"Do we have enough for a cure now?" 7-year-old girl's lemonade stand raises over $1000 for her little brother

A 7-year-old girl created a lemonade stand on Saturday to raise money for her 4-year-old brother's rare genetic disease. She aimed to raise $150 - and was overcome when the kindness of strangers helped her raise ten times the amount she hoped for.

Posted 7:22 p.m. May 16, 2021 — Updated 3:26 a.m. May 17, 2021

Heather Leah

, WRAL multiplaform producer

RALEIGH, N.C. — A 7-year-old girl created a lemonade stand this weekend to raise money for research to cure her 4-year-old brother's rare genetic disease. She aimed to raise $150 – and was overcome when the kindness of strangers helped her raise ten times the amount she hoped for.

"She saw strangers show up and donate without even wanting anything in return. She was so amazed," said her mom Alicia Bohley.

"Do we have enough for a cure now?" 7-year-old girl's lemonade stand raises over $1000 for her little brother

Emboldened by the unimaginable kindness of strangers, Mia asked her mom afterwards, "Do we have enough for a cure now?"

In March of 2020, just as the world was beginning to learn how to live in a pandemic, Bohley's family had their own personal struggle. Their son Jacob was diagnosed with this rare genetic disease called MPS1 Hurler Syndrome.

The disease only affects 1 in 100,000 live births, and it's terminal, said Bohley.

"Children born with Hurler Syndrome aren’t producing an enzyme needed to break down cellular waste. As a result, the waste accumulates on every part of his body. His bones, skin, organs, and every system is affected," she explained.

In July, the young boy had a bone marrow transplant to improve his quality of life – and hopefully extend it.

"I have made it my life’s mission to raise awareness and hopefully find a cure for this disease. Our world has been shaken and my baby boy deserves a future," said Bohley.

In honor of MPS Awareness Day, her daughter Mia decided to create a lemonade stand for her younger brother. Her lofty goal: $150.

But car after car pulled over, donating generously and expecting nothing in return except a cool glass of lemonade.

"She turned to Jacob and said 'I raised all this for you buddy,'" said Bohley. She broke into tears multiple times, as the kindness of strangers and outpouring of love reminded the family what hope looks like.

The family also has a personal GoFundMe, to help raise money for Jacob's hospital care. They have raised a little over half of their overall goal.

They've also created a Facebook page called Jacob's Journey with MPS1 to chronicle his experiences and help raise awareness about the need for research and a cure for the disease.

Happy MPS Awareness Day, Jacob – surrounded by loved ones who will never stop fighting for a cure.