day · fixed · day 49 of 365

National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

Savoring frozen delights at sunrise to honor young fighters, uniting with sweet compassion for a vital cause.

Charity Children Dessert Healthcare Ice Cream62

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Align ice cream and dessert brands with childhood cancer awareness through morning fundraiser events and donation drives that honor Malia Grace's legacy.

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Breakfast for a cause: Partner with local ice cream shops to donate proceeds to St. Jude's or Alex's Lemonade Stand
Host an office or school Ice Cream for Breakfast Social—fun morning event + fundraising for pediatric cancer research
Share Malia's story of resilience and joy; position your brand as supporting families fighting childhood cancer
Limited-edition February ice cream flavor with proceeds benefiting childhood cancer charities

History

Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day was created to commemorate the nine wonderful years of the bright soul that was Malia Grace, born on February 18, 2001. Malia, who passed away after a long fight with cancer on Dec 7, 2010, was an inspiration to everyone around her.

Those who knew her saw that she glowed with the kind of enthusiasm for life that childhood is made of. She embraced knowledge and learning every day, getting outside whenever possible and drinking in her short life with a passion that made each day a new and exciting adventure of its own.

First celebrated on her birthday in 2013 by a group of close friends of Malia to commemorate her life and creativity, the event started out small and was shared with just a few folks on social media. In 2014, the event went public and opened up to include 55 other families of children with cancer.

Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day went on to become a day to honor all of the children who have battled or are battling childhood cancer. It didn’t take long for the day to explode onto the scene, with thousands of people from all over the world taking part and spreading the message to thousands more.

There are actually two events that are very similar in name but founded for very different reasons. Today is not to be confused with Ice Cream for Breakfast Day which takes place on the first Saturday of February, and was created in the 1960s by housewife Florence Rappaport from New York.

How to celebrate

Make a Donation to Fight Childhood Cancer

For those who are not into ice cream or would like to promote this good cause in other ways, why not look for local hospitals and healthcare centers that are in need of donations, as they help parents and children fight this terrible disease? Certainly, many dollars are needed to research and develop cures for the various cancers that affect children in particular. St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Make a Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, and the American Childhood Cancer Organization are just a few of the organizations that offer hope and support to children with cancer as well as their families.

Host an Ice Cream for Breakfast Day Fundraiser

Hundreds of children every year benefit from the efforts of various hospitals and organizations. Putting together an Ice Cream For Breakfast Social can help raise spirits and morale, as well as awareness for the need. Grab a few friends and make a plan for serving ice cream in the morning and asking for a donation. Make it a social event at the office, at a school or in the community. Lots of creative ideas can be implemented to make this day special while spreading the word and raising some finances that can be donated to one of the above charities.

Volunteer at a Children’s Hospital

This might be the day to contact a local child oncology ward and find out what kinds of supplies they need, or arrange to be placed as a volunteer and spend a day with the children playing games and talking. These special children are always eager to drink in the life and experiences of others and to share their own lives with those who come in. They know they’re sick, but they’re also children, and they don’t let that illness get them down. So, one great way to commemorate the day is to commit to being part of their life’s experience by sharing various stories and listening to theirs.

Share Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day with Friends

Celebrating Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is best done by joining people around the world for an ice-cream breakfast! Join the community by posting a picture of what you’re eating and who you’re eating ice cream for on the Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day social media pages. Share the idea with friends, family or coworkers who don’t know about it, to help raise awareness to put an end to childhood cancer.

FAQ

What are the most common types of childhood cancer around the world?

The most common childhood cancers globally are leukemias (especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia), brain and other central nervous system tumors, lymphomas, and cancers of the bone and soft tissues. Patterns vary slightly by region, but these groups consistently make up the majority of pediatric cancer diagnoses worldwide.

How curable is childhood cancer, and why do survival rates differ between countries?

In high‑income countries, more than 80% of children with cancer can be cured thanks to timely diagnosis, effective treatment protocols, and supportive care. In many low‑ and middle‑income countries, cure rates may be below 30% because of late diagnosis, limited access to medicines and technology, treatment abandonment, and fewer specialized pediatric oncology services.

How does a cancer diagnosis typically affect a child’s emotional well‑being?

Children with cancer commonly experience fear, sadness, anger, and anxiety related to pain, treatment procedures, separation from friends, and uncertainty about the future. However, with consistent psychological support, honest age‑appropriate communication, and opportunities for normal play and routine, many children show resilience and maintain good quality of life during treatment.

What kinds of support do families of children with cancer usually need most?

Families often need practical help (transport, accommodation near hospitals, childcare for siblings), financial assistance, clear medical information, and emotional support to cope with stress and decision‑making. Peer support groups, social workers, psychologists, and family‑centered care programs are key resources that help reduce isolation and caregiver burnout.

Do small treats and fun rituals actually help children cope with serious illness?

Simple pleasures—such as special foods, games, or themed days—can help children feel more in control, create positive memories, and reduce treatment‑related distress. Pediatric psychologists often encourage rituals and rewarding activities as part of coping plans, alongside evidence‑based methods like cognitive‑behavioral strategies, play therapy, and relaxation techniques.

What are effective ways individuals can support children with cancer besides donating money?

People can volunteer at hospitals or Ronald McDonald House–type facilities, donate blood or platelets, register as potential bone marrow donors, provide meals or transport for affected families, advocate for better pediatric cancer funding and services, and raise awareness using accurate information from reputable cancer organizations.

Is it safe for a child with cancer to eat treats like ice cream during treatment?

Diet for a child with cancer must be individualized, but many children can safely enjoy occasional treats if food safety and hygiene are strictly observed. Because some treatments weaken the immune system or cause lactose intolerance or mouth sores, clinicians may recommend avoiding unpasteurized products, raw eggs, or very hard, acidic, or extremely cold foods during certain phases. Families should always follow guidance from their child’s oncology and nutrition team.