Two years ago we brought you the story of Landon Labouve, a little boy with a big heart.
Well this year, he’s at it again with a much bigger goal in mind. And that’s what makes him one of our Amazing Kids in Acadiana.
Landon’s Lemonade Stand is back out on Main street in Jennings.
The young entrepreneur started this venture a few years ago. But instead of keeping the money for himself, he handed it over to a friend in need. And this year, Landon’s goal is no different.
“I keep doing it for people like Jace, who need a service dog,” says Landon.
Jace is a rambunctious five-year-old living with epilepsy. While his condition is controlled with seven medications a day, his mother, Amber Cooper says it’s gotten worse.
“We have to make sure he gets enough sleep, doesn’t get too hot. All of these things can trigger seizures,” says Amber. “The flashing lights, during the holidays with Christmas lights can trigger seizures, Mardi Gras parades, you name it. We’re just making sure that we’re providing a good environment for him to be seizure free.”
Amber checked into getting Jace a service dog, a best friend that could be with him 24/7.
His mother says that the hope is that Jace will be able to form his own independence with the help of a service dog. To bathe by himself, sleep by himself, and function more on his own.
But that comes at a price. One that Amber says she can’t afford on her own.
“They require you to put down a deposit of $18,000 to get onto the list to start. Then they run $30 to $40-thousand dollars,” says Amber. “That’s just with boarding and training the dog for two years. Vet bills, training, and food, anything like that.”
That’s where Landon comes in. On the first day of pulling his lemonade stand out of retirement, Landon was able to raise $2,000. And he’s not stopping there.
Every day he’ll set up outside of his mom’s hair salon on Main Street in downtown Jennings, selling to anyone who wants a glass and maybe a sweet treat to go along with it.
“This shows that there’s still so much good in the world,” says Amber. “Landon is a sweetheart and for him to pour out his hear and be able to give back to someone he doesn’t know. It shows he has a wonderful family and has learned great things.”
The goal may be higher, the price tag larger, but to this 8-year-old nothing is impossible when it comes to helping out a friend.
Landon will be out on Mother’s Day weekend selling lemonade for Jace. So, if you’re traveling down Main Street in Jennings, stop off and buy a cup or five.
Those who can’t make it out on the Mother’s Day weekend to help out can drop off or mail monetary donations to the salon at:
Salon Couture
402 Main Street
Jennings, LA 70546
An account has also been set up for donations at Jeff Davis Bank.
Follow Jace’s journey at the Prayers for Jace Michael Cooper Facebook page.
