Photo by [Cupcakes of HOPE]
Cupcakes of HOPE is a non-profit organisation that caters to the needs of children living with life-threatening illnesses, specifically children with cancer.
Through various community initiatives, they raise funds to support families in need. They also raise cancer awareness through community interaction, including baking for National Cupcake Day and #Bake4Cancer fundraisers.
Sandy Cipriano, founder of Cupcakes of HOPE, said they have many volunteers ranging from three to 90 years old.
“It’s such a wonderful way to get the community [and] … Families involved. We’ve got grandmothers, mothers and children all baking together to help children fighting cancer.”
Cupcakes of HOPE
At the organisation’s very beginning, Cipriano assisted her friend whose daughter was diagnosed with cancer at a very young age.
“A friend of ours, her little daughter, little Kiara, was diagnosed with cancer when she was only three years old. And seeing what the family went through, God really put it in my heart to help families in similar situations.”
From then on, a spark ignited. Cupcakes of HOPE hosted their organisation’s first fundraiser for a family whose 18-month-old baby had tumours on his spine which caused paralysis. The family required a specialised mattress and car seat to accommodate his condition.
“Unfortunately, his prognosis wasn’t good. Doctors said that he wouldn’t make it till his second birthday … So when I reached out to the family, they literally just needed special mattresses to prevent bed sores and a special car seat to prevent him from falling while they were taking him to the hospital. That was my first encounter with a local patient. But what is amazing about little Keegan’s story, we did a fundraiser at our restaurant, and we raised R5000, and I thought, ‘oh wow, what is R5000’. It sounded so little, but it made such a huge difference in Keegan’s life. I’m pleased to say that Keegan celebrated his 15th birthday last year. I love sharing Keegan’s story purely because it shows that miracles happen every single day.”
As the years passed, Cupcakes of HOPE grew as more people began volunteering, and the organisation started assisting more children. However, Cipriano said the needs of families and children are increasing alarmingly.
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Support for the Children
One of the organisation’s main objectives is to assist families financially. Unfortunately, COVID has affected oncology families, and their needs are increasing. Therefore, she urges people to reach out and “bake a difference” for children with illnesses.
Cupcakes of HOPE assists more than 230 families monthly. They help families with shortfalls in their medical expenses, pay for transport from and to the medical centre, and cater to everyday needs.
“Last month, we also delivered over 500 educational care bags to all 20 paediatric oncology wards across South Africa. These care bags focus on fine motor skills with the children, and it’s something to keep them busy in the hospital while they’re sitting there for hours and hours. Either receiving treatments or fighting infections and boosting up their immune system.”
In the past ten years, they have assisted hospitals with medical and PPE equipment. They have administered wheelchairs and prosthetics to children who have lost limbs due to illnesses.
“It’s truly amazing to see how the whole community comes together and uses their God-given talent to bless these little patients. We will continue to do everything we can to give them HOPE and support. They don’t deserve to fight this battle alone.”
