THINK PINK LEMONADE STAND--ORLANDO (March 21 & 22)

Ladies and Gentlemen....

This story really tugs on my heart strings. I had to run out and support the effort of these little girls today. They are trying to raise money for the MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER here in Orlando on behalf of Angela Petrucelly (one of the little girls mother) whom passed away FEBRUARY 14th, 2009 after her severe battle with Breast Cancer.

I really want to encourage all of you to go out and enjoy a glass of lemonade and dig deep into your pockets to help these little ladies raise some money for a cause that is very near and dear to my heart (my mother is a breast cancer survivor!).If you are unable to attend the event and would like to send a donation you may either
contact Dana Loncar at 407.808.3441
or send a check/money order to:
"MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER ORLANDO"
THINK PINK LEMONADE STAND
1810 NEBRASKA STREET
ORLANDO, FL 32803

OR VISIT... http://orlandohealth.com/OrlandoRegional/GetInvolved/Foundation/Events/Events.aspx?Pid=1437&Wid=1

Read on for the story about Angela Petrucelly and the THINK PINK LEMONADE STAND.

Little girls have sold lemonade on neighborhood streets for generations…but this lemonade stand will be a bit different!

Victoria Petrucelly and Jesse Theobald first talked about selling lemonade over a year ago but when Victoria's mother learned she had breast cancer, their lemonade stand idea took on new meaning.“When my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, we decided to make it a pink lemonade stand to raise money for people with cancer,” Victoria said. Victoria’s mother, Angela, was diagnosed with a particularly serious and aggressive form of breast cancer last April that had already metastasized in her bones. The girls, joined by their third grade classmates from The Christ School, are selling pink lemonade as a tribute to Angela who died last month. Victoria’s father, Reid, said, “For two children to have that insight... to make the connection between the pink ribbons for breast cancer and the pink lemonade... it’s amazing.” All of the money raised from selling lemonade will go to MD Anderson Cancer Center-Orlando where Angela was treated. “Angela loved the care at MD Anderson,” Reid said. “They treat the person as a whole as well as the family.” Angela enjoyed high tea on Thursdays, dog therapy, the Mind/Body/Spirit area, the labyrinth that serves as a meditation place, and the tours given to the children to make them more comfortable. “She had no problem telling people her story,” added Reid. “She wanted people to be more aware of their health and to know the importance of early detection,” he added. "Our plan is to donate the money to help people with cancer in Mrs. Petrucelly’s honor,” Jesse said.After a brave fight, Angela passed away on Feb. 14, 2009 at the age of forty. In addition to Victoria, she and Reid have a 4-year-old son, Vincent. She was chief operating officer for Deprince, Race & Zollo, an investment firm in Winter Park. She touched the lives of everyone that knew her and was known by the third graders for her fabulous baking skills. “My favorite cake was my second grade summer cake, when my mother turned blue Jello into the sea,” Victoria said.Reid said his wife would be proud of the girls and their pink lemonade stand. The “Think Pink Lemonade Stand” began as a simple idea from two little girls, and has grown into something much greater. Countless individuals and companies have come forward with donations and support. “It started small but ended up being one of the biggest things in Orlando,” Victoria said. Jesse added, “I’m just happy it’s going to happen. When you’re a kid, things usually don’t happen.”The girls’ goal for the stand is simple. “I hope we can make at least $50,” Victoria said.Whether the third graders make $50 or much more, Angela certainly will be smiling down from heaven.