CLEVELAND — Graeter’s Ice Cream is celebrating their annual Cones for the Cure campaign in hopes of raising money to fight pediatric brain cancer in partnership with The Cure Starts Now fundraising organization.
The initiative benefits people like 7-year-old Clare Ronnebaum, who was diagnosed with an inoperable and fast-growing form of brain cancer known as DIPG at the age of 2, according to her profile on The Cure Starts Now website.
Today, Clare is described as an avid baker who is "super sweet with just the right amount of sassy sprinkled in to keep you on your toes" and who "loves her little sister, Maren, playing with baby dolls and watching Peppa Pig," the weeks following her difficult diagnosis were very tough on her family, including her mother, Carla Ronnebaum.
"There are very few viable treatment options for a DIPG diagnosis, and choosing the next step can be extremely difficult. Clare was quickly enrolled in a clinical trial funded by The Cure Starts Now," the group's website explains.
"Clare is currently 30 months post-diagnosis and is showing the world just how strong she is. She has endured more than anyone should have to experience, much less a child. She hates band-aids, hospitals, and almost everything her doctors have done to her since her diagnosis but Clare is a fighter, and she continues smiling through it.
"There were only two clinical trials Clare was eligible for at the time of her diagnosis. And two trials is more than what’s offered to many families. Because of funding for pediatric brain cancer research, there are treatment options available now that families didn’t have just five years ago. Clare is doing as well as she is because of the research and opportunities children have today.
"Funding for research provides clinical trials, which brings hope for our children and their families. Clare and her family have hope because of generous donations from people who believe that a DIPG diagnosis should not be a death sentence. A cure is just over the horizon, and with an increase in funding, we will get there."
That's why Graeter's is working with The Cure Starts Now to try to raise awareness, and encourage people to donate to support their cause.
During the Cones for the Cure Campaign, running from September 8 through September 18, Sweet Rewards loyalty members on the Graeter’s app will be eligible for a free single dip sugar cone of Elena’s Blueberry Pie ice cream. When redeeming that free cone in any Graeter’s scoop shop, rewards members will be able to make a donation directly to The Cure Starts Now. Those who wish to donate outside of the app can also do so at conesforthecure.org.
The Cure Starts Now Cancer Research Foundation (501c3 Federal Non-Profit) is one of the only cancer foundations dedicated to Homerun Cure® for all cancers, starting first with one of the most deadly and difficult cancers: pediatric brain cancer. This year, Graeter’s hopes to raise $220,000 for The Cure Starts Now.