Sweet treats generate support for medical expenses and needs of cancer patients

This year, an NGO is looking to assist children fighting cancer with aid towards their medical expenses and treatments, supplying wheelchairs, prosthetic eyes, as well as other day-to-day needs like nutritional food and money for transport.

Cupcakes of Hope (COH) recently launched its 2025 Bake Box campaign to support its bakers in preparing for National Cupcake Day on September 27.

Founded by Sandy Cipriano in 2012, the NGO is dedicated to supporting children with cancer in South Africa and raised over R2-million in funds last year.

Fundraising co-ordinator Lori-Anne Hill said every year, countless bakers and volunteers pour their hearts, time, and ingredients into this cause.

“Last year, we had over 800 bakers registered in the Vaal, Johannesburg and Pretoria areas, and their dedication contributed significantly to the total funds raised.

“We’re deeply grateful to every person who chooses to bake it forward; their kindness truly makes a difference,” Hill said.

Baker and co-ordinator, Elna de Waal, said baking cupcakes to help support children and families affected by childhood cancer is a journey of paying it forward.

“No kid needs to suffer because of the lack of funds, making it impossible to get the medical assistance they so desperately need.

“Every cupcake each volunteer bakes has an impact on a cancer warrior’s difficult road to fighting cancer. Be it helping with medical costs or [getting them] to the best facility available for treatment, or giving them some emotional support with the care bags donated to them in hospital.

“It feels so good to think that cupcakes and volunteering are going to make a positive difference in a child’s life somewhere in this beautiful county,” De Waal said.

She shared a memorable moment when she met a cancer patient, Reuben, at Unitas Hospital three years ago and relayed the impact of her involvement in the campaign.

“I have the privilege to know Reuben and become friends with his granny through my involvement with COH.

“Receiving the photos of him ringing the clock to say ‘I am in remission’ and hearing his delighted voice telling his story is so uplifting to one’s spirit.

“Listening to the amazing life he is planning to live. His humbleness and gratitude towards new beginnings, staying strong, receiving treatment and still having a smile for those around him make you feel so humble.”

According to Cipriano, through diverse initiatives and the Cupcake Angels’ (bakers) tireless efforts, COH provides financial and emotional support to children and their families.

“National Cupcake Day is our main annual fundraiser. Each cupcake, offered in exchange for a donation of R10–R20, helps fund the medical and day-to-day needs of children battling cancer.

“The Bake Box boosts the occasion by ensuring our bakers have the ingredients they need to produce more cupcakes, which directly means more funds raised for our young cancer fighters,” Cipriano said.

She said this year they are planning to surpass last year’s impressive total of R2.3-million raised for kids fighting cancer.

The organisation that has existed for over a decade has been assisting more than 10 000 families to date.

“In 2024, thanks to the efforts of our Cupcake Angels and the generosity of the public, we were able to assist with 606 financial requests from children with cancer in Tshwane and 2 568 nationwide.

“Funds went directly towards their medical expenses, treatments, supplying wheelchairs and prosthetic eyes, as well as other day-to-day needs like nutritional food and transport money,” said Cipriano.

She highlighted the inspiration behind the campaign.

“Over the years, our Cupcake Angels have poured their hearts into baking thousands of cupcakes to raise funds for children currently fighting cancer.

“However, the rising cost of ingredients means many bakers are having to bake fewer cupcakes than before, which could affect the funds we raise this year. The Bake Box was born to bring schools and communities together to help provide ingredients, ensuring our bakers can keep baking in full force,” Cipriano explained.

“Schools and communities donate flour, sugar, eggs, and other essentials.”

She encouraged new bakers to join to make a difference.

“Oncologists, hospitals, social workers and hospices all contact COH with requests to assist.

Being a Cupcake Angel is all about spreading love all across South Africa. It’s about bringing joy, comfort, and vital support to a child and their family during the toughest battle of their lives.

“Whether you bake a dozen or a hundred cupcakes, every cupcake counts. The more bakers we have, the more children we can help.”

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