For most children, a popsicle is simple. Sweet. Sticky. Gone in a few minutes.
For Noah Shields, it became something more.
Noah, now 8 and a rising second grader at Smyrna Elementary School, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2023, shortly before his fifth birthday. What followed was more than any child should have to endure: nine months of chemotherapy, radiation and three surgeries.
Through it all, his mother, Emily Shields, says Noah was brave.
Today, Noah is thriving. This spring, he reached two years off treatment — a major milestone for his family — and this summer, he will attend his first survivor clinic appointment.
“You would never know what he has been through if you met him,” Emily says.
During treatment, when Noah was sick and had little interest in food, popsicles were often the easy win. They were something he could enjoy, even after surgery. Something small that could still bring a smile.
The Shields family later learned those hospital popsicles were part of the Mighty Millie Popsicle Project, a program of the Mighty Millie Foundation, which provides organic popsicles to children undergoing cancer treatment and helps fund childhood cancer research. The foundation was created in honor of Millie, whose life and joy continue to inspire families throughout the childhood cancer community.
The connection came through Veronica Tompkins of Good Kitchen, a longtime Smyrna community champion known for bringing people together around health, support and meaningful causes. When Noah was newly diagnosed, Emily met Veronica at Good Kitchen, where she found not only nutritional guidance, but encouragement and connection with other families who understood.
“It was a beautiful example of how amazing our Smyrna community is,” Emily says.
As Noah’s family became more involved with Mighty Millie, one idea felt like a perfect fit: a popsicle stand.
With Good Kitchen hosting and Mighty Millie providing the materials, Noah invited classmates and his sister to help. Last September, his Mighty Millie popsicle stand raised nearly $800. When Mayor Derek Norton heard about Noah’s efforts, he recognized him at the city’s Childhood Cancer Awareness proclamation — and matched the amount raised.
For Emily, watching Noah stand before the crowd was deeply meaningful.
“I don’t think he remembers much about being in treatment, but he is beginning to realize what an incredible journey he has been through,” she says. “Seeing him now want to give back and think about other kids in his situation resulted in some of the most special and profound feelings as a parent.”
And, she adds with a laugh, Noah has “no issue asking people for money.”
That confidence is part of who Noah is. Emily describes him as kind, curious, creative and incredibly smart. Even in the hospital, before he was 5, he wanted to understand exactly what was happening. His family drew pictures of anatomy and explained the “bad cells” in his body. These days, Noah loves soccer, board games, card games and reading — sometimes under the covers after bedtime.
This fall, Noah hopes to make his popsicle stand even bigger, possibly near StillFire Brewing, with more friends helping in shifts.
It is a small idea with a big purpose: kids helping kids, one popsicle at a time.
To learn more or support the Mighty Millie Foundation, visit mightymillie.org.