The Lemonaid Cart is a snack cart providing non-profit snacks to patients receiving treatments. It was founded to serve patients at Cancer & Hematology in Grand Rapids, MI.  The Cart is totally nonprofit to all that we serve. Any patient receiving treatment can choose from the cart as well as family or friends accompanying the patient. Nurses, doctors, and administrative staff also choose from the cart’s offerings. It takes a team effort to get us all through our diagnosis. The founder and President is a four-time cancer survivor. The the cart was founded to “kick those lemons to the curb.” Patients are served snacks, reading items, and words of hope and encouragement.  The volunteers also offer drinks as needed, warm toasty blankets, as well as encouraging conversations. The testimonials we get from patients, families, and staff encourage our volunteers. They show that we are making a difference every day.

During my last cancer diagnosis, I again had to get chemotherapy. During my first visit, I got out my lunch. I asked the couple across from me what they had brought for lunch. They did not bring any food with them. I told them that they can order from the cafeteria or snack bar. The patient had recently been in the hospital for an extended stay. She and her husband decided they were going to wait until her infusion was over. As we were both there for 7 1/2 hours that day and had not brought any food with them. So, I convinced her to share my lunch, as I always over pack to share. I then questioned my nurse and was told no snacks were provided. Right then, I decided I would start a snack cart on my day off. At that time, I was still working full time, but I was determined.

During the process of the next couple of weeks, I ordered a cart and prayed about this venture. During this time, God put a burning desire in my heart. He inspired me to do this five days a week. WHAT??? I was still working full time and not ready to retire. I told God that I was depending on Him to be in complete charge of this venture. How would I get the volunteers and the snacks? Plus, I was still working FULL TIME! I am so grateful that I followed God’s prompting to follow His lead. The volunteers fell into place and the donations started coming in.

Jamestown Baptist Church allowed me to operate under their 501c3 umbrella. Their kindness and support helped me keep it nonprofit. My church Life group organized a food drive. I received enough donations to stock the cart for the next month. For the next 16 months, donations were supplied by God’s grace and many, many folks who continuted to donate. The donations have kept coming for the past 16 months. I never prompted nor asked anyone for donations during that time. Since I have now reached 70 years of age and retired, it’s time for me to do my part.

The Lemonaid Cart is now its own 501c3 nonprofit entity and continues to go strong. WOW! God does not do anything halfway! How happy I am that He was the one in the driving seat. During my treatments, I started interviewing the nurses and patients. I asked what they would like to see the cart stocked with. When a patient asks for a special item, we try to accommodate. Yes, most of the items on the cart are junk food. In the scheme of things, they are maybe not very healthy. But the requests come from the patients and nurses. Having been thru four different kinds of cancer, it’s important to just get thru the treatments. Eat whatever sounds good to you. Sometimes our appetites fail during treatment, and the snacks we serve is often better than nothing at all.

Now, 16 months later, I am ready for the next chapter. I have already begun to reach out to companies. I am asking for donations and funding. We have served over 27,000 since the start of the cart on January 5, 2024. I continue to be amazed at God’s hand in all of this. I am so glad I said yes to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I feel privileged to be a part of this journey.

THE LEMONAID CART WAS FOUNDED APRIL 5, 2024!

Thank you for reading.

Kathy Kooienga, Founder and President