Local family hosts lemonade stand to support childhood cancer research  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- For Isabelle Giles, giving back has become a meaningful way to turn a difficult childhood into something positive. 

Diagnosed with childhood cancer at just six years old, Giles recently graduated from high school and plans to attend Northwest Missouri State University this fall to study early childhood education. 

Now, she and her family are preparing for their fourth annual lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer research through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. 

“This is something I experienced in my childhood and my friends, family, boyfriend experienced it with me so it is always fun to give back to the community.” Giles said.  

The family's involvement began when Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation reached out to Giles' mom to see if they would be interested in hosting a fundraiser. 

The answer came without hesitation.  

“They have helped us with gas and hotels so we were more than happy to help out the organization,” she added.  

Over the years, Giles said the support she has received from the community has made a difficult journey much easier. 

Giles, who has lived with a tumor since she was six years old, underwent surgery just three weeks ago.  

“It was a stressful journey, but I try to stay calm, and knowing an organization like this helps us, so that also makes me stay at peace and know everything will be okay,” Giles said.  

Giles' mother, Kristy Bachali, said one thing she wants people to know is that every dollar raised at the lemonade stand goes directly to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to support childhood cancer research. 

As a mother, Bachali said watching her daughter battle cancer has been incredibly difficult, but the support from family, friends and the community has helped carry them through. 

“Our community, family and friends have helped us every ounce of the way just by being there, talking to us or even hanging out,” she said.  

Bachali hopes the family will continue hosting the lemonade stand every summer. 

She also offered advice to parents facing similar challenges.  

“Loving them the way they are and to be with them every step of the way is really big,” Bachali said.  

Both Giles and Bachali invite the community to stop by the lemonade stand on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2113 Lovers lane, St. Joseph. for a refreshing glass of lemonade while supporting an important cause. 

They said every donation, big or small, is appreciated and will help fund research for a cure to childhood cancer. 

Giles is the daughter of Grant Bachali, who is the local sales manager at News-Press NOW, which is owned by News-Press and Gazette (NPG). NPG is in a shared services agreement with Heartland Media, which owns KQ2.