By Curtis Lawrence

Reprinted from the Chicago Sun-Times Newspaper

May 31, 2000

Lemonade stands with a purpose
Family launches second fund-raising campaign for brain tumor research.

Photo Caption: Robbie Deutsch (from left, behind table) 5, Jamie Miller, 12, and Mindy and Ross Deutsch serve up lemonade for neighborhood kids as they get ready for a fund-raiser Ross and Mindy Deutsch created after their son died of a brain tumor.

Ross Deutsch still remembers the day in March 1998 when he and his wife, Mindy were told their 7-year-old son had an inoperable brain tumor.

"The doctors said Rory couldn't have radiation again and that there was nothing they could do," Deutsch said. "We just knew no other parent should hear those words and we needed to establish a foundation in Rory's name."

Rory died on July 22, 1998, from brain stem glioma. The next day, his parents established the Rory Foundation to increase funding for pediatric brain tumor research.

The foundation has already raised $1.4 million, $45,000 of it last summer through its Lemonade campaign. Deutsch hopes to repeat the effort this year, with children across the country selling $1 glasses of lemonade.

"Some kids took to selling lemonade on their own and donating the proceeds to the foundation," Deutsch said. "Kids would knock on the door and say, we sold $14 from our lemonade stand and we want to give it to you for Rory," he said.

The Deutsches, who have three other children, hope research will help fight tumors like Rory's, which are not accessible because of their location.

They also hope more doctors will be educated about brain stem glioma. Initially doctors thought Rory, who was in the first grade, had suffered from a stroke. Later, after a series of tests, they discovered the tumor.

Deutsch calls the Rory Foundation part of his son's legacy that will live along with memories of the Highland Park boy, who loved to study the solar system and who considered President Clinton among his closest friends.

Rory met Clinton when his parents took him to a fund-raiser. Clinton was told of Rory's illness and kept in touch with him through letters.

Deutsch isn't surprised that Rory's story has inspired children to donate their spending money to the foundation.

"Rory was the kind of boy that if someone was playing by themselves, he would go sit with them and play," Deutsch recalled proudly.

"He continues to teach me every day about what is truly important and where my priorities should lie."