Inspired by My Mom. Written for Every Child.

The Story That Started It All- The Girl Who Couldn’t Eat Cake

Hi, I'm McKenna.

I'm a wife, mom of two little girls, full-time college student studying elementary education and intervention specialist , and I am the owner of The Sweet Shell Co., a dedicated gluten-free bakery.

If you've ever wondered why I chose to open a gluten-free bakery, the answer has always been simple.

My mom is the reason behind it all.

Growing up, my mom spent much of her childhood sick without anyone knowing why. Long before celiac disease was commonly recognized or tested for, she struggled every single day with symptoms that couldn't be explained. She went years feeling different from everyone around her, missing out on things other kids took for granted, and searching for answers that no one seemed to have.

When she was finally diagnosed with celiac disease, everything finally made sense—but it couldn't give her back the childhood she spent hurting.

Her story has stayed with me my entire life.

When I started The Sweet Shell Co., I knew I wanted it to be more than a bakery. I wanted it to be a place where people living with celiac disease could finally walk into a bakery without fear. A place where birthdays could be celebrated, holidays could feel normal again, and children could pick out a dessert without wondering if it would make them sick.

Every cookie, macaron, cupcake, and cake I make is because of her.

Now I want to continue that mission in a different way.

I'm writing a children's book inspired by my mom's childhood and her journey to finally being diagnosed with celiac disease. My hope is that children living with celiac will finally see themselves in a story while also helping classmates, teachers, friends, and family understand what this disease really is.

I want children to know they aren't alone.

I want siblings to understand.

I want classmates to choose kindness.

I want teachers to recognize why accommodations matter.

Most of all, I want every child living with celiac disease to feel seen, understood, and included.

To bring this story to life, I'm working with a professional illustrator whose artwork will capture the emotions and heart behind every page. The illustrations are the largest investment at $2,200, with additional costs for editing, formatting, self-publishing, printing, and sharing the book with families, schools, libraries, and pediatric offices.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward:

* Professional illustrations

* Editing and formatting

* Self-publishing expenses

* Printing proof copies and the first run of books

* Helping this story reach children who need it most

As a small thank-you for believing in this dream, every person who donates to this campaign will receive a signed copy of the book when they purchase one after it's published- whether it's for yourself, your child, your classroom, a friend, a teacher, or as a gift for someone special. It will be my way of saying thank you for helping make this story possible.

If you've ever lived with celiac disease, loved someone who has, or simply believe every child deserves to feel included, I would be incredibly grateful for your support.

If you're unable to donate, sharing this campaign would mean the world to me. Every share brings this story one step closer to the children and families who need it.

Thank you for believing in this dream and for helping me turn my mom's story into something that can bring hope, understanding, and comfort to countless others.

The Sweet Shell Co. began because of my mom's story. This book is simply the next chapter of that story- and my way of making sure other children know they're never alone.

With love and gratitude,

McKenna Bartel