Love & Sugar Kisses: Pirate Birthday Cake for Icing Smiles

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Pirate Birthday Cake for Icing Smiles

About a year ago, I learned about an amazing non-profit organization called Icing Smiles. The mission of Icing Smiles is to provide custom celebration cakes & other treats to families with a child who is afflicted with a critical illness. It is their goal to "create a custom cake for the ill child or their sibling that will provide a temporary escape from worry and create a positive memory during a difficult time".

From the moment I learned about this incredible organization, I knew I wanted to be a part of it! I got my "call to action" last week. I had just a few days to put together a cake for a little boy who was turning 5 and was in Wolfson's Children Hospital due to complications from Leukemia. He was not happy that he would be spending his birthday in the hospital (who would be???)! But then, a little ray of sunshine shone through the clouds and he was sent home just in time for his birthday.

I delivered his cake to his home, where he happily celebrated with his family. It was so great to meet sweet little Liam! I mean look at him...is he not just the cutest little guy??? He couldn't wait to take a swipe at his cake (which he did when mom wasn't looking)!

You can read more about Liam's story & the sign the guestbook on his website at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/liamkeanegonzalez/mystory

Some people might say "it's just a cake" and in some respects that's true. But if for just a little while you can put a smile on a child's face and let them enjoy some birthday normalcy...without thoughts of doctors or medications or treatments...then I think it becomes more than "just a cake".

Please visit Icing Smiles to learn how you can help! If you are a baker or cake decorator (professional or hobbyist), sign up to be a "Sugar Angel". They serve children nationwide so chances are there is a child you can help in your area!

Even if baking is not your thing, you can still help with a donation, delivery of cakes, or fundraising!

Visit the Icing Smiles website and "like" their Facebook page. I promise you will be touched by the stories of these brave children and families and moved by the beautiful Icing smiles you will see!