September is a month that brings together communities across the country in the fight against cancer, with two standout campaigns making a meaningful impact through creativity, generosity, and a sense of hope. Whether it’s enjoying a scoop of ice cream or swinging a golf club, people are finding ways to support vital research and honor those whose lives have been touched by the disease.
In Indianapolis and beyond, the 18th annual ‘Cones for the Cure’ campaign has returned to Graeter’s Ice Cream shops, running from September 4 through September 14, 2025. According to WISH-TV, this beloved event is more than just a chance to indulge in a sweet treat—it’s a call to action in support of childhood cancer research. The campaign is a partnership between Graeter’s Ice Cream and The Cure Starts Now Foundation, a nonprofit that has grown from a single family’s tragedy into an international force for good.
At the heart of ‘Cones for the Cure’ is a flavor with a story: Elena’s Blueberry Pie. This special ice cream was created in memory of Elena Desserich, a six-year-old girl whose courageous battle with cancer inspired her family to found The Cure Starts Now Foundation. As Jim Getgey, director of partnerships for the foundation, told WISH-TV, “They made blueberry pie ice cream in honor of Elena Desserich, who unfortunately lost her battle with cancer when she was six years old, and was actually the start of The Cure Starts Now.” Every September, the campaign returns to honor Elena and the countless children like her, with the hope that one day, a cure will be found.
This year, customers can get a free scoop of Elena’s Blueberry Pie ice cream simply by joining Graeter’s rewards program. No purchase is necessary—though donations to The Cure Starts Now are encouraged and welcomed. As Getgey put it, “We like to say, ‘Give a little, get a lot.’” Donations of $5 or more, made in-store or through the Graeter’s app, are rewarded with coupons worth over $13 as a thank you. It’s a small gesture that adds up to significant support for research, and the campaign’s success depends on the community’s generosity.
Graeter’s has gone the extra mile to make this year’s campaign special. In addition to the signature ice cream, they’re offering a milkshake and a PB&J sundae featuring Elena’s Blueberry Pie flavor. On Thursdays, even the four-legged members of the family can get in on the fun, with dog treats inspired by the ice cream. The offer is valid at any Graeter’s retail location during the campaign period, with a limit of one coupon per customer and while supplies last.
For those who don’t yet have the Graeter’s app, there’s no need to worry—signing up is quick and easy, and it opens the door to both a free scoop and the opportunity to make a difference. Donations can be made directly to The Cure Starts Now at scoop shops, within the app, or online at conesforthecure.org. Every dollar goes toward a cause that has already made a tangible impact, funding research grants that have led to clinical trials and, in some cases, new hope for families facing the unimaginable.
The numbers speak for themselves. The Cure Starts Now Foundation now boasts over 55 chapters across three countries and has funded more than $37 million in cancer research. The partnership with Graeter’s alone has contributed over $2.2 million, supporting research that has, as Getgey emphasized, “actually led to clinical trials that some of our warriors have been a part of and are still around today – because of Graeter’s.” It’s a testament to what can be achieved when businesses, nonprofits, and individuals come together with a shared purpose.
But the ice cream shops aren’t the only places where people are rallying for cancer research this September. Hundreds of miles away, a different kind of event is teeing up hope on the greens. The 17th Annual Tom Cosenzi ‘Driving for the Cure’ Charity Golf Tournament is another shining example of how community-driven efforts can make a difference in the fight against cancer. As reported by Mass Appeal, this tournament has become a fixture in the region, with golfers and sponsors alike coming together to support neuro-oncology research.
Since its inception, the Tom Cosenzi ‘Driving for the Cure’ Charity Golf Tournament has raised more than $1 million for cancer research. Carla Cosenzi, Co-Founder of the tournament, spoke with Mass Appeal’s Priscilla Ress about the event’s mission and its impact. The tournament is more than just a day on the course; it’s a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when people unite around a cause. For more information, supporters can visit TomCosenziDrivingfortheCure.com.
Both ‘Cones for the Cure’ and the Tom Cosenzi ‘Driving for the Cure’ Charity Golf Tournament illustrate the power of community action in the face of adversity. These campaigns don’t just raise money—they raise awareness, foster connections, and honor the memories of those who have been lost while shining a light on survivors and families still fighting. The stories behind each initiative are deeply personal, yet their impact resonates far beyond any single community or event.
What makes these efforts especially compelling is the way they blend joy and remembrance. Whether it’s the taste of blueberries and pie crust in a cone or the camaraderie of a golf tournament, participants are reminded that hope can be found in unexpected places. The events are designed not just to raise funds, but to create moments of happiness and solidarity—crucial ingredients in the ongoing battle against cancer.
Of course, the fight is far from over. Childhood cancer remains a leading cause of death by disease for children, and neuro-oncology research continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in treatment and care. The millions raised by these campaigns are a lifeline for researchers seeking breakthroughs and for families longing for more tomorrows.
As September unfolds, the message from both campaigns is clear: every act of kindness counts, and every donation, no matter how small, helps move the needle closer to a cure. Whether you’re enjoying a free scoop of ice cream or supporting a golf tournament, you’re part of a movement that’s changing lives. And sometimes, making a difference is as simple as saying yes to a sweet treat or a day on the links.
In the end, these campaigns serve as a reminder that hope is a community effort—one scoop, one swing, and one donation at a time.
