SF Baker Ices Over Sadness With Smiles

by Phil McIlrath, KDLT News
September 21, 2012 6:06 PM


If you've ever been faced with the loss of a loved one, you know it can take a while before the simple things in life are enjoyable again. Now one Sioux Falls baker, on her own, has brought a non-profit into the state called "Icing Smiles". The program provides cakes to children who are either battling illness or have suffered the loss of a loved one.
    
This is a story about a cake.  Baker Tonna Bartek has made plenty of Birthday cakes before, but not one quite like this. Right now it might look like a normal cake. The ingredients are the same:Eggs, flour, and water, but this cake has a little extra something in the icing,and Tonna is on a mission.

"This little girl is missing her brother,"said Baker Tonna Bartek. "My goal is to put a smile on her face."

This cake is for little Emily Thompson.  In the last 6 months, Emily along with her parents, have had to deal with the tragedy of losing her little brother Isaac, who six months ago died from Leukemia, just 9 days before his fifth birthday. During her brother's sickness Emily grew up fast. She did more than just be a big sister, she was his guardian angel, and at just 7 years old, was her brothers sole bone marrow donor.  Tonna hopes with her cake it can be a small way of helping to honor a little girl who has already given so much of herself.

"It's time for this little girl to shine a little bit and have her day,"said Bartek.

As the icing cures for this carousel, Emily's day arrives. And like most 8-year-olds, the sight of a cake with lights and horses can make one at a loss for words.

"I really like it,"said Emily Thompson.

Mom Likes it too.

"It's just amazing,"said Mom Jennifer Thompson. "Our kids deserve some happiness in their lives again and I'm just thrilled that Emily has that opportunity to have something special. On the other hand, I hate that our kids qualify for this stuff. I hate that my son is not here to enjoy it with her, but I'm just glad that Emily get's something special for her birthday this year.

A special moment that makes it all worthwhile for Tonna.

"I can't imagine how few and far between smiles are, so just to see Emily's face light up is all I could ask for,"said Bartek

An annual eating tradition made extra special with a little creativity and a lot of heart.
    
"I'll remember this day forever,"said Bartek.

If you'd like more information on Icing Smiles Click Here.