The 10,000th Cake

What an amazing weekend for us! We were so blessed to share this amazing milestone with such a beautiful family!

Sweet Everleigh has battled Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma, one of the rarest forms of childhood cancer, since October 2014. Everleigh’s family received the diagnosis after mom noticed her belly had become very hard over a two day period. After testing, a large mass was found attached to her liver. Through surgery, doctors removed the mass as well as a portion of Everleigh’s liver and gallbladder and discovered it was cancerous. The cancer was completely removed, however, doctors felt chemotherapy was the only option to ensure her health. After six months of chemo, Everleigh was ready to celebrate her 2nd birthday CANCER FREE! And we were thrilled to celebrate with her!

Everleigh’s story quickly grabbed the hearts of so many people! She stole the show when she appeared on WTSP Studio 10 Live with her mom, Zhade and our Founder/Executive Director of Icing Smiles Tracy Quisenberry.

Everleigh’s mom Zhade told us, “She never ate solid foods until about a month after we finished chemo so she never got to enjoy a smash cake on her 1st birthday like a normal child would.” That is why we were determined to give Everleigh the perfect cake! We called on Satin Ice Artist of Excellence, Mercedes Strachwsky of Bake Me a Cake in Altamonte Springs, FL. She jumped on board and her incredible heart and talent delivered the most amazing work of art!

Mercedes says she understands the importance of creating beautiful memories for children like Everleigh suffering from terrible disease and their families. “I love Icing Smiles because it gives kids the opportunity to have happiness during the most difficult situations. Every child deserves to be happy on their birthday, and this provides them a chance to smile big!” The cake was complete with the perfect Olaf! We knew from the news segment that Everleigh loved Olaf!

A very special Snow Princess, Amy Sharpe, with Dreams Come True Entertainment volunteered her time to make this day so magical for Everleigh! The birthday girl was presented with a royal gift – her very own princess crown!

Zhade and her husband Jim Ed were so welcoming and gracious. The last two years have been such a challenge filled with fears and stress. We were honored to bring our mission to this beautiful family. Jim Ed was especially grateful at the excitement the day brought for Zhade. “Zhade has been looking forward to this more than just about anything in two years. It’s been such a gift for her to have something to look forward to,” said Jim Ed. Zhade had shared earlier that, “There are plenty of organizations out there that get you through the difficult times, but there are not many that truly celebrate the kids.”

When the cake was brought in and Zhade took a step back, Everleigh’s grandfather put his arm around her. Their tears spoke unsaid words. It was their gratitude and their joy that they were able to celebrate this precious life in such a special way. Their emotion told us “it’s so much more than cake.”