Founded in 2014, Lemons of Love began as a way to turn life’s lemons into lemonade. Lemons of Love began sharing chemo care packages with patients in hospitals. In 2015, we created a donation-based program that allowed individuals to send a package to a loved one. Next, we added two annual care package programs; a Veteran’s package in 2016 and a kid’s holiday package in 2017.  Expanding our mission to support anyone impacted by cancer, we opened our Mt. Prospect, Illinois location in 2018 to provide free programs, both in person and virtually. In 2021, we opened our newest location in Plymouth, Wisconsin, offering one-on-one family support to those newly diagnosed. 

When I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2014, I underestimated the impact it would have on me. Walking into my first treatment, I didn’t realize how it would make feel. Although I had family with me, I realized that no matter how big of a support network you have, cancer is a lonely business. What I needed was to connect with other patients who understood what I was going through.

I asked a friend to make tote bags and filled them with items that had helped me manage some of treatment’s side effects—organic ginger tea to help with nausea, organic body lotion for dry skin, and lemon drops for the metal taste that happens from chemotherapy. I also added a happy picture from a small child and a pair of superhero socks, to hopefully bring a smile to its recipient.