Ava Marie Musci of Liverpool, New York, set up a lemonade stand at age 8 to fight childhood cancer; ten years later she has raised $22,000, enough to fund 450 hours of research, and been named one of the area’s best

Ava Marie Musci of Liverpool, New York, was eight years old when she decided to do something to help children fighting cancer. After learning about Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, she was inspired by the difference one young girl had made while facing serious challenges of her own. Ava therefore decided to start a lemonade stand in her neighbourhood and use the money raised to support childhood cancer research.What started as a small effort has continued for a decade now and Ava has raised $22,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, an organisation that supports research into childhood cancer. According to This Is CNY, the money has helped fund 450 hours of cancer research.The initiative has also grown beyond a neighbourhood lemonade stand. Over the years, several local businesses and organisations have joined her efforts, helping turn the fundraiser into a community-supported activity.Ava's work has also earned her recognition among Central New York's outstanding high school students. She was among the 20 students honoured at the 2026 Best and Brightest Awards organised by Syracuse.com and The Post-Standard on November 5 at the Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse.The awards recognise the achievements of high school seniors graduating in 2027. Students were selected based on their academic performance, extracurricular activities, leadership and contributions to their schools and communities.Ten years of helping cancer researchAva first came across Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation when she was eight. Learning about the work of the foundation inspired her to take action. She started a lemonade stand in her neighbourhood and began collecting money for paediatric cancer research.The initiative continued over the following years. What started with Ava selling lemonade gradually attracted support from different parts of the community.Wegmans, Costco, Walmart and the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office were among the organisations that contributed supplies and support. Their involvement helped Ava continue the fundraiser and expand its reach.Over 10 years, her efforts resulted in $22,000 being raised for the foundation. The amount has funded 450 hours of cancer research.Sarah McIntosh of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation praised Ava's efforts and her ability to bring people together.“What Ava built with her lemonade stand shows her strong leadership skills and ability to rally people together to make a difference and to push for a better future,” McIntosh said.Ava's career plans shaped by fundraisingThe work also influenced how Ava looks at her future. Through her community service, she realised that an individual's efforts can make a difference.She is now pursuing her interest in criminal justice and forensics. Ava was selected for the BOCES New Visions Criminal Justice Program, where she continues to excel.After completing high school, she hopes to attend the University at Albany. She plans to study criminal justice and forensics, or digital forensics.Alongside her community work and academic interests, Ava is involved in several activities at school. She plays soccer and is a member of the girls' wrestling team. She is also part of the marching band and regularly volunteers at her church.Ava also manages several part-time jobs, including working as a youth soccer referee.Her selection for the Best and Brightest Awards recognises these achievements alongside her contribution to the community.The 2026 awards honoured 20 students from Central New York. Eligible students had to maintain at least a B grade or a 3.0 grade point average and attend schools in the region.Students submitted applications detailing their academic achievements, extracurricular activities and community service. They also provided letters of recommendation and personal narratives. A panel of Syracuse.com judges selected the winners.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.