13-Year-Old Brain Cancer Survivor Raises Money for Research

Ten years ago, Joseph Surdyka was learning to walk again after surviving brain cancer. Today, the 13-year-old is using his second chance at life to help find cures for other kids.

Joseph was just 3 years old when he battled brain cancer. His recovery meant relearning basic skills like walking, which he accomplished through sheer determination and a posterior walker.

Now he's channeling that same determination into fundraising. Throughout June, Joseph is hosting lemonade stands across three California communities to benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.

"We're trying to save up enough money to cure cancer," Joseph said. His motivation comes from a deep understanding of what families face during a cancer diagnosis.

"Because I'm really lucky that I survived, because cancer is unsurvivable, really," he explained.

The Surdyka family knows firsthand how critical support can be during a child's cancer journey. They're hoping to raise $500 for research and family support programs through the foundation.

For Joseph's mother, Jaime Surdyka, watching her son serve lemonade is a powerful reminder of his progress. "10 years ago we were in a studio and he was like walking around in a posterior walker, and Joe made it a mission that he wanted to get out of that walker and start walking on his own, and he taught himself how to walk," she said. "He never gave up."

Sunny's Take

What makes Joseph's story so powerful isn't just his survival. It's his choice to turn his hardest experience into hope for others. At 13, he understands something many adults miss: the help we receive becomes more meaningful when we pass it forward.

His lemonade stands are scheduled for June 12 in Cool, June 19 in Rocklin, and June 27 in Lincoln. Each stand opens at 10 a.m. and runs until the lemonade sells out.

Every cup sold represents more than refreshment. It's research funding, family support, and the determination of a boy who refused to let cancer define his limits.

Joseph taught himself to walk again once, and now he's helping light the path for other families walking through their darkest days.