BEREA, Ohio — What started as a typical kids’ lemonade stand on Fairwood Circle has grown into a meaningful annual fundraiser supporting Breakthrough T1D, thanks to one Berea family’s commitment to raising awareness for Type 1 diabetes.
Angie Davis and her family launched the fundraiser after her daughter, Molly, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes five years ago at age 9.
“We realized as a family we could easily turn this into a giving opportunity,” Davis said. “The first year in 2021, we donated half the proceeds. The last four years, it’s been 100 percent to Breakthrough T1D.”
Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as JDRF, funds research and education related to the autoimmune disease, which can be diagnosed at any age and has no known cause or cure. For the Davis family, the mission is personal.
“There’s got to be a way to find some sort of preventative measure for future Type 1s, and/or a cure,” Davis said. “So, we will always feel the need to work toward this endeavor.”
Each summer, the family sets up the stand alongside a street garage sale, offering regular and sugar-free lemonade, bottled water, soda and juice. Donations are accepted in person, by check, or via a QR code linking directly to Molly’s fundraising page, where her team is known as the “Pod Squad.”
This year’s event raised more than $500, with additional contributions still coming in. The fundraiser also receives support from local business Igloo Frozen Yogurt, which donates a portion of sales annually and has participated for four consecutive years.
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, Davis said. Some people attend the sale specifically for the stand, while others donate without taking a drink.
“Every single person who stops by to support our cause is a VIP,” she said. “Whether each person realizes it or not with their refreshing drink, they are supporting Type 1 diabetes.”
Among those who stop by each year are members of the Berea Police Department. Chief Dan Clark said the department first discovered the stand during a routine community visit and has made a point to return each year.
“What stood out about this particular stand was the fact that they were highlighting a specific cause that affects hundreds of thousands of children,” Clark said. “They were supporting research efforts to improve the lives of children everywhere.”
Clark said he has watched the Davis children grow over the years and has been inspired by their continued dedication.
“This family is out there year after year raising not only funds, but awareness for this cause,” he said. “The longevity of the efforts that were put forth by this family really spoke to us.”
The department posted about the lemonade stand on Facebook, helping bring more attention and foot traffic to the event. Igloo Frozen Yogurt, a longtime supporter of the fundraiser, also contributed that weekend by donating a portion of its sales.
The Davis family plans to continue the fundraiser next summer and encourages people to support Breakthrough T1D year-round. Molly, now 14, remains active in sports and academics despite the daily challenges of managing her condition.
“With T1D there are no days off,” she wrote on her fundraising page. “But there is hope—and that’s why our team supports Breakthrough T1D.”
The 2025 Breakthrough T1D Walk is scheduled for Oct. 19 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Donations to Molly’s team can be made at www2.breakthrought1d.org/goto/podsquad.
