A Lackawanna County family is helping those waiting for an organ transplant by selling the sweet summer treat.

DUNMORE, Pa. — At Dunmore Corners, the Zubrickas family is holding a lemonade stand, something they have been doing for the past three years. 

It’s all to raise funds for the Cody Barrasse Foundation, which helps people awaiting or receiving an organ transplant so they don’t have to worry about medical costs. 



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Cody Barrasse was a Scranton native who died in 2013 after being hit by a car in Pittsburgh at the age of 22. Cody was an organ donor and helped save eight people with his final act.  

Over the years, the Cody Barrasse Foundation has helped more than 70 families. 

“Yes, was he taken from us tragically, way too soon? of course, but he’s here and these people make it very evident that he’s here, so now it’s up to us to honor this young guy who blessed this earth and to continue to remember who he was, why he was here, and what we need to do to respect and honor him,” said Linda Barrasse, Cody’s mom.

The lemonade stand started a few years ago after the Zubrickas’ two young children asked their parents if they could start one. Their parents said yes, but they needed to find a charity to donate money to. At the time, their dad, Gerard, was wearing a Cody Barrasse shirt, and the kids asked about it. 

Gerard said he received a liver transplant when he was just 18 months old. The kids decided they wanted to donate to the foundation. 

“It means everything, from expenses to going to the hospital or food to eat at night. It could be a matter of really anything, you need money to help you get through these hard times,” said Gerard Zubrickas.

The Zubrickas’ say they always look forward to this day each year. They say it’s not just about the money being raised, but the awareness of organ donation. 

“It’s the most amazing feeling to celebrate Cody and just honor him in a way to be never forgotten, so we’ll do it until the end of time until we can’t anymore,” said Erin Zubrickas.

This year’s lemonade stand raised more than 600 dollars.