MONSON — On Sept. 17, from noon to 4 p.m., outside Monson Town Hall, Zeke Jaremczuk will host a lemonade stand fundraiser for children battling cancer, a battle familiar to him. He will be stirring up not just lemonade but hope.

Zeke is a vibrant, compassionate and brave 7-year-old undergoing treatments for a rare form of leukemia. The journey has been arduous, with the first year of chemotherapy so potent it decimated his immune system.

“The chemo was so strong that his immune system was completely zeroed out,” recounted Samantha Jaremczuk, Zeke’s mother. Simple joys like going outdoors became perilous endeavors.

However, during tough times, two nonprofits provided unexpected rays of sunshine. Strong Little Souls, local to Massachusetts, and Battlecorn Care Packages from Wisconsin sent packages to Zeke.

“Each time he opened a new package, it was a surprise and just put a big smile on his face. It was like Christmas every time we got them,” Samantha said.

For Zeke, the care packages symbolized more than just gifts; they represented the support and solidarity of a community. It’s a sentiment Zeke wishes to pay forward. His decision on where the fundraiser’s proceeds should go was, as his mother put it, “a no-brainer.”

The funds will be divided equally between the two charities that brought him moments of happiness during his fight.

In the past, Zeke’s philanthropic efforts, spurred by his time at Baystate Children’s Hospital, have been monumental. Last Christmas, Zeke and his family orchestrated a toy drive, donating over 500 items to the hospital.

The gesture ensured that children like him felt joyful during the holidays. “He wanted to donate toys to the floor. When he had a procedure, he would get a toy as a prize,” Samantha said.

The upcoming lemonade stand is about more than just funds. “This one specifically is just to collect funds so that we can send a cash or check donation to both the nonprofits to help them towards building their packages.”

While there isn’t a specific monetary goal, their recent stand in Granby raised $947, setting a hopeful precedent for the upcoming event.

As Zeke and his family navigate the challenges of his diagnosis, they’ve adapted in numerous ways, including homeschooling all four children. Homeschooling protected Zeke from potential infections during the vulnerable phases of his treatment.

September holds special significance for families like the Jaremczuks. It’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, an initiative that often doesn’t receive the same spotlight as other cancer awareness campaigns.

“A lot of people don’t know that unless they’ve been affected by childhood cancer,” Samantha remarked.

She stressed the importance of events like Zeke’s lemonade stand in raising not just funds but awareness.

Behind the name “Battlecorn Care Packages” was Jaycee, who was fascinated by unicorns. The charity’s motto, “Sending Smiles Where They’re Needed the Most,” honors the young girl who eventually succumbed to brain cancer.

Jaycee’s legacy and love for unicorns live on through charity. Zeke’s fundraiser and future endeavors will help continue such legacies. Residents and passersby are encouraged to visit the lemonade stand – not just to quench their thirst but to contribute to a cause helping countless children like Zeke, one cup at a time.