- May 6, 2024
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Patients Robert Umberger and Howard Waddle, both of Ormond Beach, enjoy Schmancy Popsicles in Patient Appreciation Day. Photo by Wayne Grant
Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center employees shown at Patient Appreciation Day are Maria Candell; Kristie Schender; Kim Heller; Sabrina Maldonada; Pam Venneri; Barbara Bittner; Denise Villarejos; and Kristie Reiner, director of oncology operations
Patients at the oncology center at Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center got a cool and refreshing treat Sept. 19, as they were able to enjoy a Schmancy Popsicle, courtesy of Patient Appreciation Day.
“It tastes good going down,” said Robert Umberger, of Ormond Beach, who said he is halfway through his radiation treatments for vocal cord cancer. He said his throat is sore, and so he enjoys ice cream and popsicles.
Howard Waddle, also of Ormond Beach, said the popsicles were “wonderful” and were a pleasant surprise while there for a radiation treatment.
Patient Appreciation Day was a result of a partnership between Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center and Joseph Cofer, the young entrepreneur who owns Schmancy Pops. Patients and their caregivers who visited the hospital’s oncology center for treatment were invited to choose a pop in their favorite flavor.
Joseph reached out to Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center in April, asking if he could donate pops to the oncology patients. Florida Hospital agreed to the request and matched Schmancy Pops’ donation, paying for half of the popsicles for Patient Appreciation Day.
Kristie Reiner, director of oncology operations, said that cancer patients go through a difficult time, so they wanted to give them a treat.
“It’s refreshing and it’s summer time,” she said. “It’s a good way to fulfill our mission … to extend the healing ministry of Christ.”
Shannon Finley, director of public relations at the hospital, also enjoyed a key lime pie popsicle. She’s also a patient, having gone through surgeries the past year for thyroid cancer. She is currently undergoing therapy.
Enjoying her treat at 8:30 a.m., she said, “It’s the breakfast of champions,” with a smile, pointing out it has both dairy and fruit.
Schmancy Popsicles are all-natural and made with fresh fruits.
Joseph started the company in 2014 when he was 11 years old as a way to save money for a car, but it has grown into something larger.
The family has been making popsicles by hand in their home every night, but recently purchased a popsicle maker that cranks out 250 an hour.
“It will definitely improve our quality of life,” said Joseph’s mother, Kellie Cofer.
They started selling at events, and now sell at a variety of locations such as baby showers, swim meets and school athletic events.
Several retail locations have expressed interest in selling the popsicles, and Kellie Cofer said they are deciding what their next step will be. They are considering a warehouse where they can make the popsicles and are even thinking about opening their own retail store.
“We’re just going to see where the journey takes us,” she said.
Before they made the decision to purchase the popsicle maker, she said they had a family conversation and asked Joseph if he wanted to see the business grow or slow down, and he said he wants to see it grow.
Joseph’s dad, Joe, also said the experience has been positive.
“It’s a blast,” he said. “We’re working together as a family and he is learning so much.”
Joseph, an honor student at Ormond Middle School, is on the Daytona Speed swim team and just earned a black belt in karate.
“He has to have time to be a kid,” Kellie Cofer said.
QUOTE
“He has to have time to be a kid.”
KELLIE COFER, mother of teen business owner
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Improving methods
The family has been making popsicles by hand in their home every night, but recently purchased a popsicle maker that cranks out 250 an hour.
