Summer Strong Hero Fund team store.
Shop the team store → ShareHelp Summer's story travel.
Introduce the fund to a friend, coworker, school, team, or business that may want to help.
Share by email →Contact Summer Strong
Questions, event ideas, sponsorships, or ways to help?
Reach the Summer Strong family and volunteer team directly. We would love to hear from you.
Follow along
Summer Strong on Instagram
See fundraisers, community events, golf outing highlights, and the people helping carry Summer's legacy forward.
Follow @summerstrongherofundA child should never have to wait for hope.
Help fund research that gives children more options and more tomorrows.