Bake-A-Wish Archives

In 2013, after multiple opportunities to partner with local families, Ava’s officially launched the “Ava’s Bake-a-Wish” program to help families raise funds, awareness, and support during difficult times directly related to medical emergencies and illnesses.

We have decided it is time to relaunch the program and open Ava’s Bake-a-Wish right here in North Carolina! In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, we are raising funds and sponsoring Bethany, a local mom of 3 from Winston-Salem.

Ava's Bake-A-Wish for Bethany

Ava’s Bake-A-Wish for Bethany!

Over the past six years, Bethany has endured the tiring and lonely journey of battling breast cancer. She is a fighter and through it all has remained a constant reminder of love and hope to her three beautiful daughters. Her breast cancer, however, has continued to fight too and has spread to other parts of her body during this time. Bethany needs our love, support, and funds more than ever as she continues to battle back against cancer.

Please join us as we help Bethany through Ava’s Bake-A-Wish Campaign by donating directly to Bethany with this link: http://spot.fund/2LcrKJ – Every donation counts towards our goal and Bethany will receive the proceeds directly!

PLUS, proceeds from our delicious Pink Ribbon Cookies sold in our Winston-Salem and Clemmons stores, as well as online for national shipping, will go directly to Bethany too. Please stop in our Clemmons or Winston-Salem stores or shop online to get your cookies and join us as we help this amazing mom!

Breast Cancer Awareness

Bethany’s Story

I first felt the lump when I was pregnant with my youngest daughter, Edyn. The doctor thought it was a clogged milk duct, so I didn’t have any testing or scans until five months later. I was officially diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer on December 22, 2015, at the age of 31. Then, I endured a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, hysterectomy (because the cancer was hormone positive), and hormone therapy. I was told I was in remission in August 2016. With the fear of a re-occurrence always in the back of my mind, I tried to put “cancer” behind me and move on. After all, I had 3 girls to raise, so the cancer was history.

It Came Back

On September 20, 2018, I had a yearly PET scan which revealed that the cancer had returned. My nightmare was back, but this time I was fighting for my life. At 33 years old, I was told I had terminal stage 4 breast cancer. The cancer has spread to my bones and possibly my stomach. At first, I cried. The fear of my three girls not having me was very real. My baby is 3 years old, and my oldest is only 9. They still need me for many, many years. After about 20 minutes of tears and falling to my knees praying, I felt a great sense of peace.

In the back of my mind, I heard something a friend once told me, “Fear not.” Brad Jones, a dear friend, told me that God commands us one thing more than anything else and that is to “fear not,” as God has got this. Now I am still human and sometimes the fear comes creeping up and I pray. It’s not a fear of cancer or dying, but a fear of my babies not having me. God alone is my refuge and God is what’s allows me to have this inner peace I can’t explain. I don’t cry! While I worry, I do not do so enough to cry. I surround myself with friends and family. My three daughters, ages 3, 8, and 9 help by keeping me very busy. I also have learned to not sweat the small stuff.

Being diagnosed with a terminal illness really puts things into perspective. I rarely stress. God has provided every step of the way. Treatments are very expensive. I’m doing holistic as well as conventional medicine and it’s extremely expensive, but God has always provided. It’s amazing to sit back and let HIM handle it all. Who am I to doubt the almighty physician? So, God uses my friends, family, and complete strangers to help me and provide for me.

What This Year Has Held

On January 28, 2021, all I can say is ‘when it rains it pours’. I’ve been tested to the ends of the earth. The last few days have been oh so rough and testing. You would think with all the cancer that has popped up and disappeared just to pop up again that nothing would surprise me, but I was thrown a really rough one this time. Shew, it’s been many tears, prayers, more tears, the “why me”, getting into self, being selfish, not having enough trust in God, worrying about finances and even more worries. I can honestly say that with God my friends have carried me through this one 100%.

I’ve hit some real bad lows and it scared me. Who knew cancer could spread to your mouth? Seriously, who knew my heart could hurt so bad? I mean who thought I would be sued over medical bills I’m trying to pay‍? Who knew you could lose everything trying to live? It’s just not right. Thank you to the ones that have been my rock when I couldn’t stand anymore. I’m so sorry for all the babies having to fighting cancer. Plus, I’m sorry for all the tears. I’m sorry for complaining about my finances and not having enough money. Thank you for the prayers and please keep them coming. Please let my parents have their peace dealing their own way!! Cancer hurts, it expensive and lonely. Thank you to everyone that’s helped me throughout this experience.

Right Now

In September 2021, my last scan showed tumors on my esophagus, spine, hips, thighs, and pelvis. In the previous month, I had just a few tumors, but this recent scan showed my bones themselves are covered with tumors. The biopsy from the new tumors showed that I now have a completely different type of breast cancer. It has to be treated completely different then the hormone positive breast cancer in the past. I will be back on IV chemo in a few days. My esophagus is a miracle as the biopsy revealed absolutely nothing is there! Praise God. Being on chemo as a single mom scares me but I know God will take care of me and my girls.

Ava's Bake-A-Wish for Bethany

It’s like people LOVE us or something ;)

Zackary P.

Ava's Cupcakes is founded by Michelle Spell, the winner of the 4th season of the popular Food Network show, "Cupcake Wars". Winston-Salem is extremely fortunate to be the location she chose to open her cupcake shop. I've tried about 8 different cupcakes so far, and each one is packed with their own unique flavor, including creme brulee, apple pie, and s'mores. Contrary to other cupcake shops around WS, the sweetness... more

Ava’s Cupcakes is founded by Michelle Spell, the winner of the 4th season of the popular Food Network show, “Cupcake Wars”. Winston-Salem is extremely fortunate to be the location she chose to open her cupcake shop. I’ve tried about 8 different cupcakes so far, and each one is packed with their own unique flavor, including creme brulee, apple pie, and s’mores. Contrary to other cupcake shops around WS, the sweetness level of these cupcakes are within an acceptable range and will not make you frantically grab the closest glass of water to wash down the sugar. Although the sweetness can be slightly underwhelming at times and the fluffiness of the cupcake itself can be a bit too much, their cupcakes are still worth trying out!

WORTH IT? YES, they are the BEST cupcake shop in Winston-Salem and the greater Triad area (Overall 8/10)

Brooklyn White

Went into Ava’s and was greeted very pleasantly! The women working was very nice, I went in to try and get a cake because I had waited till last minute to get one for a birthday party, I got a strawberry’s and cream cake and mini cupcakes. They were a huge hit and so delicious!!!

Anthony C.

I had just come out of paradise nails and was craving something sweet so I decided to check out Ava's cupcake. Upon arrival, I was greeted and asked if I had been in their store before. Then I was explained which cupcakes were seasonal, regular, and cream cheese frosted. I tried the seminal cinnamon pumpkin first which was AMAZING. The cake was spongy, flavorful, and moist. The frosting was good... more

I had just come out of paradise nails and was craving something sweet so I decided to check out Ava’s cupcake. Upon arrival, I was greeted and asked if I had been in their store before. Then I was explained which cupcakes were seasonal, regular, and cream cheese frosted.

I tried the seminal cinnamon pumpkin first which was AMAZING. The cake was spongy, flavorful, and moist. The frosting was good because it was not overly sweet. For me, it’s a 10/10.

I saved the red velvet for the next day. My expectations were high since I tried the cinnamon pumpkin prior. I was a little disappointed, it was good but it was not spongy or moist as the cinnamon pumpkin. This could be because it needs to remain cold because of the crème cheese frosting. For me, it’s a 8/10.

Overall this place is good I’ll definitely be back to try more of their seasonal cupcakes.

Jenny N.

All their cupcakes are at least 8/10, apple pie is 10/10! Amazing cupcake place that won on an episode of Food Network's cupcake wars with their apple pie and banana guava flavored cupcakes. The quality of their cupcakes are INSANE and they have a plethora of flavors. Love that they have seasonal cupcakes during holidays or as the season change. I've shown multiple friends Ava's cupcakes and they are blown... more

All their cupcakes are at least 8/10, apple pie is 10/10!

Amazing cupcake place that won on an episode of Food Network’s cupcake wars with their apple pie and banana guava flavored cupcakes. The quality of their cupcakes are INSANE and they have a plethora of flavors. Love that they have seasonal cupcakes during holidays or as the season change. I’ve shown multiple friends Ava’s cupcakes and they are blown away every time even if they don’t have a sweet tooth.

I’ve tried basically all of their flavors, my favorites include apple pie, caramel apple, oreo, and creme brûlée. Most of the cupcakes have filling, a great frosting to cake ratio, and a very fluffy cupcake base. I find the frosting very sweet and often do not eat all of it but is a great occasional drink. Always great service as well and clean store interior.

Erik S.

Nothing has changed about my original review for Ava's. They continue to be the absolute best place around to get some treats and cupcakes, not once have they failed to impress or have I received anything that might have tasted less than fresh. This is my go to place to get cupcakes for any occasion, and they should be yours too. My favorite recent discovery from their wide flavor selection... more

Nothing has changed about my original review for Ava’s. They continue to be the absolute best place around to get some treats and cupcakes, not once have they failed to impress or have I received anything that might have tasted less than fresh. This is my go to place to get cupcakes for any occasion, and they should be yours too.

My favorite recent discovery from their wide flavor selection is their key lime flavor. Banana guava is still my absolute favorite, but the flavor pop of the lime in this cupcake was so zesty and balanced with the sweetness of the cupcake, perfect for a warm day!

Go to Ava’s, you won’t regret it!

Alyson Dietze

We ordered a vegan cake for my daughter’s first birthday since she has a cow milk protein allergy. It was not only beautiful but everyone at the party loved it, especially my daughter who smashed up and ate her own big piece! You would have never guessed it was vegan and the strawberry filling was wonderful. Thanks for making our celebration special!!

Chip R.

The Deets:On the occasion of finally getting to see my parents (we are all fully COVID-19 vaccinated now!), they brought me a couple of red velvet cupcakes from Ava's Cupcakes near where they are from. As red velvet is one of my favorite cake types, I was excited to give these a try. In having my first bite, I was pleasantly greeted with great taste...a classic red velvet taste but... more

The Deets:
On the occasion of finally getting to see my parents (we are all fully COVID-19 vaccinated now!), they brought me a couple of red velvet cupcakes from Ava’s Cupcakes near where they are from. As red velvet is one of my favorite cake types, I was excited to give these a try. In having my first bite, I was pleasantly greeted with great taste…a classic red velvet taste but not overpowering, nice and balanced. I like that the cupcake itself was sweet without being overly sweetened, again a good balance. It was a moist cupcake (was it the moistest cupcake ever for me, no, but certainly good and not dry and crumbly for sure). The cream cheese icing was tasty, a very good portion of it but just avoids being too massively overloaded. Overall, the red velvet cupcakes were delicious from Ava’s and I would definitely visit this shoppe if I had an opportunity when in that area.

Jeanine K.

A friend dropped these off for us and they are officially my favorite cupcake in the Winston/Clemmons area! The cupcake itself is moist and has great flavor and the icing is the perfect amount of sweet. I also LOVE that these all had a filling of some sort, it really gave the cupcake that extra depth in flavor.The 4 flavors we got were strawberry champagne, margarita, cookie dough and banana... more

A friend dropped these off for us and they are officially my favorite cupcake in the Winston/Clemmons area! The cupcake itself is moist and has great flavor and the icing is the perfect amount of sweet. I also LOVE that these all had a filling of some sort, it really gave the cupcake that extra depth in flavor.
The 4 flavors we got were strawberry champagne, margarita, cookie dough and banana guava.
My two favorites were the strawberry and the cookie dough (which are the ones I got a picture of the inside of).

We will DEFINITELY be stopping by to get more ASAP!

Helen Robinson

the cupcakes are amazing & the staff are always very friendly and helpful!Edit: if you haven’t tried the mini chocolate chip cookies, you’re seriously missing out! They’re amazing, I ended up buying three dozen within a week. I would be lying if I said I didn’t eat all of them by myself!

the cupcakes are amazing & the staff are always very friendly and helpful!
Edit: if you haven’t tried the mini chocolate chip cookies, you’re seriously missing out! They’re amazing, I ended up buying three dozen within a week. I would be lying if I said I didn’t eat all of them by myself!

Ava’s Bake-A-Wish for Bethany!