Andrea Collins Smith began a Web site, www.punkrockmommy.org, to chronicle her battle with incurable breast cancer.

She’s a mother of six, ranging from 18 to 20 months. Graduated form Temple University in 2007 with a psychology degree. Enjoyed the punk rock scene on South Street. And has fans worldwide because of her Web site.

I’ve been spending some time — hours — recapping old blog posts, which also come from friends and her husband, Kelly.  Reading about her journey and expressing her true feelings, no BS.  Some of the things I wanted to express when I went through my treatment, but I never did because I still felt (and feel, and am) like one of the lucky ones.

By reading the posts, you can sense the genuine person she is.  The Inquirer quotes her on one of her conversations she said she had with God about the series of events in her life.

 ”I’m a mother. I just graduated from college. Now I have terminal cancer. I thought you wanted more from me. Besides, it’s very cliched. Very Lifetime television,” she said she told God.

The Web site’s still up and running, and Kelly and the kids will continue to update and talk about the progression of their family. I encourage you to read it and help however you can.

The Naamans Creek Road turning lane doesn’t know what hit it.

It was humid to say the least – with the heat index in the low 100s – but Alex’s Lemonade Stand, as always, was a success.

Our overall total collected is lower than in years past. However, we have to consider that the number of stands has increased dramatically since we started our local stand in 2005.

A good percentage of the money was collected from the driver-side windows of generous travelers on Route 202 North. We stepped in gum, we burnt our ears, we risked our lives – but we got the money

This past weekend, I’d estimate raising nearly $1,250. And there’s still time to give. Visit www.firstgiving.com/alexschaddsford to donate online fast and securely.

Thanks to all who helped and all who contributed. It couldn’t be a success without all of you.

Anna makes a sale!

The stand itself.

This year’s stand was held in memory of Pat Brophy, my and Alex’s nurse.  Last year, we were named one of the top 100 stands in the country.

The Bolners stopped by for a visit!

Anna and I manning the stand in the shade.

Last year, our stand was fortunate enough to be named one of the Top 100 Stands in the Country by the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation!  Let’s go for it again this year!

If you can’t make it to this year’s event – Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, 12-6pm – please donate to our Web site, Alex’s Chadds Ford.

After a day-long telethon at the CBS3 studios, KYW’s partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand rose nearly $700,000 for pediatric cancer research.  Every bit helps, from your spare change to a check.

Please help support Alex’s dream!

Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania has a “never-give-up” philosophy on his cancer’s return.

The senator, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2005, has had a recurrence of the lymphoma, which occurs in about 7,500 people in the U.S. each year.

But according to the linked article above, the 78-year-old senator never had the best luck when it comes to diagnoses in the first place.  He’s been misdiagnosed on various conditions for years.

What I like about this article is the humanization.  It makes him a person rather than a public figure.  It gives you his outlook on his cancer treatments.

It’s a surprising and interesting tale definitely worth your read.

The last time an event like this happened was after Sept. 11, 2001.

The three major networks – CBS, NBC and ABC – will all team up on Sept. 5, 2008, to raise money for cancer research and patient advocacy. All three nets will simultaneously broadcast an hour of commercial-free programming featuring stars and recording artists.

All three network anchors will formally announce this collaboration on their respective morning shows: Katie Couric on the CBS Early Show, Brian Williams on Today and Charles Gibson on Good Morning America.

The event is sponsoring Stand Up To Cancer, a cancer fundraising drive.

Personally, I cannot wait for this event. It will be monumental – three major competitors are collaborating to fight a disease affecting millions. And there’s no doubt it can make a difference.

So watch. You have no excuse not to – you have more than three months to schedule.