Durban — KwaZulu-Natal was all sweetness this past weekend as the much-anticipated National Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer returned to 12 malls across the province for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Since its inception in 2012, this event has blossomed into a pivotal fund-raiser for Cupcakes of Hope (CoH), a non-profit company and public benefit organisation committed to assisting families and children grappling with cancer.
Sandy Cipriano, founder of CoH, reflected on the initiative’s roots and achievements.
“We have assisted more than 10 000 patients over the past 10 years,” she said.
“My husband and I were moved to start raising funds after a dear friend lost her 3-year-old child to cancer.
“Registering Cupcakes of Hope in 2012 solidified our commitment. Through our community-driven National Cupcake Days, we have raised over R10 million to support hundreds of young cancer patients and their families each month, covering medical bills and essential needs ranging from nappies to nutrition.”
CoH works closely with oncologists, hospitals, social workers, and hospices, she said, extending their reach to support initiatives like the Cancer Association of South Africa’s (Cansa) Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) programme.
Cansa service manager for Childhood Cancer, Anina Meiring, said the partnership is a “continued strength of support for us, helping with several care and support packs for our little ones and parents”.
“Central to Cupcakes of Hope's success are the ‘Cupcake Angels’ – a devoted network of volunteer bakers from around the country. These unsung heroes donate their time and ingredients, selling cupcakes to raise much-needed funds,” Meiring said.
Cheryl Samuel, a passionate KwaZulu Natal mall co-ordinator who joined CoH in 2018, said: “I joined when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. Today, my dad is a stage 4 cancer survivor and my hero.
“This organisation makes a substantial difference in the lives of little warriors, touching so many beyond the families and children who are helped.
“Last year, a local store owner lent us his kitchen and staff, turning a logistical hiccup into a heart-warming tale of community spirit.”
She said the demand for CoH’s services has quadrupled since 2020.
Between January and July this year alone, the organisation received 1 608 financial assistance requests, 77 of which were from patients in Durban.
Currently, they handle an average of 220 requests a month.
Ranjinee Ramdeen, a Shelly Centre mall co-ordinator, said the spirit of dedication drives Cupcake Angels.
“I started volunteering with my brother and daughter after we went through the trauma of having a child with cancer.
“My daughter, Rachna, battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma until she relapsed and passed away at 16 years old. We pledged our support to make a difference in the lives of families enduring what we went through.”
This year, Ranjinee honoured her late daughter by co-ordinating the event and baking 500 cupcakes in her memory.
Cipriano expressed her gratitude for the support of the volunteers.
“God truly has blessed our cause with the most amazing volunteers in the world! Thousands of bakers and volunteers give their time, ingredients, love, and passion all year, every year.
“There is honestly nothing sweeter to me than seeing the excitement and joy that everyone shows on our biggest day of the year – National Cupcake Day. From the feedback that we get from the public, they enjoy it too!”
Cipriano called for others to join the cause.
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Daily News