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Helping Others Can Be a ‘Sweet’ Treat

Ms Delcie Lam from Delcie's Desserts and Cakes was an enthusiastic supporter of NCCS Jeans for Genes campaign  that was launched in April 2019. The campaign was advertised at the dessert store front, social media pages and even through a press release. Delcie also fundraised for the cause by selling her recipe book. NCCS is grateful for such enthusiastic, big-hearted individuals and companies that support the cancer cause. Why support Jeans for Genes? We speak to Delcie to find out more.


Delcie Lam (top row, middle) and members of her staff pose in jeans, with jeans!

Why do you identify with the cancer cause?

My baking ingredients are largely organic as I was influenced by my mother's preference for organic food when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After she passed away from cancer, I became a passionate advocate for healthy eating, as my mother always believed that food can either be your medicine or your poison.

This was how I refocused my business to create and sell healthy cakes. For example, I pioneered the technique of baking guilt-free organic cakes without eggs, dairy, gluten. I also replaced cane sugar with low GI (Glycemic Index) natural sweeteners, which makes our cakes diabetic-friendly too.

Why did you choose to partner with NCCS for Jeans for Genes?

When we celebrated our 10th year anniversary of being in the "healthy food" industry in 2019, it reminded me of the scary journey my mother went through when she was diagnosed with cancer. This topic was of deep concern for me as I too, fear the risk of having similar cancer like my mother.

When I heard about NCCS' Jeans for Genes campaign, it resonated with me immediately and I decided to support this charitable cause as a tribute to my mother. It is also to commemorate our 10thyear anniversary and to remind my team of why we started this journey of offering healthy cakes.

What did you find meaningful about the campaign?

Continuous research and development in the field of genetics is what I feel is important. Individuals with a personal and/or family history of cancer, like myself, may stand a higher risk of getting similar cancers. This is especially so if their parents had multiple cancers – one of the clues to potential hereditary cancer risk. Genetic testing may benefit this group of people as early medicalinterventions can help prevent or detect cancer.

What did you find most fun about the campaign?

We are campaigning for a charitable cause for the first time and this is different from our previous volunteer or sponsorship experiences. For the staff, wearing jeans on Jeans for Genes day felt like we were all going for a costume party!


About Delcie's Desserts and Cakes

Founded in 2008, Delcie's Desserts and Cakes started as a humble neighbourhood bakery focusing on baking healthier cakes. Influenced by her late mother, Delcie started using organic ingredients with lower fat and sugar. Delcie's Desserts and Cakes was awarded the "Healthy Bakery Award" in 2011 by the Health Promotion Board, and has been HPB's Healthier Bakery Partner ever since.

What is Jeans For Genes?

Jeans For Genes was first established in 1992 by the Chronic Granulomatous Disorder (CGD) Society in the United Kingdom to fundraise for a diverse group of hereditary diseases. Today, countries around the world use this campaign tagline as an appeal for funding for revolutionary research that helps diagnose, understand and find cures or treatments for various genetic conditions.

On 25 April 2019, also known as World DNA Day, the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) launched Jeans for Genes in Singapore. Jeans for Genes aims to increase awareness for hereditary causes of diseases such as cancer as well as other hereditary conditions and raise funds for research and treatment.Several fundraising and awareness activities were organised, such as a curated 'omakase'-styled dinner and the creation of t-shirts which were sold to raise funds at apparel outlets across Singapore.

"1 in 10 cancers diagnosed are hereditary, and most cancers can be cured if detected early. Through genetic testing and counselling, families with a history of cancer can better understand their risks and take active steps to manage and potentially prevent themselves from developing cancer," explains Associate Professor Joanne Ngeow, Head of the Cancer Genetics Service in NCCS. "We are thankful for like-minded partners who believe in the work of the Cancer Genetics Service and we look forward to sharing the cause with many more."

J
eans for Genes Campaign is coming back!

Jeans for Genes has raised over $44,000 in aid of cancer genetics last year. This year, NCCS Community Partnership is planning an exciting line up of activities. Stay tuned for more information.

Want to get involved? Contact us at: Communitypartnership@nccs.com.sg