Katharine Frank’s Story: A Young Volunteer Making a Big Difference

Meet Katharine Frank

Katharine is an NYU student studying neuroscience who has spent the past decade proving what meaningful action looks like. At 11, she saw kids her age battling cancer and realized, “If kids are old enough to fight, I was old enough to help.” That moment sparked her first fundraiser and ignited a ten-year commitment that has since raised more than $30,000 for pediatric cancer research. Her story is the epitome of kids helping kids, a founding principle of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

How did she make it happen? 

Katharine and her friends turned a simple elementary school bake sale into a beloved town tradition. Through snowstorms, holiday rushes and the unpredictable chaos of December, their community continued to show up year after year. With help from supportive friends and local businesses, the bake sale grew into a must-attend annual event and a powerful reminder of what young people can accomplish when they rally together.

The Tradition Continues

“Cookies for Kids’ Cancer makes it really easy for anyone to raise funds and support medical research,” says Katharine. Her younger brother and his friends are keeping the holiday fundraiser alive in New Jersey, while Katharine expands her impact on campus by launching a new College Ambassador Program at NYU. 

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Katharine’s dedication shows how one spark of inspiration can fuel lasting change, and how one determined volunteer can make a tremendous difference for kids everywhere. Ready to get involved, just like Katharine? Visit our website or contact our Director of Community Engagement marissa@beagoodcookie.org for more information.