WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – From fruit cake to coffee to a full display of desserts, Apple Annie’s Bake Shop in Wilmington seems to have it all, including Hans Westermark.
“It’s so helpful hearing his tips and tricks for everything because I’ve only been here for two years,” said employee Abigail Heustess.
Hans is the cake decorator and has been for over three decades.
“Sometimes I feel like I do this in my sleep,” he said. “I’ve decorated people’s cakes from the time their kid was born to the time they’ve graduated high school,” said Hans.
Apple Annie’s Bake Shop has been Hans’ life for the past 35 years. Now though life has baked a surprise for him. But unlike the cakes he decorates, it’s not so sweet.
“I started noticing a couple problems,” said Hans. “Of course it was cancer.”
Hans was diagnosed in June with stage 2 colorectal cancer. Since then he’s been undergoing radiation and chemotherapy, all while continuing to work.
“I feel a need to stay,” said Hans. “It’s like a family. I can’t abandon my family.”
A family that’s not abandoning him either, even on his worst days.
“I try to take any extra weight so he’s not so stressed,” said Heustess.
“They’re all great,” said Hans.
They’re also inspired. Not by the fruit cakes or coffee, or desserts, but by him.
“It helps me because trust me, sometimes I don’t want to be here either,” said Heustess. “No matter how you feel, you just have to stand up and try again. There’s nothing that’s going to stop you from meeting your goal and continuing to thrive in the world.”
Hans says he still has about a month and a half left of chemotherapy and then doctors will decide if he’s eligible for surgery.
If you’re interested in helping out, you can donate to his GoFundMe by clicking here.
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