LINWOOD — At just 6 years old, Anthony Salerno is proving that you’re never too young to make a difference.
On Saturday, Aug. 15, Anthony will host his 5th Annual Anthony’s Mark on the World Summer Splash Lemonade Stand at Wilson Avenue on the Bike Path in Linwood. Scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon, the event benefits the Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation, helping provide support, education, advocacy, and Camp NSF experiences for children and families living with nephrotic syndrome.
Diagnosed with steroid-resistant minimal change nephrotic syndrome at just two years old, Anthony has faced years of treatments, hospitalizations, and uncertainty. Instead of letting his diagnosis define him, he and his family created a mission centered on hope, kindness, and giving back.
Over the past five years, Anthony’s lemonade stand has raised tens of thousands of dollars to support kidney disease families.
This year’s event will feature fresh lemonade, baked goods, merchandise, community vendors, family activities, a special appearance by Miss New Jersey Kylie Gene Wright, and more. Thanks to a matching gift from the Community Health & Education Foundation (CHEF), every donation will have an even greater impact for kidney warriors and their families.
Anthony’s mission continues from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, with the release celebration of his mother’s new children’s book, “When Life Gives You Lemons,” inspired by Anthony’s journey. The family event at Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point will include a live reading, book signing, face painting, lemonade, photo opportunities, and family activities. A portion of book proceeds will benefit kidney disease organizations and research.
“Anthony has taught us that even life’s hardest moments can become an opportunity to help someone else,” said his mother, Jennifer Salerno. “Our hope is that his story inspires others to choose kindness and reminds families facing rare disease that they are never alone.”