We're proud to support Cupcakes of Hope. They're an incredible non-profit organisation that cares for over 260 families who are fighting childhood cancer across South Africa. This care takes many forms, including assistance with accessing medical care, transport money to get to the hospital, additional budget for healthy foods, and much more. Sometimes, they’ll even help make a birthday extra exciting with a special gift; it’s the kind of care that makes these kids just feel like kids again.
Our favourite thing about supporting Cupcakes of Hope is all the amazing kids we get to meet. Sharing their stories helps raise awareness about their fight against childhood cancer and shows how resilient these little warriors are. We were lucky enough to catch up with some of the kids we’ve introduced you to in the past.
Tiffany is turning 13 this year! Can you believe it? It feels like just yesterday when we first introduced her in 2019. Though she was diagnosed with brain cancer at only 17 months old, she’s never stopped fighting, and we’re pleased to let you know that she has now been in remission for 10 years.
During her battle, Cupcakes of Hope stepped in and helped the family with transport, nappies, milk, and invaluable emotional support while Tiffany was receiving radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries.
She continues to be a beacon of hope for other kids going through similar ordeals to hers and has even stepped up as a proud ambassador for Cupcakes of Hope. When she’s not inspiring other kids, she loves building her LEGO® creations.
We met Armaan in 2022. At that time he had just completed his chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma after being diagnosed at age 8. We couldn’t be more happy to let you know that Armaan has been living a normal, healthy life full of laughter and mischief. His mom, Imaan, said: “He’s always getting up to something naughty and coming up with schemes. His imagination is so over the top!”
Cupcakes of Hope helped Armaan and his family get through their fight by providing assistance with medical care and treats that made him feel like a kid again. And that’s not even mentioning the emotional support that they received!
He’s even taken his fighting spirit to the boxing ring, where he’s found a passion for the sport. You may even be looking at the next SA champ! That is, if he doesn’t become a business tycoon, the president, or a professional gamer – which are all on the cards right now (we’re holding thumbs for president). When he’s not perfecting his right hook, you can find Armaan baking, cooking, playing games on his PlayStation or watching TV.
Kids like Marnel show that anything is possible when you get more and more care. At only 12 years old, she is currently fighting cancer for the second time in her life. She was first diagnosed with medulloblastoma – a type of cancerous brain tumour – at age 3. After being in remission for 6 years, Marnel went for a check-up scan and unfortunately the doctors found more tumours. Those yearly scans are vital for catching recurring cancers before they get worse.
Marnel continues to fight. Her last scans showed changes in some of the tumours, which her doctors are very positive about. Marnel has beaten cancer once before, and we know that she can do it again!
If you enjoyed your favourite Giant Muffin from Mugg & Bean today, you’ve already helped! That’s because we donate R1 to Cupcakes of Hope every time you order one, all year around. Then, in the month of September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we double that donation to R2.
An average of 800 – 1000 children are diagnosed with cancer in South Africa every year. With your help, we’ve been able to donate over R5 million to Cupcakes of Hope since 2022, which goes a long way for kids like Tiffany, Armaan, Marnel, and hundreds of others nationwide. Helping never tasted so good!
