Awhile back, my sister was an Emergency Room Registered Nurse in United States Army. She completed the ROTC program at The University of Portland as well as OCS shortly thereafter, and went onto provide care to both service members and civilians alike.

In 2006, she served a tour of duty during Operation Enduring Freedom in Baghdad, Iraq as a Registered Nurse working with not only wounded service members, but also the Iraqi civilian population. During this time, I chose to start a weekly (7-10 days) baking initiative to provide comfort, remembrance, and appreciation to those who took an oath to serve. My goal was to bring a sense of home to those who were in a difficult situation and or a period of stress. I never missed a week throughout those 16 months my sister was in Iraq. Thankfully, she made it home and is doing fine.

This brings me to open the initiative back up to the medical community for the same purpose.

I’ve worked in healthcare for 13 years now and know that some days can be difficult. I also know that with continued change, uncertainty, and the day to day challenge of patient care, it is important to never forget our roots, our culture, and what inspired us to become selfless servants of the sick and dying.

With your support, I’ll be able to purchase the ingredients needed to bake a variety of goods that celebrate different cultures and memories. Each batch will be made with the intention of sparking nostalgia, fostering inclusion, and encouraging conversations about our diverse backgrounds. Whether it’s a cookie that tastes like home or a pastry that introduces someone to a new tradition, every treat will help build bridges in our community.

I invite you to join me in this mission to fund community, inclusion, and the spread of cultural diversity through baked goods. Your contribution, no matter the size, will help create moments of connection and joy for many. Thank you for believing in the power of food to bring people home.