Lemonade Stands Across The Country Raise Money For 4-Year-Old Edmond Girl

We’ve all heard the saying, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade, and that’s exactly what the Nicols family did.  

“We found out at about twenty weeks gestation that she had a condition called hypoplastic right heart syndrome,” said Elizabeth Nichols, Sunley’s mother.  

Sunley was born with half a heart, with a life expectancy of about five years.  

“Thanks to the work of hospitals all across the country, and especially Texas Children’s we can expect much more than that now,” said Elizabeth.  

Sunley celebrated her fourth birthday in April, in the hospital, recovering from her latest Fontan heart surgery.  

“The way the Fontan works, is it strengthens your heart, and it gives you more years, but it also can wreak havoc on other organs, especially the liver,” said Elizabeth.  

So now the Texas children’s hospital that cared for Sunley is developing the Fontan Go Clinic to improve the quality of life for children just like Sunley.  

“We are fighting for quality of life for our daughter, and we are hoping that by doing this, by raising money for this hospital, that she will enjoy the benefits of that as she gets older,” said Elizabeth.  

“This does need to be funded more because these kids are living more and further in life,” said Derek Nichols, Sunley’s father.  

And what better way to raise money on a hot summer day than with a lemonade stand, or in Sunley's case, several lemonade stands.   

“There are 32 lemonade stands in 13 states,” said Elizabeth.  

32 lemonade stands all across the country, all in support of Sunley. The lemonade stand idea came from Sunley’s older sister Hadilyn.  

“She is kind of the inspiration behind this, because all four kids have been through a lot,” said Elizabeth.  

And through everything it is their faith that has carried them. 

“All I could do is just teach them how Christians and how our family deals with trauma and I think this is a great way to do it. We make Lemonade out of the lemons we are given,” said Elizabeth.  

The one thing always present with little Sunley, is her infectious smile. Though she was born with half a heart, she is living life with the heart of a champion.  

“Four years old, three heart surgeries, two heart caths, and she’s one tough cookie,” said Elizabeth.  

The Lemonade stands were a tremendous success all over the country, and there are still ways to support. Follow this link to find out how you can help.