Shelbi's Sweets and Treats

Shauna and Vince Martin have found a sweet way to raise money for a good cause.

Shelbi's Sweets and Treats, an ice cream truck business the couple began, is a nonprofit, all-volunteer effort that benefits families dealing with childhood cancer.

All proceeds from ice cream sales go toward bringing joy to those families by sending them on a dream vacation, buying them something they have always wanted (such as a swing set), or purchasing an adaptive bike or equipment that the family may not be able to afford.

The business was begun in memory of Shauna and Vince's daughter, Shelbi.

"Our daughter, Shelbi Martin, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor a week before her fourth birthday, on March 22, 2007," said Shauna. "That day began a long battle for us. However, through it all, the community, our church home, family and God held us up through our struggle."

Shelbi lost her battle after 15 months of radiation, chemotherapy, stem-cell transplants and surgery. Shelbi also went blind during her diagnosis. However, through all the struggles, an ice cream truck always could bring a smile on her face — as did all the wonderful people who helped bring her joy, including Wishes Can Happen, who sent her to Disney World and to see Dora the Explorer. Those were some of the happiest, most special times of Shelbi's life, her mom said.

"It wasn't about the ice cream, but the pure joy it brought Shelbi to hear the music, run to the truck and choose her very own treat."

Shelbi's Sweets and Treats was unveiled on what would have been her sixth birthday, March 29, 2009.