A Popsicle Stand: The Sweetest Way to Help Kids with Cancer

PINKY SWEAR FOUNDATION AND HY-VEE PARTNER TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHILDREN BATTLING CANCER

EDINA, MINN – [July 6, 2022] – In the spring of 2020, Max was just 18 months old. He suddenly became very pale and started bruising very easily. He even stopped gaining weight, despite being a good eater. Before Max reached his second birthday, he was diagnosed with cancer.

Popsicles for Pinky Swear allows families to host their own popsicle stand to help kids with cancer this summer. This fundraiser, presented by Hy-Vee and supported by Hy-Vee KidsFit, runs from July 1 to August 1. Whether it’s over a long weekend, at a neighborhood gathering, or a simple weekend stand with the family, anyone can help kids with cancer through the fun and excitement of a popsicle stand.

“Money raised through fundraisers like Popsicles for Pinky Swear allow families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis to breathe,” said MaryBeth Meyer, Pinky Swear Foundation’s director of partnerships. “I’ve watched my own kids host a popsicle stand and it has made me incredibly proud to see them helping others in such a meaningful way.”

Stories like Max’s are not at all uncommon. And the impact of a childhood cancer diagnosis affects the whole family, not just the child in the hospital bed. On top of tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills, everyday life carries on, and families are often stuck with mountains of debt.

“Financially, no matter what you try to save, you are never prepared for all the bills,” said Max’s mom, Ivonne. “Physically it’s a tremendous effort. I was not eating right or sleeping right. There was the psychological impact because it is almost always me who takes him to his appointments where unpleasant things happened.”

Pinky Swear is dedicated to serving families in a variety of ways. In addition to financial support, Pinky Swear Foundation provides families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis with emotional support – walking beside them, hand in hand.

Pinky Swear Foundation is on track to raise $40,000 for kids with cancer through this campaign. This hard-earned money will be sent to families in the form of grocery or gas gift cards, auto payments, or funds for rent or a mortgage payment.

Max will finish his treatment by the end of 2022. In the meantime, the family is doing the best they can and remains appreciative of the support they have received from Pinky Swear.

You can help; start your own popsicle stand today!About Pinky Swear Foundation

Founded in 2003, Pinky Swear Foundation is a national 501c(3) nonprofit headquartered in Edina, MN passionately committed to helping children with cancer and their families with financial and emotional assistance. Pinky Swear Foundation activities include a variety of community engagement and fundraising events around the nation, raising more than $20 million to-date. To learn more, visit pinkyswear.org.About Hy-Vee, Inc.

Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 265 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of $10 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service. Hy-Vee ranks in the Top 10 Most Trusted Brands and has been named one of America’s Top 5 favorite grocery stores. The company’s more than 85,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.