In the fall of 2023, the Pigeon family of Northville was shaken by the diagnosis that no parent ever wants to hear. Their daughter, Emilia, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on October 17. What followed was a grueling battle for the then-four-year-old, who underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and an eight-hour surgery. The journey has been marked by pain and fear, including a near-death experience.
But amidst the hardship, her mother, Danielle Pigeon, found a way to channel her grief into action. Determined to raise awareness for pediatric cancer, she invented the LemonAid Challenge on social media. The simple but powerful challenge aims to bring attention to the underfunding of pediatric cancer research and help families affected by childhood cancer.
Pigeon shared, "I realized how common pediatric cancer is and how grossly underfunded research for it is. Only 4% of all federal funding for cancer research goes to pediatric cancers. Our kids deserve more than that."
The LemonAid Challenge is a fun, yet impactful way to spread awareness. Participants are asked to bite and suck on four lemon slices while recording themselves, then post the video on social media using the hashtag #LemonAidChallenge. The four slices represent the 4% of federal funding allocated to pediatric cancer research. After completing the challenge, participants are encouraged to donate an amount equal to the time it took them to finish the lemons. For example, if it takes 30 seconds to complete, they donate $30. The funds go toward supporting acts of kindness for families affected by pediatric cancer, primarily at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, and a portion will be donated to pediatric cancer research.
"Yellow represents the pediatric cancer awareness color, and the four lemon slices highlight the meager 4% funding for pediatric cancer research," Pigeon explained. "I just want people to know we exist. Our kids exist, they fight hard, and they deserve more."
The movement has quickly gained momentum, with schools, families, and individuals joining in to support the cause. Recently, Mrs. Moore’s 5th grade class at Winchester Elementary School took on the challenge in honor of Emilia, who is a student at the school. The class donated $116 to the cause. Their participation was a meaningful gesture of solidarity for their schoolmate and a reminder of how communities can come together to make a difference.
"1 in 285 children will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20, yet only a fraction of research funding is dedicated to them," Pigeon added. "I hope this challenge encourages more people to get involved, whether it’s through donations, awareness, or supporting cancer families."
To join the LemonAid Challenge, participants are encouraged to follow these steps:
- Grab 4 Lemon Slices – representing the 4% of federal funding for pediatric cancer research.
- Set a Timer – Track how long it takes to finish the slices.
- Donate – The time it takes to complete the challenge translates into dollars to donate.
- Record and Share – Post the video with #LemonAidChallenge and challenge friends.
- Challenge Others – Tag at least three friends to participate!
Danielle Pigeon and her family continue to advocate tirelessly for pediatric cancer awareness, hoping that through small acts like this, more people will realize the urgent need for change.
Watch Emilia take on the LemonAid Challenge to raise awareness for pediatric cancer while battling her own diagnosis. Emilia's LemonAid Challenge video.