Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, has announced grants totaling nearly $1.9 million to five promising young researchers.

Established in 2009, the foundation's "A" Awards program supports young scientists interested in establishing a career in pediatric oncology. In addition to a three-year $375,000 grant, each recipient receives invitations to attend and speak at foundation events, reference books for their personal pediatric oncology library, equipment to aid in their research (up to $10,000 value), and funding to attend one educational course or event.

This year's "A" Award recipients are Theodore Johnson, M.D., Ph.D. (Georgia Health Sciences University Research Institute); Kevin Jones, M.D. (Huntsman Cancer Institute); Alex Kentsis, M.D., Ph.D. (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center); Christopher Jewell, h.D. (University of Maryland — College Park); and Jeffrey Bednarski, M.D., Ph.D.(Washington University).

"Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation has always had a mission of supporting the very best research available, contributing to our ultimate goal of finding a cure for all kids with cancer," said Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation co-executive director Jay Scott. "The 'A' Awards play an integral role in doing just that, bringing the fresh perspectives of young scientists to the forefront of the field, and keeping them there."