09/21/2026
My Sister’s Story
Today, we’re not just celebrating Soma’s birthday. We’re honoring her life story.
My sister was diagnosed with lupus at just 19 years old, right after graduating from high school. At a time when most people were going off to college, starting careers, and figuring out their path, my sister was fighting for her life.
She spent years in and out of hospitals, endured two failed kidney transplants, and spent 18 hours a week on dialysis. Yet through it all, she kept fighting.
When I was in Los Angeles, she called to tell me she was receiving her third kidney transplant. I dropped everything and came home to Hillsboro. I moved in with her for three months, determined to be by her side as we healed together.
During that time, I saw something in my sister I hadn’t seen in a long time. She found joy in baking, something our father was known for in our family. I saw that sparkle in her eyes again, and I knew baking would become part of her healing journey.
After more than 20 years of dialysis, transplants, hospitals, and fighting through more than most people could imagine, a kidney donor gave my sister a gift that changed everything. For the first time in her adult life, Soma gets to wake up every day and do something she loves. And I get to be by her side, making sure her dreams continue to become her reality.
To me, success isn’t how many cakes we sell or whether everyone likes our cupcakes.
Success looks like Soma.
Happy birthday to the best big sister, mother, and self-taught baker. Today, we celebrate you, your story, your strength, and all the gifts you continue to give to the people around you.
With love,
Your baby sister
