Teen Cancer Survivor's Bake Sale Has Raised $50K for Research

When Ben Austin was just 3 years old, doctors found a Stage 3 tumor in his kidney. Today, the 13-year-old is six years cancer-free, and his mom Sara is celebrating by doing what she does best: throwing a party that fights back against childhood cancer.

On June 6, Sara will host the sixth annual #SuperheroesForBenny fundraiser at their Easton, Pennsylvania home. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features baked goods, face painting, raffle prizes, and a special appearance from Iron Man himself.

What started as a simple bake sale has become a powerhouse fundraiser. Over the past five years, these community gatherings have raised close to $50,000 for Cookies for Kids' Cancer, a national nonprofit founded by Bethlehem native Gretchen Witt.

Sara met Gretchen while running a school bake sale shortly after Ben's diagnosis. The connection changed her life: Sara now serves as the organization's Coordinator of Community Outreach.

The fundraiser follows a "take what you want, give what you can" model. Nothing has a set price, so families can participate regardless of their budget. This year's goal is to add another $15,000 to their total.

That money matters more than ever. Pediatric cancer remains the leading disease-related cause of death for American children after infancy, with approximately 15,000 new diagnoses each year. Despite those heartbreaking numbers, research funding has long lagged behind adult cancer programs.

Earlier this year, Congress rejected proposed deep cuts to the National Cancer Institute after families and advocates pushed back. The episode highlighted how much pediatric cancer research depends on private donations and grassroots events like Sara's.

The Ripple Effect

Cookies for Kids' Cancer has channeled $25 million into over 155 research projects that develop new treatments and clinical trials. Every dollar from events like #SuperheroesForBenny goes directly to funding those breakthroughs.

Sara's work shows how one family's hardest moment can become a community's rallying point. The annual event brings neighbors together around cookies and face paint, but the real magic happens in the research labs those donations support.

Families can donate directly through Ben's fundraiser page or attend the June 6 event at 2315 Stonebridge Lane in Easton. Sometimes the best way to fight back is with frosting, community, and a superhero or two.