This past year, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer (CFKC) welcomed its largest cohort of interns to work throughout the school year. The interns are spread out across fields of marketing, public relations, event management, and business development. They work alongside our professional staff on different campaigns and events to help raise funds for research to develop new, improved, and less toxic treatments for pediatric cancer. Through the eyes of our interns, we can get a fresh perspective of what it’s like working for a nonprofit and how Cookies for Kids’ Cancer impacted their 2024.

Annabella Cotugno

I began my journey with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer this past summer as a social media marketing intern and was fortunate enough to transition into a marketing and public relations role in the fall. Over the past 6 months, I have focused on developing marketing strategies for different campaigns and events

alongside the marketing team. While I can speak extensively on the professional growth and skills I gained from this position, I’d rather focus on the “why” behind my decision.
Why Cookies for Kids’ Cancer? CFKC has given me the opportunity to combine my studies in marketing with my aspiration to create meaningful impacts. Many of my good friends are pursuing careers in healthcare, and although I chose a different path as a business major, I've always had the desire to get involved in some way. 

It has been so fulfilling interning for this organization that makes a real difference in people’s lives. For example, I developed a marketing strategy for our holiday cookies, where 100% of proceeds fund pediatric cancer research. It is an indescribable feeling knowing that my hard work has the potential to save lives. Seeing the impact that our marketing has on raising awareness and funds for research grants has solidified my career path- I know that wherever my journey takes me, I want to be helping people.

Mya Cobb

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a mission-driven organization that creatively raises funds for pediatric cancer research and supports families. It’s inspiring to see how they combine community outreach with impactful campaigns. My work in social media, event management, and analytics has sharpened my marketing skills, from creating engaging content to analyzing campaign performance. These experiences will be valuable in future marketing and nonprofit roles.

Personally, this internship deepened my empathy for families affected and reinforced my desire to make an impact. Professionally, it’s strengthened my marketing abilities and helped me connect business skills with meaningful causes, guiding my future career direction.

Shane Lyons

Working for Cookies for Kids' Cancer has been a huge honor, as I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible people dedicated to an amazing cause. I view CFKC as a positive, life-changing organization, one that brings hope and makes a real difference in the lives of families facing childhood cancer. I started with CFKC in June and am incredibly

grateful for how welcoming and supportive everyone has been. 

I’ve been able to work on a variety of projects, from grassroots outreach and campaigns to cookie orders and more, gaining invaluable experience in so many areas. My favorite project I worked on was the Good Cookie Campus Challenge. It was super fun to encourage other college students around the country to participate in CFKC's mission. I was even able to host a bake sale on my campus during the campaign. CFKC has given me a true sense of purpose at work, brightening my 2024, and I’m genuinely excited to continue contributing to this incredible mission in the new year.

Taylor Love

My name is Taylor Love and I am an Events Management intern for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. I view CFKC as a selfless organization that just wants to give and to help others. I have a special connection to CFKC, as I am a two-time childhood cancer survivor. Being an intern with Cookies gives me a way to help other kids with cancer, which is one of my biggest goals in life. This internship has taught me skills that I will need in any career, but has also shown me that if you are doing work for something you are truly passionate about, working can be fun. 

As an events intern, I have been working on planning our Cookies, Cocktails, and Canapés event in Charlotte. I was able to actually be at the event and see it all come together in person, which was such an amazing experience. Seeing all my work pay off for a cause that I have such a strong connection to was wonderful and so eye opening. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has positively impacted me by showing me that I can help kids with childhood cancer and their families, that the work I do means something and pays off, and that there’s power in numbers. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to be an intern for such an incredible organization.

The interns all touched on how Cookies for Kids’ Cancer impacted their 2024- but how did they impact ours? They brought new ideas, unique perspectives, and energy to our team. Their creativity and passion shined in every aspect of their work. It was amazing to see them bounce ideas off each other and collaborate on projects that showcased their unique talents while working towards a shared vision: that no family is told “we have run out of options”.

Thank you all for your help in the fight against pediatric cancer!