Doctors diagnosed Crystal Soriano with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in her arm. To stave off the spread of cancer, surgeons amputated Crystal’s arm. And yet, only two days after her surgery, Crystal made cupcakes and personally delivered them to the oncology clinic and the surgery department. She had got the seed of an idea from another young cancer patient – Alexandra Scott – whose example she would follow to help other children afflicted by cancer.

When Crystal learned of Alex's Lemonade Stand and all that Alexandra Scott, a child who had cancer just like herself, had done to help other children fighting this life-threatening disease, she decided that she wanted to help carry on Alexandra’s cause. Crystal then began her own project to raise money: Crystal's Cupcakes. She undertook this project because she knew firsthand how long clinic visits and inpatient stays can seriously impact kids' spirits. Like Alexandra Scott, Crystal aimed to use the proceeds from her sales to raise money to help children with cancer.

By March 2007 Crystal had finished all her chemotherapy, but two months later her doctors told her that she had a relapse in her lungs that required additional surgery. Yet, only one day after a major operation, Crystal started baking her cupcakes for her project. She is a fighter. Nothing stops Crystal, neither the cancer nor the difficult treatments and surgeries that she must endure. She is a brave and sweet girl who, despite her illness, finds the courage to help other children like her in need.

Recently, she wrote a book about her life with cancer and read it aloud for a local talent show. She moved many to tears with her eloquence, compassion, and courage. Most of the audience did not know her, but they came away from the reading not only aware of what young patients with cancer must cope with, but also that one of them has, like Alexandra Scott before her, become an inspiring young hero for their cause.

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