Sara Austin Spotlight: Turning Advocacy Into Action
For Sara Austin, supporting pediatric cancer research is deeply personal. A former teacher and mom of two, Sara lives in Easton and has spent more than seven years fundraising and advocating for kids fighting cancer. Her son, Ben, is a two-time childhood cancer survivor, and since his diagnosis in 2016, Sara has been committed to making a difference for families facing similar battles.
“Childhood cancer has a face and a name,” Sara shared. “It’s the children we know and love.”
That perspective led her to say yes when a local principal asked her to take on a bake sale at Forks Elementary School, knowing her background in advocacy and awareness. Through that effort, Sara connected with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.
Since then, Sara’s fundraising has grown in both scope and impact. Each summer, she hosts the annual #Superheroesforbenny Stand in honor of her son, an event that continues to expand year after year. What began as a bake sale has become a full community celebration, featuring donated baked goods, drinks, giveaways, face painting, character visits, cookie decorating and support from local police and fire departments. Last year’s stand raised more than $10,000 for pediatric cancer research.
Sara has also brought her community together in new ways, including a sold-out holiday event in Bethlehem called “Cookies in the Christmas City,” which welcomed participants from across the Lehigh Valley. This spring, she’s adding another creative fundraiser, “Cookie Quest for Kids’ Cancer,” a scavenger hunt that invites families to explore local landmarks, learn about childhood cancer and celebrate with a cookie party at the local firehouse.
“I’m slowly adding more local events with the hope of inspiring others to be good cookies,” Sara said. “The generosity I’ve seen from schools, businesses and neighbors has been incredible.”
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. In November, Sara received The Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter. She was also recently honored with the Astound Community Impact Award for her contributions to childhood cancer advocacy and fundraising.
For Sara, the message is simple and urgent.
“Childhood cancer doesn’t have a face or a name until it’s yours or someone you know,” she said. “Every impact, big or small, matters. Childhood cancer remains the #1 disease killer of children and is vastly underfunded. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer gives us the opportunity to change that.”
Supporters like Sara prove that meaningful change is possible. Whether you host a bake sale, organize a fundraiser or spread the word, getting involved helps fuel critical pediatric cancer research and bring hope to families who need it most. Learn more here.
