BLOEMFONTEIN – A cupcake seems like something small, but Cupcakes of Hope Bloemfontein is out to prove that there is more to a cupcake than a delicious snack. Three events are coming up where you can share in some great fun for a good cause.

With these three events, residents of Bloemfontein are banding together to offer hope, kindness, and support to children diagnosed with cancer. One family that understands how trying it can be when their child is diagnosed with cancer, is that of Barry and Michelle Lee Fon from Bloemfontein. Their daughter, Mia (13), was diagnosed with Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma), a rare type of kidney cancer, when she was 17 months old.

After Michelle discovered a lump on her daughter’s body, they sprang into action and took Mia to a doctor. “Those were tough times,” Michelle remembers. They discovered Mia had tumors on both her kidneys. Her left kidney was removed along with a part of her right kidney.

For quite some time after the operation, Mia had to undergo chemotherapy. Today, she is a healthy Gr. 7 learner at the St Michael’s School for Girls.

“She must watch her diet and drink enough water, but she is healthy,” Michelle says.
Because of Mia’s cancer treatment, the family became involved with Cupcakes 4 Cancer. “When Mia fell ill, there was not all the assistance there is today,” Michelle says. “We got involved with Cupcakes 4 Hope to support other parents and their children going through what we went through.”

The events to be held in Bloemfontein in August and September will lead up to National Cupcake Day 4 Kids, celebrated on 26 September.

The journey begins with Tiny Toppers – Big Impact on Saturday 15 August at the Hospice Charity Shop at the Anglo-Boer War Museum.

With the theme, “Why leave a cupcake naked when you can top it with love?” participants will help create thousands of colourful cupcake toppers for National Cupcake Day. Every topper may be small, but together they create a big impact – bringing colour, joy and hope to children and families affected by childhood cancer. Join in the fun from 09:00 to 14:00 at the War Museum. The entrance fee is R80. Contact 078 139 4930 for bookings.

On the following day, supporters are invited to the Sip, Paint and Decorate for a Cause activity at Mugg & Bean in Mimosa Mall. The event will be from 09:00 to 11:00. Entry costs R250 and you will decorate your own mini cake.

Guests will enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while decorating their own mini cake in a relaxed and creative atmosphere. Whether it is a girls’ day out, a mommy-and-daughter date, family time or simply an opportunity to do some good, every ticket purchased helps support children and families facing childhood cancer. Book your space at 078 139 4930.

All bakers are invited to get involved in the National Cupcake Day on 26 September. You can bake, or visit the stands at Mimosa Mall, Loch Logan Waterfront or Northridge Mall and get a cupcake for a R10 or R20 donation.

Call Norma Cronje, the Bloemfontein coordinator, at 083 378 9292 for more information.