(West Chester, PA, June 24, 2025) — On June 18th, Donna Edwards presented a $5,000 grant to Dr. Belasco at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (C.H.O.P.). This is the nineteenth gift Stanley’s Dream Foundation has issued to C.H.O.P. representing over $125,000 in grant awards in an ongoing effort to fund research to find a cure for brain cancer.
Stanley’s Dream Foundation was formed to honor the memory of Donna and Stanley Edwards’s son, Stanley Austin Edwards, who passed away from brain cancer in 2002. In 2017 a room in C.H.O.P.’s Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care was named in Stanley’s honor. The room is used for patient families to have private meetings.
The Stanley’s Dream Foundation also awards scholarships each year to graduating Chester County high school students in honor of their son. To date, approximately sixty scholarships totaling over $95,500 have been awarded in Stanley’s memory.
Stanley Austin Edwards was a gifted athlete and devoted student who dreamed of attending Notre Dame University. Stanley was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was in 7th grade at age 12. After surgery to remove the tumor, Stan developed learning disabilities, due to the tumor’s location, as well as paralysis in his right arm, preventing him from participating in the many sports that he so loved. Stanley passed away at age 14 while a freshman at Henderson High School in West Chester.
Stanley’s parents reflect on memories of Stanley and works to keep his memory alive through the annual grants and scholarships awarded in his name. Donna remembers, “Stanley brightened every room he walked in to. Stan Sr. and I are so proud to carry his legacy forward, honoring him each year with our donation to CHOP.”
Stanley’s Dream Fund will be holding its 18th Annual Golf Classic August 2, 2025. Information regarding this and other future events can be found at www.stanleysdream.org.
All proceeds benefit the STANLEY’S DREAM FUND managed by the Chester County Community Foundation. For more information regarding Stanley’s Dream or the Chester County Community Foundation, contact www.chescocf.org or 610-696-8211.
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About the Chester County Community Foundation
Headquartered in West Chester’s Lincoln Building, the Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter so their legacy philanthropy makes a difference now and forever. The Community Foundation holds over $100 million in trust and annually awards $6 million in grants and scholarships. To learn more about the Community Foundation, visit www.chescocf.org.
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