Girl gets only one RSVP to her birthday party shortly after losing mom to cancer—then strangers step in to save the day

A birthday without a loved one is a heart-shattering experience. It is hard to celebrate while trying to grieve. What helps is support, kindness and encouragement to make the day memorable, if not fancy. Chole Sexton (@chloebuffcakes), sister to Charlotte Sexton, thought the best way to celebrate her sister’s birthday shortly after their mother’s passing would be to invite her friends over, per CNN. Unfortunately, the woman received only one RSVP after sending out invites to her classmates. She shared how hurtful it felt to deal with the reality and strangers decided to turn things around for the sisters. 

The woman revealed in a video that she had been trying so hard to keep things going after her mother’s passing. Their mom passed away due to brain cancer and Chloe had been raising Charlotte on her own. The woman revealed how she tried to work with a tight budget and make preparations for all her classmates who were invited. “I sent the invites out early and I heard nothing back except from one person. It upset me that I couldn’t give her the birthday I wanted to,” she said. She added that she kept the truth from her sister to avoid breaking her heart. Explaining and venting, the woman broke down. “It should be our mom. My mom should be doing this but my mom’s not here,” she remarked. 

Parents and others were moved after hearing the pain in Chloe’s voice. Sharing words of encouragement, people stepped up to do more. @lainiedawn said, “You’ll make it the best day ever. You’re doing a good job.” @marissa.a19 wrote, “Can we send her cards? My mom died of cancer too.” @mypatienceiswearingthin added, “Please do a live so we can all celebrate with her.” Several people offered to help with bringing decorations, goodies, gifts and more. Others even made an effort to attend. “This was the first time I saw people put action behind their empathy. The overwhelming support made me feel like not just a face online, but that I mattered and my story mattered to people,” Chloe remarked. 

For Charlotte’s birthday, people from all over joined in, not just to celebrate but also to help prepare for the party. Moms offered decorations, there was also a drive-by parade, a horse ride and so much more. There were as many as 20 kids at one point and people kept stopping by, even if just for a few minutes. Seeing how her plea turned into an active movement to give her little sister the birthday she deserves, Chloe was moved to gratitude. In a follow-up video, she shared immense thanks to the people. “She kept asking me ‘Is this all for me?’ There was so much excitement, her eyes were so big,” the woman recalled.

“Charlotte did say to me, ‘I think mommy would’ve loved today’ after the day was over,” she remarked. “8 years ago, I was holding my mom’s hand to see my sister for the first time,” she said before adding that she won’t get that chance with her mum again. “But the love you’ve shown us…” she said, with tears in her eyes. She even listed how everything the little girl wanted was gifted to her, thanks to these random people who offered support. “Moments like this make it so much more bearable. You all have helped us feel far less alone,” she said.

You can follow Chloe Sexton (@cloebluffcakes) on TikTok for more content on parenting and lifestyle.