The Inaugural Cake: Our Beginning

As we look back on 10,000 Miles, 10,000 Smiles we start the journey in Ohio with Cake #1 and sweet Violet. The vision was there. Violet brought it to life.

Six years ago, this month, Icing Smiles began with one hobby baker, one cake and one incredible little girl.

That hobby baker was Tracy Quisenberry, and the little girl was Violet. “I delivered our first cake to this beautiful 7 year old girl. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew that the experience would define what Icing Smiles would become. She was reserved and barely spoke, yet she left a mark that motivated me to see where this journey would lead.”

Violet was the baby of the family. With two older brothers, you can imagine the dynamic. This spunky little sweetheart “tormenting” her brothers and all three loving every minute of it. Violet was their princess, warm, thoughtful and the center of the family’s world.

Not long after her 6th birthday, Violet began getting sick. She battled the undiagnosed illness for several months. On November 19, 2009 her family received the devastating news that Violet had a brain tumor. Five short days later, Violet went in for surgery to remove the tumor. As large as a baseball at this time, her doctors could not remove it, but they were able to biopsy the mass. The diagnosis was PNET tumor (primitive neuroectodermal tumor). This amazing little princess underwent five rounds of strong chemo to shrink the tumor.

In and out of the hospital and battling the effects of the chemo, Violet was still ready to celebrate her 7th birthday in January 2010! Every birthday is a celebration of life, but for Violet’s family this was the most special. When Tracy and Violet’s mom, Robin, connected and planned her cake, Tracy had never met Violet. Robin remembers the day of the delivery. “Violet had never had a fancy cake like that before, and not only was it beautiful it was delicious. Tracy did such a great job capturing Violet’s personality without even meeting her in person before making the cake! It was the BEST CAKE EVER!” What a sweet memory the experience created for Violet and her family!

In the summer of 2010, and now at half the original size, Violet’s doctors removed almost all of the tumor. The family prepared for a stem cell transplant and radiation. Doctors felt this combination would take care of the rest and give Violet her normal life back.

In doing some pre-testing, cancerous cells were found during the spinal tap. An MRI confirmed the cancer had spread down the back of her brain and spine. After 6 weeks of very strong radiation, and MRI showed the cancer was gone. Robin and the family were cautious. “We were very excited but still skeptical because we had seen before how fast the cancer comes back. Violet started back to school and I headed back to work hoping to put this all behind us.” Within two weeks, Violet became sick again. The MRI showed the cancer had returned.

On December 7, 2010, Violet lost her battle against this vicious disease. “She was the bravest person I ever met. She never once through this whole experience felt sorry for herself or acted scared. She fought this with a spunkiness I couldn’t believe and with a smile on her face.” A smile that has become the foundation and heart of Icing Smiles.

Violet’s mom, Robin, her dad and brothers struggle every day. “We struggle to make it through life without her. I miss her so much I physically feel the pain. She was definitely the icing on top of our cake! Not only has Icing Smiles helped us with the cake, but everyone has supported us by keeping her memory alive. This means so much to our family. My biggest fear is no one remembering her or thinking of her anymore. She will always be seen and known by the followers of Icing Smiles, and I am so thankful for this.”

Violet secured the vision of Icing Smiles and defines so much of our mission. Her sweet smile has stolen the hearts of so many and continues to welcome everyone to Icing Smiles.

“I am honored that Icing Smiles will forever share a birthday with this angel. Happy Birthday Violet and to our friends, families and partners, thank you for six amazing years and 10,000 Smiles.” – Tracy