Our Story of Faith,

Hope and Miracles

Our journey began when little Chiara, only two years old, was diagnosed with cancer. Walking beside her family opened our eyes to the deep pain and overwhelming challenges faced by families fighting childhood cancer. In that moment, God placed a dream in my heart — a calling to help other children in need.

Our first fundraiser was for baby Kegan, an 18 month old boy paralysed by tumours on his spine. His family needed a special mattress and a secure car seat for their hospital journeys. We raised R5 000, and although it seemed small, it changed everything. Doctors did not expect him to see his second birthday, but in October 2025, Kegan celebrated his eighteenth.

In 2012, we hosted South Africa’s first National Cupcake Day. Communities across the country united to bake hope and support children battling cancer.

From that single fundraiser, we now financially assist more than 140 patients every month. Our volunteers, partners, and supporters are the hands and hearts behind every miracle. I thank God daily for the blessing of this work and the people He brings into it. Together we are spreading Cupcake Love and God’s Love across South Africa.

– Sandy Cipriano (Founder of Cupcakes of Hope)

Where every cupcake tells a story of courage, hope, and love.

Where every cupcake tells a story of courage, hope, and love.

Our Mission

To raise awareness and funds for children with cancer and offer financial and emotional support to their families.

Our Vision

A world where every child fighting cancer has access to medical care, emotional support, and the joy of community.

Our Impact

The difference

Cupcakes of HOPE is a Non-Profit Company (NPC 2012/103028/08) and a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO930053726) dedicated to supporting children with cancer in South Africa. Through diverse initiatives and Cupcake Angels’ tireless efforts, COH provides financial and emotional support to children and their families, making a profound difference in their lives.

In 2025, Cupcakes of HOPE made a tremendous impact through various initiatives.

Financial Requests
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from children facing life-threatening diseases, ensuring they received vital support.

Hosital Care Bags
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were thoughtfully delivered to patients in all 21 Paediatric oncology wards across South Africa, providing comfort and entertainment during their challenging journey.

Room Makeovers
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at key medical facilities, including Kimberley Hospital, The Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Research Centre at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, and Alberton Netcare Hospital.

Watch our impact here

Projects

What we have been up to

Educational Activity Bags deliveries:

Educational Activity Bags deliveries: These bags include educational activities focused on fine motor skills and small toys to keep little patients busy while in the hospital.

Able the Lion

is a medical kit specially designed to help children deal with anxiety through play therapy. This was created in honour of Able, one of their little beneficiaries who is currently studying to become a doctor.
Please watch this video of Able.

Blankets of HOPE

This blanket is specially designed for patients who are bedridden. It has educational activities and games printed on it. There is a city map with roads and dams where big and old can play with cars, boats and trains that are included with the blanket.

An Emoji mood board helps each warrior say how they are feeling for the day. The blanket encourages learning, including counting games, numbers, shapes and colors, and sorting. They can measure with the tape measure and learn their ABCs.

For older kids they can learn the ABC sign language (which is now an official language).

International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - September

September is a poignant reminder of the battle children and families face with childhood cancer. It’s a time to raise awareness, promote understanding, and support those affected.

Join Cupcakes of Hope every September as we stand together to “Bake Hope, Sprinkle Joy” and make a real difference in the lives of these young warriors.

Partner with Us

and help bake a difference

Corporate Sponsorship

Align your brand with a cause that matters. By becoming a corporate sponsor, you're not only demonstrating your commitment to social responsibility but also gaining visibility among a passionate community that values businesses with a heart.

In-Kind Donations

Your products or services can contribute directly to our events and fundraisers. Your generosity will not only help us run successful campaigns but also showcase your commitment to giving back.

Financial Contributions

Your financial support enables us to provide crucial assistance to children and families in need. Every donation, big or small, adds up to a brighter future for those battling cancer.

Employee Engagement

Encourage your employees to get involved. Hosting a fundraising event aka Party of HOPE within your company can foster teamwork and boost morale, all while making a positive impact.

Meet The Team

...the dream team

Sandy Cipriano

Founder &
Director

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Rochelle Van Gent

Director &
Patient Support Administrator

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Lucy Fernandes

Director &
Head of Finances

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Stephanie Malan

Care &
Admin Coordinator

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Lori-Ann Hill

National Fundraising
Coordinator

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Elri Mienie

National Cupcake Day
Project Manager

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Nichole Stander

Fundraising &
Awareness Coordinator

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Margaret Shaw

Kwazulu Natal
Awareness Coordinator

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Dr. Natasché Daniels

Patron of
Cupcakes of Hope

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Refer a child.

If you know a child who has been diagnosed with cancer and may need support, Cupcakes of Hope is here to help.

Children are eligible if they:

– Are South African citizens
– Younger than 18 years
– Have a cancer diagnosis

Click here for more info

Sandy Cipriano

Founder &
Director

“In honour of little Chiara, we started this organisation to spread Cupcake Love, God’s love, across South Africa.”

Cupcakes of Hope was born from faith, love, and a calling to serve — inspired by little Chiara’s life and guided by God’s purpose. Since 2012, Sandy has poured her heart into this mission, trusting that even the smallest acts of kindness can be used by God to bring comfort, healing, hope, and light in dark times. 

Through His grace, what began as a single cupcake fundraiser has grown into a nationwide movement supporting hundreds of children fighting cancer every month. From financial assistance and care packages to hospital visits and birthday blessings, Sandy works hand in hand with a devoted team whose compassion reminds families they are seen, supported, and never alone.

She often says, “God has truly blessed us with the best volunteers in the world.” Their servant hearts and unwavering love are the heartbeat of this organisation. Sandy continues to walk this journey in faith, believing that through every cupcake shared, God’s love is being passed on.

Rochelle Van Gent

Director &
Patient Support Administrator

“I’ve been part of this beautiful family for 13 amazing years — and every child we help makes it more meaningful.”

Rochelle has been with Cupcakes of Hope since 2012 and now plays a vital role in supporting newly diagnosed children and their families. She manages the registration process, assists with funding applications, and works closely with hospitals, doctors, and social workers to ensure that every family referred to us receives the help they need — quickly and with compassion. Her calm, caring presence brings light during families’ darkest moments.

Over the years, Rochelle has also been involved in planning and coordinating National Cupcake Day, working behind the scenes to ensure its continued success. Her dedication to both our families and our flagship fundraiser reflects her passion for giving hope where it’s needed most.

What inspires her most is witnessing the resilience of the children and the kindness of the Cupcake Angels who stand behind them. Rochelle
believes that together, these small acts of love create extraordinary
impact — and she is honoured to be part of a movement that continues to grow stronger every year.

Lucy Fernandes

Director &
Head of Finances

“The heart and soul of Cupcakes of Hope is our volunteers — and seeing how this charity brings the whole community together just warms my heart.”

Lucy has been part of Cupcakes of Hope since day one in 2012 and
continues to be one of its most dedicated hearts. As Head of Finances, she oversees all patient-related payments each week, making sure families get the help they need, when they need it most.

Based in the south of Johannesburg, Lucy also plays a key role in the
success of National Cupcake Day in her region — helping her team shine brighter each year. She especially loves joining the team for hospital visits, where delivering care bags and seeing the children’s faces light up reminds her exactly why she does what she does.

Stephanie Malan

Care &
Admin Coordinator

“When my daughter was fighting cancer, Cupcakes of Hope brought us comfort. Now I get to do the same for other families.”

She joined in 2018 after her own journey as a cancer mom. Stephanie
manages care packages, keeps supporters updated about the kids we help, and takes care of daily admin with lots of love and compassion. Her favorite time of the year is getting the Christmas Care Bags ready and she already starts counting down from 200 days till Christmas (yip, she loves it that much!).

Stephanie’s story reminds us that hope has a way of finding its way back.

Lori-Ann Hill

Fundraising
Coordinator

“Every child we help reminds me why I do what I do. They are our heroes.” 

Lori began volunteering in 2016 and officially joined the team in 2020. With a heart for service and a gift for connecting people, she leads fundraising efforts across the country. Whether rallying support or sitting beside a little warrior, Lori brings joy and purpose to every part of her work.

Elri Mienie

National Cupcake Day
Project Manager

“My journey started after my own cancer diagnosis — giving back is my greatest joy.”

Elri joined in 2012 after overcoming breast cancer and has been a
Cupcake Angel ever since. She spent 12 years representing the Western Cape and now leads the National Cupcake Day campaign across South Africa. From coordinating events to partnering with businesses, Elri plays a key role in leading the incredible team behind our biggest day of the year — all to help children fight cancer with hope.

Nichole Stander

Fundraising &
Awareness Coordinator

“I believe kindness, creativity and community can change lives — one
cupcake at a time.”

Nichole joined Cupcakes of Hope in 2025 with a passion for uplifting
children and families fighting cancer. After losing someone close to her, she felt called to be a source of hope for others — and now helps lead campaigns that raise funds, build awareness, and inspire people across the country to get involved.

From patient visits and hospital drop-offs to colourful fundraisers and
cupcake-filled events, Nichole brings heart, purpose, and a touch of
sparkle to everything she does. Her signature style — a bright smile, glitter sneakers, and always a cupcake in hand — is as memorable as her unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Margaret Shaw

KZN Representative

Margaret began her journey with Cupcakes of Hope in 2014, first serving as co-ordinator at The Pavilion in Durban for two years, and then moving on to Knowles Superspar in Pinetown for another two years. 

Her passion for this cause runs deep. Having a grandchild who is now a 16-year cancer survivor, Margaret knows the impact that love, hope, and community can bring. While her family was fortunate not to need financial help, the unwavering support from friends during that time inspired her to give back to other families facing one of the hardest battles of their lives. 

One of her most treasured moments is seeing children ring the bell to celebrate remission — a moment filled with tears of joy, proud smiles from family, and heartfelt applause from the medical staff who walked the journey with them.

This year, Margaret is excited to watch those cupcakes fly off the tables so we can raise as much as possible for children in need. Her message is simple: “To every parent who has a healthy child — please come and support the mall nearest you. Every single cupcake sold brings us closer to our target and helps us add more children fighting cancer to our register.”

Dr. Natasché Daniels

Patron of Cupcakes of Hope

Dr. Natasché Daniels is a living example of resilience and hope. Diagnosed with cancer at just 15 years old, she turned her own journey into a lifelong commitment to helping others. Today, as both a medical doctor and Patron of Cupcakes of Hope, she combines her professional knowledge with her personal story to uplift and inspire.

“I am extremely proud to be the Patron of Cupcakes of Hope,” she shares. “Not only has this organisation created a platform where I can share my story, but also the opportunity to create awareness about childhood cancer.”

Her role goes beyond advocacy as she encourages families and
supporters alike to be part of something greater. “Miracles happen every single day,” Dr. Natasché reminds us, “but today I want to encourage you to be the miracle in somebody else’s life. Join our team, and even you can ‘bake a difference’ in the lives of kids with cancer.”

Through her story, her work, and her unwavering passion, Dr. Natasché continues to inspire courage, create awareness, and unite communities in the fight against childhood cancer. She is truly a light to others, guiding families and supporters with hope and compassion.