Easton bake sale honoring teen cancer survivor to benefit pediatric research June 6

What’s a better way to start the summer than with a fun-filled cookie and bake sale?

And what better cookies to enjoy than ones that benefit pediatric cancer research? On June 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sara Austin, mother of cancer survivor Ben Austin, will host a fundraiser at their home at 2315 Stonebridge Lane, Easton, PA.

The annual #SuperheroesForBenny fundraiser partners with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a national nonprofit with Lehigh Valley roots — its founder, Gretchen Witt, is a Bethlehem native. The event will include baked goods, a raffle, face painting, and even an appearance from Iron Man.

And if the good cause wasn’t enough, the event’s raffle has fourteen stacked prizes up for grabs. There are a variety of filled baskets to win, ranging from beach toys to self-care products.

At a little over 3 years old, Ben was diagnosed with a Stage 3 Wilms tumor, a form of childhood kidney cancer.

He is now 13 and is celebrating over 6 years cancer-free. Ben’s cancer diagnosis moved Sara to involve herself in fundraising and awareness events. Sara met Gretchen Witt, a co-founder of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, while running a school bake sale. Austin quickly involved herself in the organization and is now the Coordinator of Community Outreach.

Pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in American children after infancy. According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, approximately 15,000 children are diagnosed each year, yet the field has long been considered chronically underfunded.

That funding recently faced a scare: the federal budget proposal for 2026 called for deep cuts to the National Cancer Institute, including a 36% reduction in its in-house research. Congress rejected those cuts early this year and approved a modest funding increase instead — but the episode underscored how much pediatric cancer research leans on private support. Many research facilities and family support groups rely on donations.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has granted $25 million dollars to over 155 research projects that fuel unique treatments and clinical trials.

Austin’s event follows a “take what you want, give what you can” approach. None of the items has a set price, so event-goers can decide how much they wish to donate.

Cumulatively, the last five events that Austin has hosted raised close to $50,000. This year, the team aims to add another $15,000 to that total.

Grassroots efforts like #SuperheroesForBenny are at the heart of organizations like Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. To support Ben’s cause, you can donate directly at Ben’s fundraiser page or learn more about the organization.