Pinecrest resident Judy Aguirre’s thin and crispy cookies have always been popular with everyone who experiences them. When she shared them with the doctors and nurses who were treating her cousin Jani during her battle with ovarian cancer, an idea was born: One great product for one great cause.
Aguirre started her cookie company, Cookies for Jani, and began her mission of “baking for a cure, one cookie at a time.” She donates her company’s proceeds to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami for Cancer Research. Her delicious cookies do so much more than put smiles on people’s faces; they are a recipe for a cure.
“I chose the Sylvester Cancer Center because it is a comprehensive center that treats all cancers,” said Aguirre. “So many people are touched by this disease.”
Aguirre’s cousin Jani, Janet Haas, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2006. She bravely battled and beat the cancer, and today the former professional tennis player and University of Miami 1973 Woman Athlete of the Year is back on the tennis courts coaching women’s tennis teams and student athletes at Miami Country Day School in Miami Shores.
But Aguirre knows that for others the battle against cancer continues. More than 1.6 million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year and she is determined to make a difference in the fight against the deadly disease.
The operation, which humbly began with Judy baking in her kitchen, now operates out of a professional kitchen and requires as many as four helpers during the holidays. So, what is the secret ingredient that makes her cookies so irresistible?
“We all really enjoy baking these cookies and that happiness and passion comes across in the product,” said Aguirre. “These cookies are made with love.”
Her delicious cookies made with the finest ingredients come in popular flavors, including chocolate chip, white chocolate chip, peanut butter and chocolate chip, coconut, chocolate coconut, M&M and original, made with oatmeal, pecans and cranraisins. New for the holidays, dulce de leche, will be a Miami favorite. Aguirre also recently added gluten-free cookies to her line-up and says “they are the best gluten-free cookies ever.”
Bags, boxes and trays of cookies from Cookies for Jani make wonderful gifts for clients, co-workers, teachers, doctors, party hostesses, family members and friends. The beautiful pink packaging features the Hope Ribbon – a symbol that signifies the fight against all cancers – and a gift tag that notifies the recipient that their sweet treat has an even sweeter purpose.
“Our cookies make a very thoughtful and delicious gift,” said Aguirre. “Everyone enjoys receiving them and sharing them, and knowing that they support a good cause.”
Aguirre graduated from the University of Florida and taught kindergarten for several years. The mother of three — Mindy, Andrew and Katie — is planning to expand her business, and her outreach. Proceeds of her upcoming venture, Hugs and Pieces, will benefit the cancer services at Miami Children’s Hospital.
For more information and to place an order, call 305-668-0055 or visit www.CookiesforJani.com
