Emma has been fighting for her life since she was born, and recently she was able to celebrate how far she’s come and will go in life!

Emma was born with tracheoesophageal fistula alongside esophageal atresia and coarctation of the aorta, so at 3 and 13 days old had surgery to repair her esophagus and heart. At 5 months old, Emma was prescribed glasses, at 7 months she was diagnosed with congenital hip dysplasia, at 9 months old she was having surgery again and receiving a spica cast, and lastly had to wear a helmet to reshape her head. As Emma’s mom, Jennifer, states, “The first two years were very scary and we ended up doing CPR on Emma four times, with some other close calls along the way. Even though these are life-long conditions, and she battles recurring pneumonia during the school year, Emma is thriving and doing well.”

Although it has been hard for Emma, there is no surprise in saying she will continue to fight and flourish in life. To celebrate her birthday this year and to make it exceptionally special, Emma got her favorite toy, the LOL Surprise Dolls, to be the theme of her cake. Not everyone is able to replicate LOL Surprise style, with its bright color theme and unique figures, but our lovely Sugar Angel Kim Kauffman was able to do the job spectacularly. And no surprise here, Emma loved the cake: “When Emma saw her cake, her face lit up and she ran and attacked Kim with a super big hug and kiss”, as described by Jennifer.

Emma’s family discovered Icing Smiles through another baker, who worked with the family previously and Icing Smiles is always happy to know that we are Baking a Difference for families like Emma’s.

You can learn more about Emma and her story at https://www.facebook.com/PrayersforEmmaRose/.

Thank you to Sugar Angel Kim Kauffman for creating Emma’s fantastic LOL Surprise Doll cake and creating a Smile!

With love and smiles,

Candyce Palmer

Icing Smiles Blog Writer