UNC Children's Hospital - Pop-Tart and Starbucks Fundraiser

Hi! My name is Ryan Burke, and I am a second year student at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. My brother, Jack, is a senior in high school and will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall. Since 2020, I have held annual fundraisers for UNC Children’s Hospital to provide Pop-Tarts and Starbucks gift cards for patients and their families after l learned that food insecurity was increasing due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, food insecurity continues to increase among the patient population, and my brother and I are working together to help the patients and their families. Until Sunday, March 23rd, we will be collecting money to go toward individual $5 Starbucks gift cards and boxes of Pop-Tarts for UNC Children’s Hospital.

Amy Sangvai, LCSW MSW from the University of North Carolina Hospitals - Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Center shared the following about the impact of previous fundraisers:

"Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disease that requires strict adherence to complex medication regimens, time-consuming treatments, and a high-calorie diet. Children with CF need up to twice the daily calories of their healthy peers to maintain weight, lung function, and survival. But for many families, getting enough of the right food is a daily struggle.

Food insecurity (FI)—the lack of consistent access to affordable, nutritious food—affects more than 47% of families in our CF clinic. The financial burden of CF care is immense: high treatment costs, underemployment, increased caloric needs, and limited public support create impossible choices between essentials like food, gas, rent, and utilities. Rising inflation has only worsened these pressures, forcing some families to skip medications, delay medical care, or miss crucial appointments due to transportation costs.

The impact of FI on CF health is severe. Children without adequate nutrition face worsened lung function, increased hospitalizations, and poorer long-term outcomes. And the emotional toll is just as heavy: families report shame, guilt, and overwhelming stress. Children with CF and their parents are already 2-3 times more likely to experience anxiety and depression, and FI exacerbates these mental health challenges.

That’s where your support comes in. For years, our community partner Ryan has led the Pop-Tarts and Starbucks Fundraiser, offering small but powerful comforts to families facing enormous stress. This initiative has touched 80% of our patients and families over the past year, providing quick nutrition and moments of joy during difficult times.

For many children, the only thing they look forward to on clinic days is going to Starbucks for a cake pop, hot chocolate, or frappuccino. Walking into clinic holding something that makes them feel normal brings a sense of comfort and pride. All of our patients appreciate the generosity behind this effort so much that they fondly refer to Ryan as "the Starbucks and Pop-Tart guy" and often ask how he’s doing. When children learn they need something scary like a flu shot, blood work, or a hospital admission, they’ve been known to ask through tears, "Okay, but are there any Pop-Tarts or Starbucks cards?"

Here’s how your donation makes a difference:

Comfort for New Parents: A Starbucks card offers a moment of respite to sleep-deprived parents navigating their child’s first emotionally charged clinic visit.

Support During Stressful Procedures: Pop-Tarts and treats help soothe and reward children undergoing painful and anxiety-inducing tests.

A Boost for Teens and College Students: A snack or coffee brings normalcy and encouragement to young people balancing CF care with school and life.

Nourishment After Fasting: For children undergoing fasting tests, Pop-Tarts and Starbucks snacks provide quick, needed calories when cafeteria options are unaffordable.

Help for Traveling Families: Many families drive over 200 miles for appointments, often stretching their budgets just to afford gas. Food support ensures they stay nourished through long, exhausting days.

Alleviating Isolation: A simple treat delivered to a hospitalized child brings comfort and human connection when families are stretched between home, work, and hospital bedsides.

Filling Nutritional Gaps: When CF patients miss school meals for clinic visits, Pop-Tarts and Starbucks fill a crucial gap.

Easing Emotional Strain: During a 3-hour clinic visit, a walk to grab a coffee gives parents time to de-stress, stay connected with care teams, and access mental health support.

Supporting Families Impacted by Disaster: This act of kindness means so much to our families from Western North Carolina who lost everything in Hurricane Helene, offering them comfort and care when they need it most.

Every donation—no matter how small—helps us provide nutrition, comfort, and connection to CF patients and their families. Your support eases their burden and reminds them they’re not alone in this fight.

On behalf of the entire CF Care Team, we want to express our deepest gratitude for Ryan and the incredible impact he’s had on our patients and their families. His partnership with us has been invaluable, and the kindness and generosity he’s shown have truly touched so many lives.

Many thanks for the support and the contributions of all donors, you’ve helped us fulfill our mission not only to meet the nutritional needs of our patients but also to support their emotional well-being.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity."