32 Dream Cakes & Counting with Mike Elder

Never Give Up: Gavin's Story of Hope, Advocacy, and Celebration

"Never give up. Keep trying. Things can only get better." Those simple words have guided Gavin through years of medical challenges after being diagnosed with a rare autoinflammatory disease and Crohn's disease as a child. In this inspiring episode, Gavin shares his journey from diagnosis to remission, his passion for advocacy, and the impact Icing Smiles has had on his life. As an eight-time cake recipient, he offers a firsthand perspective on how moments of celebration can bring joy, hope, and strength to families navigating critical illness. His wisdom, gratitude, and determination shine through in every part of this conversation. Learn more about Icing Smiles at www.icingsmiles.org

From YouTube Tutorials to Dream Cakes: Meet Sugar Angel Coral Hamner

In this episode of the Icing Smiles Podcast, Chelsea Boog sits down with longtime Sugar Angel Coral Hamner of California. Since joining Icing Smiles nearly a decade ago, Coral has created 33 dream cakes and fun cakes for children and families facing critical illness. Coral shares how a love of baking, a few YouTube tutorials, and encouragement from her family turned into a passion for cake decorating and volunteer service. From delivering her very first Icing Smiles cake to a young boy named Jacob, to celebrating milestones like the end of chemotherapy and transplant anniversaries, Coral reflects on the families, memories, and life lessons that have shaped her journey. Listeners will hear heartfelt stories about the impact of donated cakes, the connections formed with families, and why Coral continues to say "yes" to volunteering year after year. Plus, she shares her favorite cake themes, decorating tips, and advice for bakers who may be considering becoming an Icing Smiles Sugar Angel. Whether you're a baker, volunteer, or simply someone who believes in the power of kindness, this conversation is a reminder that a cake can be so much more than dessert—it can create joy, celebration, and lasting memories during life's most difficult moments. Learn more about Icing Smiles at www.icingsmiles.org [http://www.icingsmiles.org]

15 Cakes, 15 Years of Smiles: Lyla’s Journey

For 15 years, Icing Smiles has had the honor of celebrating Lyla’s birthdays with dream cakes made by our incredible Sugar Angels. 💜 In this episode of the Sweet Smiles Podcast, Lyla and her mom Courtney share their journey with short bowel syndrome, the impact of community support, and how something as simple as a birthday cake can create lasting memories during difficult seasons. From Minnie Mouse cakes to a show-stopping Peter Pan creation, this conversation is filled with gratitude, resilience, laughter, and hope. 🎂✨ Listen now and help us continue to bake a difference for families facing medical challenges. To learn more about Icing Smiles, please visit www.icingsmiles.org [http://www.icingsmiles.org]

Liam’s Legacy: A Mother’s Gift of Giving Back

In this deeply moving episode of the Sweet Smiles Podcast, we sit down with Amanda Brown, mother to Liam, who passed away from neuroblastoma. Amanda shares Liam’s story with honesty and love, reflecting on the journey their family walked and the lasting impact he continues to have. Through her grief, Amanda found a powerful way to honor Liam’s memory by participating in the Icing Smiles Pay It Forward program—ensuring another child and family could experience the joy of a custom celebration cake during an incredibly difficult time. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that love doesn’t end with loss. It continues forward—through generosity, through remembrance, and through the simple but powerful act of helping another family feel seen and celebrated. Learn more about Icing Smiles at www.icingsmiles.org

From Illness to Impact: Lauren Smith

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Smith, Operations Director for Icing Smiles, to explore both the mission behind the organization and the personal journey that brought her to it. Lauren shares her own experience navigating medical illness and how that chapter of her life led her to discover Icing Smiles—not just as a resource, but as a community rooted in compassion. Now leading operations, Lauren offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Icing Smiles coordinates thousands of volunteer bakers to deliver custom celebration cakes to families impacted by critical illness. From managing logistics to supporting volunteers and families, she gives insight into the care and intention behind every cake. It’s a conversation about resilience, connection, and how meaningful moments—no matter how small—can bake a difference during life’s most challenging times. Learn more about Icing Smiles at www.icingsmiles.org