Behind The Baker
The Story Of Care Cupcakes
Founded in 2022 by Katina Gerstein on her journey to recovery she found joy in giving "Care Cupcakes." Katina is a chronically ill patient born in 1994 with 2 extremely rare conditions that leave her unable to eat. She suffers from Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) a rare vascular anomoly compression and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) a genetic connective tissue disorder. Her story is sure to ignite warming hearts all around Los Angeles soul searching for healing.
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It began in 2018 when she moved to Los Angeles embarking on her lost journey to diagnosis, treatment and ultimately recovery. Dr. Danny shouhed the leading MALS specialist along with some of the best doctors America has to offer have been treating her in hopes of finding relief from her debilitating progressive condition. After multiple operations she went into remission for 4 years enjoying her favorite sweet treats.
In 2022 her condition returned and all her symptoms relapsed. In February she became dependent on tube feeding and in April she became dependent on TPN (Total Parenternal Nutrition) through an intravenous picc line. Her inability to eat has lead to severe malnutrition.
This sparked her interest in sharing her favorite baked treats so others could enjoy them for her. Her new reality doesn't feel so sad when she shares the happiness cupcakes makes her feel. This is how she created her idea of Care Cupcakes. Katina states "Everytime I see someone enjoy one of my delightful creations I imagine myself indulging through my cupcake imagination its almost as if I can taste it for myself."
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Katina wants to inspire more people with her story and remind others of how sweet life really is when you simply look on the brightside. Her baking was a way to turn a bitter situation into a sweet remedy!
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