Raspberry White Chocolate Pops - Fund Raising For Pink October

We are moving into the tail end of the month long campaign in October by the Breast Cancer Foundation to raise awareness for breast cancer. Cancer, of any form is trecherous but breast cancer, in particular has an eery sense of relevance and reality among every woman. I think the heightened sense of relevance for most of us women stems partly from the fact that it is one of the most common form of cancer among women and partly from the fact that it strikes at the very core of what represents and celebrates our womanhood. I believe everyone of us have had friends who had been afflicted by breast cancer or had a close scare of getting it. I myself, have 2 friends who are breast cancer survivors. In addition, I also went through the anxiety of wondering if the fibroid lumps in my own breast would be malignant.

I recall some years back, L and myself were enjoying an intimate moment when he suddenly told me that he felt something different in my right breast. There was an awkward uneasy pause and immediately next day, I made an appointment with the doctors to have a mammogram scan.

True enough, the mammogram picked up a lump that was quite sizeable. The doctor then immediately proceeded with a Ultra sound scan for a better look at the lump. The accessment came only a few days later. Luckily, after studying the ultrasound films, the doctor told me that from the shape and the form of the lump, it did not look malignant. The better way to handle this would be to have an operation to remove the lump and perform a biopsy to be sure. Alternatively, I could let it stay and have them monitor the lump over a period of 6 to 12 months to see if the lump would change any further. Fearful of the prospect of going under a knife, I chose the second option. For the next 6 months, I went for 2 more ultrasound scans, both times, the lump remained unchanged. When I went for the yearly health screening a year later, I made sure I brought my films with me for the doctor to compare against the new scans. Nowadays, I make sure I do a mammogram and ultrasound scan 2 times a year and it still slightly freaks me out whenenver I do my scans, fearful that they may find something unpleasant.

I count myself priviledged enough to be eligible for regular scans like these. Yearly health checks are covered by company and as I don't normally fall ill, my yearly doctor's allowance are more than enough to cover me for additional scans. Not everyone is as lucky as I am....

In Singapore, the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) is a non-profit organisation that strives to increase awareness of breast cancer, promotes early detection and treatment of the disease, and provides support services. I have never experienced the trauma of going through cancer treatment and I fervently pray that I will never have to experience it but for those who have been dealt a shorter hand in life, they will need all the support they can get - be it financial or emotional. 

During this month of October, BCF Singapore launches its own Pink Ribbon Campaign in the hope to increase awareness and raise funds to support the affected. One of the brilliant team ups for the campaign is with DBB to come up with a series of provocative bodyart posters to raise awareness for the event. I love the driving catch phrase of  " Are you obsessed with the right things? "... knowing that Vainity is a Woman's middle name, this poignant approach delivers a heavy dose of reality and drives home the significance of perspective of breast cancer. This is my favourite....

 " Are you obsessed with the right things? The difference between a pimple and breast cancer is that of life and death. Regular breast checks are the best way to fight cancer. Show support for the women in your life by purchasing a Pink Ribbon."

In support for the Pink Ribbon Campaign, I am sharing here my simple recipe on Raspberry White Chocolate Pops which I first saw at the Donna Hay store. These chocolate pops are supposed to be stir- melted into hot milk to yield a creamy white chocolate drink.


In addition, I am also helping the Singapore Breast Cancer Foundation to sell their Pink Ribbon Collar pins in the hope to raise funds for their support efforts.

Each pin costs S$5 and I will be returning the pledge cards to BCF by 15th Nov. For those who wish to purchase a pin, please drop me a comment or email with your contact detail. Due to logistics limitations, I will only be able to open this fund raising to those who are residing in Singapore.
I hope to get your support for BCF. Thank you!


Recipe
White Couverture Chocolate          125g
Pink colour paste                            A few drops
Raspberry Extract                           1/4 tsp

Method
1. Melt white chocolate in microwave oven or over a bain marie.
2. Add colouring and extract and stir until smooth with a spatula.
3. Pour chocolate into a small paper cup or mold. Position a disposable spoon in the cup. (my bamboo spoons are from Donna Hay :))
4. Refrigerate until chocolate is set.

5. To enjoy, heat up a cup of milk and stir (4) into the milk.