Sophia Donald Shares Her Story Where Her Father’s Legacy Began
📅 August 12, 2025 | 📍 Irvine, CA
On Tuesday, August 12th, the Lemons to Lemonade team experienced a powerful full-circle moment. Founder Sophia Donald was invited to speak at Edwards Lifesciences’ global headquarters in Irvine, California — the very place her father, Jerry Donald, worked before his sudden passing over a decade ago.
Held in the striking Star Atrium ✨, a state-of-the-art auditorium on campus, the event was hosted by Edwards’ Corporate Giving Department and brought together more than 75 in-person guests and 150 online attendees. The moment carried profound meaning for Sophia and our entire organization.
🗣 A Personal Story, A Public Mission
Sophia’s 30-minute keynote address offered insight into her journey through grief and how it inspired the creation of Lemons to Lemonade, a nonprofit that now offers grief camps 🏕️, community events 🤝, a published workbook 📘, and soon, a mobile app 📱.
Sophia shared:
💛 Her experience navigating grief after losing her dad
💛 How a simple workbook grew into a powerful youth movement
💛 Why children’s grief is one of the most underserved mental health needs in our country
💛 Her mission to ensure no grieving child feels alone
The event’s emotional peak came when Sophia was introduced by Kristen Skelton, VP of Sales for the Transcatheter Heart Valve division, and her dad’s former boss. Their heartfelt connection reminded us all that the bonds we build last far beyond our time.
💼 Turning Grief into Action
The response to Sophia’s story was immediate and heartfelt:
🍋 Edwards employees volunteered to support future camps and community events
🍋 Donations poured in — and Edwards is generously matching them
🍋 Several employees connected with Sophia to share their own stories of loss and asked how to help
One of those employees was Mike Gabler, Edwards’ team member and winner of Survivor Season 43. Mike offered to partner with Sophia to distribute Lemons to Lemonade workbooks to children affected by the devastating Texas floods, including families connected to Camp Mystic. This new outreach effort is already underway.
🤝 Building the Future, Together
The presentation not only opened the door to new partnerships — it also reconnected Sophia with her dad’s colleagues and friends. Bill Knutson, a longtime coworker of Jerry Donald and now a Lemons to Lemonade board member, helped secure funding that supported this year’s camp 🎪.
“Getting to know my dad’s friends has helped me feel close to him again,” said Sophia.
“It reminds me that his memory lives on, not just in our family, but in the lives he touched.”
During the Q&A, one attendee shared that grief left untreated is very real, especially for children. Others asked about our upcoming app, expressed interest in supporting our mission through technology, and offered ideas for spreading awareness even further. 💻💡
🎥 Watch the Presentation
Sophia’s full presentation, including emotional storytelling and a behind-the-scenes look at our grief camp, is now available on our website.
📲 Watch Now at lemonstolemonadefoundation.com
🔗 Please share with anyone who may be touched by our mission.
🌈 Help Us Keep the Memory Alive
Grieving children don’t just need sympathy; they need connection, community, and support. One of the simplest ways to help is to say their loved one’s name, ask about their stories, or do something thoughtful to keep their memory alive.
If you know a child who could benefit from our grief workbook or camp programs, we’d be honored to help. 💌
✨ Together, we’re turning life’s hardest lemons into something meaningful and sweet.
Let’s keep making lemonade. 🍋
