A Foundation Built on Love: The Make Lemon Aide Story
February Charitable Organization Spotlight
At Southern Hospitality Co, we believe in shining a spotlight on the amazing individuals and organizations that are truly making a difference in the world. This February, we’re beyond excited to introduce you to Lauren Walier and the Make Lemon Aide Foundation for Cerebral Palsy—an organization that is transforming lives and spreading hope to the 17 million people living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) around the globe. Not only is Lauren an incredible leader, but she’s also someone very dear to me. As a member of our church’s young adult small group, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her deep commitment to this cause, and it’s with a full heart that I share her inspiring story with you.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is one of the most common disabilities worldwide, yet it remains largely unknown and underrepresented. For many living with CP, the feeling of being overlooked or misunderstood is a daily reality. But thanks to people like Lauren Walier, that’s beginning to change.
At just twelve years old, Lauren had a life-changing moment that set her on the path to becoming a passionate advocate for CP awareness. During a conference at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, she learned that unlike many other disabilities, Cerebral Palsy didn’t receive the widespread attention or support it deserved. She was stunned to discover that CP affects 17 million people worldwide, yet it’s one of the most underfunded and underrepresented conditions, despite being the leading cause of motor disability in children. In that moment, Lauren knew this was the reason she had struggled to find the help and resources she needed. And that’s when the spark of change was lit within her.
Looking around the room at her fellow CP warriors, Lauren felt a deep conviction to make a difference—not just for herself, but for everyone living with CP. From that moment on, she was determined to create a future where those with CP were no longer invisible, but empowered and supported.
In 2013, Lauren founded the Make Lemon Aide Foundation for CP, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to raise awareness and funding, provide cutting-edge therapy, and unite the CP community. The foundation has partnered with First Step Physical Therapy, a neuro-specialized therapy center, to offer life-changing physical therapy that gives individuals with CP the opportunity to improve their quality of life and gain newfound independence.
The foundation’s mission is simple, yet powerful: To make a lasting difference for the 17 million people with Cerebral Palsy worldwide. They focus on three key pillars: increasing awareness and funding, improving access to transformative therapies, and fostering a strong, supportive community.
Through more than a decade of hard work, dedication, and unwavering faith, Lauren, her mom, her aunt, and their team of passionate volunteers have created a community where people with CP no longer feel isolated or alone. With the foundation’s help, individuals with CP now have access to grants for specialized therapy, giving them the opportunity to make significant strides in their physical abilities. And, with the foundation’s growing social media presence, more and more people are becoming aware of the challenges of living with CP and the important work of the Make Lemon Aide Foundation.
Lauren’s leadership within the foundation has also sparked her own personal growth. As she’s become a powerful voice for inclusion, acceptance, kindness, and love, she’s learned to break down barriers and change perceptions about disability. Through her public speaking, ballroom dancing, and authorship, Lauren has used her platform to promote a world where every individual—regardless of ability—is celebrated for who they are.
But despite all the progress made, there’s still so much more to do. The foundation is working hard to expand its reach in Georgia and beyond, striving to build another chapter of the CP community in the area and ensure that even more individuals have access to life-changing therapy. To make this happen, they need the support of the local community, and there are so many ways you can get involved. Whether it’s through a partnership for an event, making a donation, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, your support can have a powerful impact for children, teens, and families to have a lemonade stand.
One exciting way to get involved is by joining the Make Lemon Aide Foundation at its one-day-only in-store partnership with Evereve on March 22nd at the Avalon Shopping Center in Alpharetta, GA. From 10am to close, a portion of all sales will benefit the foundation. The customer has to say “Make Lemon Aide” at the time of purchase for the proceeds to support the foundation . So, if you’re able, come out, show your support, and meet Lauren and her amazing team. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the foundation’s work and the ways you can make a difference.
As we close, I’ll leave you with the words of Audrey Hepburn, a quote that perfectly captures the spirit of this incredible organization: “Nothing is impossible, the world itself says I’m possible.”
–Lauren Walier / Founder of Make Lemon Aide Foundation for CP
More about Make Lemon Aide Foundation for CP:
Find them on Socials @Make_Lemon_Aide_For_CP
Photos provided by Make Lemon Aide Foundation for CP.
Donation Now HERE
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