According to CoH, the concept of Parties of Hope originated in 2014 when CoH founder Sandy Cipriano and her team expanded their vision beyond their initial September fundraising for International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which includes National Cupcake Day.

"With the growing need for medical resources, we decided to encourage year-round donations," says Cipriano. "We urged people to bake cupcakes, sell them in unique ways and donate the proceeds. The response and willingness to join our mission have been overwhelming." 

CoH has invited South Africans to contribute to its goal of giving hope for a better future by hosting or supporting a Party of Hope. Individuals are encouraged to, for example, set up a mini pop-up cupcake sale at:
  • their workplace
  • their child's school
  • during play dates, or
  • even at weekend gatherings with friends.

CoH says that it directly makes monthly (and sometimes weekly) payments to the medical providers of cancer patients. Additionally, volunteers deliver care packages to hospitalised patients. The funds cover a range of needs — from items like wheelchairs to critical surgeries — addressing the physical, emotional and medical needs of patients. 

Thanks to the ongoing Parties of Hope hosted throughout the year, it garnered an additional R1-million for children with cancer. This allowed them to respond to nearly 3 000 medical requests at 20 medical facilities across South Africa, according to the organisation.

Over the past three years, the average number of patients assisted monthly by CoH has grown from 100 to 230. The demand in 2024 is expected to be even higher, says CoH. 

"We aim to make hosting a Party of Hope fun and impactful," says Cipriano. "Given the relentless nature of cancer-related expenses, we recognise the challenges faced by parents of children with cancer. To create a better tomorrow, we must start today — and we're eager to build momentum towards our 2024 goal."

To host a Party of Hope, individuals can register as a baker on Cupcakesofhope.org before Thursday, 29 February. They then commit to:
  • baking 24 or 48 cupcakes (though more are always welcome)
  • organising their sale
  • baking
  • raising funds, and
  • donating to CoH.

CoH adds that its Cupcake Angels will provide all the necessary details for each donation. Businesses interested in larger-scale involvement can by emailing [email protected].

An Angel Pack can also be ordered from the website, which contains:
  • awareness leaflets
  • a '#Bake4cancer' apron
  • balloons, and
  • baking cups. 

International Childhood Cancer Day is an ideal calendar reminder to engage in supportive activities like a Party of Hope. Medical bills don't take breaks and CoH's donation portal remains open year-round, concludes CoH.

Individuals are encouraged to donate here.

For more information, visit www.Cupcakesofhope.org or email [email protected]. You can also follow CoH on Facebook or on X. 

*Image courtesy of contributor