Corky's Kitchen & Bakery sprinkles pediatric cancer patients with love at Children’s Hospital

Pediatric cancer patients at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital (LLUCH) were sprinkled with love by Corky's Kitchen & Bakery on Friday, August 21. For the second year in a row, the local restaurant chain provided freshly baked cookies and decorating supplies to children currently battling cancer.

The cookie decorating event precedes an annual effort by the restaurant, called "Corky's Cookies for Cancer," to raise money for LLUCH. Beginning September 1, patrons will be able to purchase gold ribbon cookies at restaurant locations throughout the Inland Empire and Orange County. Kids' menus will also become a coloring page where children can create a picture and write a message to children receiving treatment.

Darin Handlen, the director of operations for Corky's Kitchen & Bakery, said the "Cookies for Cancer" effort is more than just a fundraiser.

"It's a tradition that's become part of who we are," said Handlen. "We all have kids of our own, so supporting children and families facing cancer isn't just important to our business; it's personal."

Scarlett Czarnecki, director of patient care for the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Service Line and the Child Life Department, said the event was a great way to kick off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

"We're so thankful for Corky's, their fundraiser, and the incredible community support they provide for our patients," Czarnecki said.

Corky's Kitchen & Bakery has raised nearly $240,000 since the tradition began in 2014, with more than $51,000 being raised in 2025 alone.