More than a cupcake: East Rand rallies behind children with cancer
What started with 104 cupcakes for one child with cancer has grown into a national movement helping families carry the financial and emotional weight of childhood cancer.
In a very sweet end to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September), this year’s Cupcakes of Hope fundraiser at East Rand Mall received donations of 5 800 cupcakes and every last one was sold.
Cupcakes of Hope and its Cupcake Angels were in the Foschini Court on National Cupcake Day (September 26) selling the sweet treats to raise money for families of children diagnosed with cancer.
Leizelle Moodley of the Cupcakes of Hope coordinating team at East Rand Mall explained the NPO helps families with costs that can quickly pile up after a child is diagnosed.
“Families face huge hidden costs – transport to hospital for chemotherapy, accommodation near the hospital, groceries, rent and expenses medical aid does not cover. Apart from assisting with these costs, we also provide emotional support.”
From one cupcake to a movement
The organisation’s story began in 2011 when founder Sandy Cipriano baked 104 cupcakes for a young boy with cancer.
“That small act grew into a national movement, and today thousands of volunteer Cupcake Angels ‘bake a difference’ to help hundreds of families across South Africa,” said Moodley.
National Cupcake Day is now held at more than 80 malls across the country.
At East Rand Mall, volunteers set a target of selling more than 2 000 cupcakes, with vanilla, chocolate and red velvet treats available for between R15 and R90.
Moodley said some supporters even bought cupcakes to have them handed out to others as a way of paying their kindness forward.
One cupcake means someone cares
For families dealing with childhood cancer, the fundraising goes far beyond the sweet treats being sold.
“One cupcake might seem small, but for a mom sitting in a hospital ward watching her child go through chemo, that cupcake means someone out there cares,” said Moodley.
“Twenty-four cupcakes can pay for her transport to hospital or help put groceries in her fridge while she can’t work.”
She urged the East Rand community to continue supporting the organisation beyond National Cupcake Day.
People can donate directly to Cupcakes of Hope or follow its Facebook and Instagram pages, @CupcakesOfHope, to learn about upcoming campaigns and ways to get involved.
Remembering two angels
The day also carried moments of remembrance for two people close to the Cupcakes of Hope community.
Moodley paid tribute to the late Fanie Mthupha, Boksburg Advertiser News Editor, who regularly covered the organisation’s Cupcake Day initiatives.
“Fanie was a true supporter of Cupcakes of Hope and the journalist who always covered our Cupcake Day stories with great kindness and professionalism,” she said.
She also remembered Dianty, a beneficiary child affectionately known as “Dynamite”, who died two days after National Cupcake Day.
“People see the pink, the cupcakes and the smiles, but they don’t see the heartbreak of saying goodbye.
“We love these children with all our heart. This is why we do what we do, and this is why it hurts so much.”
Moodley also acknowledged East Rand Mall Angels leader Elna Els for her commitment to the team and the cause.
As the cupcakes sell out and National Cupcake Day comes to an end, the organisation’s message remains simple: the support does not have to end with the fundraiser.
“Become a Cupcake Angel – it’s the sweetest way to save a life,” said Moodley.
Host a Party of Hope
Hosting a Party of Hope is a delicious way to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children battling cancer. It’s simple to organise, fun to execute and creates a sweet opportunity to bring your community together for a worthy cause.
Whether you’re a school, business, community group or individual, your fundraiser will help provide critical support to children and families affected by childhood cancer.
Why not theme your event around Superhero Day on October 31?
Find out everything you need to know about hosting a Party of Hope and about other ways to support Cupcakes of Hope at cupcakesofhope.org
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