Every so often a donation comes in that stops us for a second. Not because of the amount, but because of who raised it. This summer that happened twice, once from a driveway in Chicago and once from a driveway in California, and both times the fundraiser was two kids and a pitcher of lemonade.

Sophia and Ariana Jerzyk, Chicago, Illinois

Sophia and Ariana set up their stand this summer for their brother Patrick, who has Trisomy 9 and goes by Paddy at home. When their mom, Anna, sent over what the girls had raised, we reached out right away, because you do not see something like this every day. Two sisters decided their brother deserved a fundraiser, made a sign, and sold cups of lemonade to make it happen.

Sophia and Ariana, open for business.

Sophia and Ariana, thank you. Paddy has two of the best people in his corner, and so does SOFT.

Layne Monaghan, California

A few states away, Layne Monaghan had the same instinct for her sister Lilian, who has Mosaic Trisomy 13. Layne ran her own lemonade stand and raised money to support SOFT and the families we serve. She had no idea two other sisters were doing almost the exact same thing that summer. Kids keep finding this idea on their own, probably because it is the rare fundraiser a kid can plan, build, and run without needing much from the adults around them.

Layne, thank you for showing up for Lilian the way you did. It counts for more than a line in a blog post can really say.

What Stood Out to Us

Trisomy 9, Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome), and the other rare chromosome disorders SOFT works with do not just affect the child who carries the diagnosis. Brothers and sisters live it too, and they notice more than we sometimes give them credit for. Sophia, Ariana, and Layne did not wait until they were older to do something about it. They built a table, made a sign, and asked people to buy a cup of lemonade for someone they love.

Learn more about sibling support and resources for families navigating Trisomy 9, Trisomy 13, and Trisomy 18 at trisomy.org.