Minna no Lemonade no Kai

May 2026 Highlights

May was a month filled with opportunities for connection, community, and shared experiences.

At Minlemo, we continued supporting children with childhood cancer, their siblings, and families through both care package support and community activities. Through online gatherings, in-person events, and peer support opportunities, many families found moments of connection and encouragement.

Support Overview

Care package support: 106 individuals

Connection & community support: 226 individuals
(Online: 59, In-person: 167)

Regions Reached

Support was delivered to families in 21 prefectures across Japan:

Hokkaido, Iwate, Miyagi, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Yamanashi, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Okayama, Tokushima, Fukuoka, Okinawa

Creating Opportunities for Connection

One of the highlights of May was the launch of Minlemo Salon, a new gathering space for parents and caregivers.

Parents of children with childhood cancer often face emotional challenges and isolation. Through Minlemo Salon, participants were able to relax, share their experiences, and connect with others who truly understand their journey.

We also continued our regular online clubs, study sessions, and family activities, helping children and families stay connected regardless of distance or health conditions.

Voices from Our Community

Families shared encouraging feedback about Minlemo's activities during May.

One child who joined our online radio exercise program said:

"I joined after cram school and really enjoyed it. I'm not usually a fan of exercise, but radio exercises have become something I enjoy."

A parent shared:

"After the Golden Week holidays, my body felt stiff and sluggish. Even the warm-up exercises helped me feel better, and the instructor's advice eased the tension in my lower back. I would love to join again."

Another family wrote after receiving their monthly sticker package:

"The stickers arrived! My children immediately started trading stickers and adding them to their sticker books. Thank you for bringing such a joyful surprise to our home."

These voices remind us that even small moments of connection can bring comfort, joy, and encouragement to children and families facing childhood cancer.

Connecting Communities Through Lemonade Stands

In May, Minlemo also participated in community events through Lemonade Stand activities.

These events help raise awareness about childhood cancer while creating opportunities for meaningful interactions between families and local communities.

Every conversation helps build understanding and reminds children and families that they are supported by a wider community.

Preparing for Summer Programs

As summer approaches, we have begun preparing for several exciting projects.

One is our Summer Homework Support Project, an online program that allows children to participate from home or hospital rooms while learning, creating, and connecting with others.

We are also preparing Minlemo no Sato Ibara, a community space in Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture. We hope to renovate and improve the facility together with families and volunteers so that children with childhood cancer, siblings, and families can gather, stay overnight, and build lasting friendships in a welcoming environment.

Through these projects, we hope to create not only opportunities for learning and recreation, but also a stronger sense of belonging and community.

A Community Beyond Borders

Childhood cancer affects families everywhere.

Even after treatment ends, many children and families continue to face challenges, including isolation, late effects, and uncertainty about the future.

Minlemo works to create opportunities for connection, understanding, and peer support so that no family feels alone, regardless of where they live.

How You Can Help

Even a small act of kindness can make a difference.

$3 = one “lemon”

$30 = support for a family

Your support helps us continue delivering care, connection, and a sense of belonging to children with childhood cancer and their families in Japan.

Thank You

To all our supporters — thank you.

Because of your generosity, children and families can find community, encouragement, and hope, even during difficult times.

Together, we are building a world where no child or family feels alone.

Learn More

To see photos and stories from our May 2026 activities, please visit our monthly activity report (Japanese):

https://ameblo.jp/minnanolemonade/entry-12967073811.html

Although the report is written in Japanese, we hope the photos help you see the connections, activities, and support made possible through your generosity.

Thank you for supporting children with childhood cancer, their siblings, and families in Japan.

April 2026 Highlights

April marks the beginning of a new school and fiscal year in Japan — a time of new environments, routines, and fresh starts.

For children and families navigating illness, this transition can bring both hope and uncertainty.

Throughout April, Minlemo continued to gently support children and families, offering moments of connection, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

Support Overview

Care package support: 117 individuals

Connection & community support: 125 individuals
(Online: 54, In-person: 71)

Regions Reached

Support was delivered to families in 20 prefectures across Japan:

Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Yamanashi, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Okayama

Supporting Families Through Transition

As families adjusted to new daily rhythms, Minlemo continued to provide both care package support and opportunities for connection.

Through small but meaningful interactions — whether receiving a care package, joining an online session, or meeting in person — children and families were able to feel supported and less alone.

A Community Beyond Borders

Childhood cancer is not only a local issue — it is something families around the world face.

Even after treatment, many children and families experience isolation, uncertainty, and a lack of ongoing support.

Minlemo works to create a space where they can feel connected, understood, and supported — regardless of where they live.

A Month of Gratitude

April was also a meaningful month for Minlemo as we celebrated our anniversary as an incorporated organization.

During the month, we held our annual Birthday Donation Campaign and received warm support from many people.

Each donation — symbolized as a “lemon” — represents a small but meaningful act of kindness that helps sustain our activities.