Minna no Lemonade no Kai

Growing Connections in June

June was a month of building connections.

At Minlemo, children with childhood cancer, siblings, parents, volunteers, and local community members came together through online activities, support programs, and community events.

Whether meeting online from home or in person at local events, every opportunity reminded families that they are part of a caring community.

Support Overview

Care package support: 41 individuals

Connection & community support: 209 individuals
(Online: 105, In-person: 104)

Reaching Families Across Japan

During June, support reached families in 22 prefectures across Japan:

Hokkaido, Aomori, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Niigata, Toyama, Yamanashi, Mie, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Okayama, Ehime, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Oita, Okinawa

Every month, we are grateful that families throughout Japan continue to find Minlemo and become part of our community.

Connecting Through Everyday Moments

Not every form of support needs to be something extraordinary.

Sometimes, simply exercising together online, chatting with other parents, or receiving a small package in the mail can brighten an otherwise difficult day.

Throughout June, our regular online activities continued to provide these everyday moments of connection, allowing families to participate safely from home or hospital, regardless of distance or health conditions.

Sharing Childhood Cancer Awareness

One highlight of June was participating in a local community music festival through a Lemonade Stand.

Families, volunteers, and local residents gathered together, enjoying conversations while learning more about childhood cancer.

These events are about much more than fundraising. They create opportunities for people who have never encountered childhood cancer to listen, ask questions, and become part of a community that supports affected families.

Preparing for a Meaningful Summer

June was also a month of preparation for our upcoming Summer Homework Support Project.

Children living with illness often miss school or spend long periods in hospital, making summer vacation feel lonely.

Our online program will allow children to participate from home or hospital rooms while working together on science experiments, crafts, art projects, and reading activities.

The program is offered free of charge so every child has the opportunity to participate.

Voices from Our Community

The kindness shared within our community continues to inspire us.

After receiving a CV catheter cover, one parent wrote:

"The cover was beautiful, and the thoughtful gifts inside meant so much during our hospital stay. Thank you for your kindness. My daughter and I will treasure it."

Another family shared after receiving stickers through Minlemo's Sticker Club:

"Our daughter had recently undergone surgery and was feeling discouraged. When the stickers arrived, she smiled immediately. Thank you for bringing happiness to our home."

One participant in our online radio exercise program told us:

"I joined with my camera turned off because I was tired, but seeing everyone's faces made me feel comforted. I felt encouraged just knowing everyone was there."

These messages remind us that kindness is often found in simple moments.

Looking Ahead

This summer, Minlemo will continue creating opportunities for children and families to connect, learn, and smile together.

We are also preparing Minlemo no Sato Ibara, a community space in Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture, western Japan. This welcoming place is being developed so that children with childhood cancer, siblings, parents, and volunteers can gather, stay overnight, build friendships, and create lasting memories together.

Our goal is simple: to ensure that no family has to face childhood cancer alone.

How You Can Help

Every act of kindness creates another opportunity for connection.

$3 = one "lemon"

$30 = support for one family

Your support helps us provide care packages, online activities, family gatherings, and community programs for children with childhood cancer and their families throughout Japan.

Thank You

Thank you for standing beside our families.

Your generosity creates smiles, friendships, and hope that extend far beyond a single event or care package.

Together, we are building a community where every child and every family knows they belong.

Learn More

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

https://ameblo.jp/minnanolemonade/entry-12970794461.html

Although the report is written in Japanese, we hope the photos reflect the warmth, friendship, and hope made possible through your support.

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