Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers and mother figures who provide endless strength for their children while they are receiving medical care far from home and to those who ensure these mothers have the strength to do it.

A Mother’s Day Story: Baking Memories

It’s a labor of love that Jessica enjoyed sharing with her mom and now shares with others. Every Mother’s Day, since 2021, Jessica has honored her mom by turning their passion for baking into a way to help others.

“Baking was my mom’s love and something we did together. I wanted to do something meaningful with something she loved,” said Jessica.

For Jessica, this was an easy choice. Baking her mother’s favorite cookie, lady locks, she began a fundraiser to support the charities her mom most cherished – the National Aviary, Phipps Conservatory, RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Starting that first year with the support of family and friends, word soon caught on about the special bake sale. Today, Jessica bakes more than 200 dozen lady locks. She begins making the treats four weeks prior to Mother’s Day and delivers them leading up to the special day.

In addition to donating to Ronald McDonald House, Jessica has also hosted a Bake & Decorate event, spending time with families staying at the Charity.

“It was so nice, the families just wanted to talk while enjoying an everyday experience,” said Jessica.

Jessica’s mission to honor her amom by helping others has resonated with her eight-year-old son Charlie. Last year, he began collecting pull tabs for RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown. He looks for them wherever he goes. And this year, he took it to the next level—rallying his friends and teachers to help him with his collection.

“He’s so proud of all his tabs,” said Jessica. Sharing that she talked about to him about the mission of the Ronald McDonald House, Charlie understands that every tab is supporting families in need.

People are inspired to help others for many reasons. For this mother and son duo, their inspiration to make a difference came from the desire to honor a special loved one on Mother’s Day.