You can be part of National Cupcake Day! An initiative that turns simple acts of baking into life-changing financial and emotional support for childhood cancer patients – because even a little bit of sweetness can make a world of difference for families facing their toughest battles.
South Africa (18 August 2026) – For children with cancer, getting to treatment can mean hours on the road, weeks in hospital and months away from home. For families walking that journey, practical support from people they have never met can make all the difference.
One of those children was Mdhluli Nxobile Able and her family from Bushbuckridge.
Diagnosed with cancer at the age of 13, Mdhluli travelled regularly with her family from Mpumalanga to the nearest paediatric oncology hospital in Gauteng. Every trip cost around R1,800, an expense her family simply couldn’t sustain.
For more than a year, Cupcakes of Hope walked the journey with Mdhluli and his family, helping with transport, accommodation and meals.
The organisation also connected Mdhluli with childhood cancer survivors and a community that understood what she and her family were going through, giving them hope when they needed it most.
When Mdhluli was later accepted to study medicine, her father sent the news to Cupcakes of Hope before almost anyone else. Looking back, he believes his daughter would not be alive today without the support the family received during her treatment.
Now a qualified medical doctor, Mdhluli says her own experience with cancer profoundly influenced her decision to study medicine.
“My experience with cancer had a profound influence on my decision to study medicine,” says Mdhluli.
“Having been a patient myself, I understand how important compassionate care, support and hope can be during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. I hope my story inspires other young cancer patients and their families to keep believing that there is life and possibility beyond cancer.”
Friends of Zoo Lake Take Action After Another Cable Theft
ICA Live Art Festival Returns to Cape Town's Streets, Gardens and Public SpacesIt is this life-saving support that is at the heart of National Cupcake Day.
Every Cupcake Helps Change a Child’s Cancer Journey
On Saturday, 26 September 2026, thousands of South Africans will once again become ‘Cupcake Angels’ by baking and sharing cupcakes to raise funds that help children with cancer and their families.
Since 2012, Cupcakes of Hope has provided practical, emotional and financial support to families navigating childhood cancer. Last year alone, the organisation supported more than 140 children every month, approved almost 2,000 requests for financial assistance and delivered 3,766 Hospital Care Bags to children in all 21 paediatric oncology wards across South Africa.
“When a child is diagnosed with cancer, life changes instantly for the whole family,” says Sandy Cipriano, Founder of Cupcakes of Hope.
“Parents suddenly find themselves travelling long distances for treatment, taking time away from work and facing expenses they never expected. We can’t take away a child’s diagnosis, but we can help ease some of the practical, emotional and financial pressures so families can focus on what matters most – their child. Every Cupcake Angel helps make that possible.”
General practitioner, childhood cancer survivor and Cupcakes of Hope patron Dr Natasché Daniels (pictured above) says practical support is an essential part of treatment.
“Cancer affects the whole family. When some of the practical pressures are lifted, parents can focus on supporting their child through treatment. Becoming a Cupcake Angel is a simple but meaningful way for South Africans to remind families they do not have to face childhood cancer alone.”
Award-winning baker, author and Cupcakes of Hope ambassador Grace Stevens, who has supported the campaign for almost a decade, has also witnessed childhood cancer’s impact through her nephew’s journey.
“I’ve watched National Cupcake Day grow from a handful of shopping centres into a national movement, but it’s never lost its heart. I’ve met the children, the parents and the volunteers who make it possible, and every year I leave inspired to keep helping, one cupcake at a time,” says Grace.
Last year, more than 2,400 Cupcake Angels helped raise over R2 million to support children with cancer and their families. This year, Cupcakes of Hope hopes to welcome even more volunteer bakers as the need continues to grow.
Become a Cupcake Angel
National Cupcake Day will be celebrated at more than 80 shopping centres across the country, with schools, workplaces and communities also joining the movement.
Becoming a Cupcake Angel is easy. You can register online, choose a participating shopping centre and pledge to bake just 24 cupcakes.
Not a baker? You can still make a difference by supporting your local Cupcake Angel stall and sharing #BakeADifference with your friends and family.
To register as a Cupcake Angel or find out more about National Cupcake Day 2026, visit www.cupcakesofhope.org.
Sources: Cupcakes of Hope
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 
