Hoboken’s 'Cake Boss' Inspires Girl To Fight Spina Bifida

Hoboken, NJ – In less than two weeks, Mary Ana will get her wish fulfilled… to meet the Cake Boss.

On July 19, the Atlanta-based Children’s Wish Foundation International — a nonprofit that fulfills wishes for seriously ill children — will help Ana get a chance to hang out with Buddy Valastro, the owner of Hoboken landmark Carlo’s Bakery and the star of the hit TLC television series “Cake Boss.”

Ana, a North Carolina native, said her love for baking original cakes started when she began watching "Cake Boss" on Netflix. After discovering that Valastro’s mom is fighting for her life against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Mary found the confidence to defy the odds against her own battle with spina bifida.

“Being able to work with Buddy means more than just baking a cake for Mary, it means learning to conquer something new in spite of the obstacles she faces every day,” the nonprofit stated.

“Despite disability and multiple challenges, Mary has always been determined and does not let anything slow her down,” her mother said. “Baking a cake with Buddy has been a dream to Mary for the last four years. He has truly influenced her to follow her dreams while facing tough obstacles.”

• See related article: Pope Will Get A Treat From Hoboken's Cake Boss

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