Cupcakes to save Imke’s life

The generosity and sweet-tooth of the community helped Cupcakes for Hope raise money for Imke Geldenhuys (3), who was diagnosed with stage four high risk neuroblastoma cancer this February.

The Cupcake Breakfast Day, held at Heathway Shopping Centre, recently asked the public for a R10 donation for a cupcake baked by Cupcakes for Hope volunteers. An estimated 350 cupcakes were sold on the day.

“The day was a huge success and we were able to sell out at 1pm. Not only did we raise the funds for Imke but we were able to raise awareness,” said Michelle Roulstone, a cupcake angel for Cupcakes for Hope.

The oncologist treating Imke told the Geldenhuys family that there is no proven evidence of a successful neuroblastoma high-risk stage 4 bone marrow transplant in South Africa, and the overall survival rate is zero percent.

The best hope for Imke’s survival would be receiving the required surgery in the United States or in Australia, and even more importantly, the treatment afterwards that is not available in South Africa.

A cancer centre in Australia has demonstrated evidence of survivors with advanced immunotherapy treatment. As the treatment is extremely expensive, contributions and the help of organisations such as Cupcakes for Hope, help save Imke’s life.

One of Cupcakes for Hope’s biggest fundraisers is National Cupcake Day which will take place throughout South Africa on 24 September. “This is a huge event and we are always honoured with volunteers, baking and donations varying from baking items to cash donations and hours of volunteering on the day,” said Roulstone.

Details: Cupcakes for Hope, sandy@cupcakesofhope.org or 073 208 6757

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