APC News
Microbiome Baking For Cancer Support
Microbiome Baking For Cancer Support
Charity Bake Sale For Cork ARC Cancer Support House
Cork ARC Cancer Support House was the beneficiary of a recent cake sale with a difference at APC Microbiome Ireland. APC researchers baked amazing edible creations, both sweet and savoury, all relating to the microbiome – the community of microbes (bacteria, viruses, bacteriophage and fungi) living in and on us, which are essential for our health. The bake sale raised more than €600 for Cork ARC Cancer Support House, a local voluntary organisation.
Bakers were set the challenge of representing their research on the microbiome as a sweet or savoury food. More than 28 imaginative and tasty creations included “It’s What’s on the Inside that counts”, ”Fruit is Funky”, “GI Bifidobacteria”, “Microbe Man”, “Mint your Microbes” and “Bristol Stool Chart”.
The winning entry was the delicious “Probiotic Fresh Lemon and Raspberry Cheesecake” baked by Francesca Bottacini and Philip Kelleher. Lorraine Draper won the audience prize for her wonderful “Examining the Microbiome” chocolate “poo”, complete with a candy magnifying glass. These edible works of art tasted better than some of their names suggest!
Judges Anne Fenton, from the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, UCC, and Joanne McCarthy, Marketing and Communications Manager at Cork ARC, had the difficult task of choosing a winner for the coveted trophy and APC baking apron. Quote from Joanne “Cork ARC are honoured with the support and kindness received from APC Microbiome Ireland. The team brought science alive in the most creative and delicious way with their microbiome-themed bake sale to raise vital funds and awareness about Cork ARC Cancer Support House’s services, all available free of charge to cancer patients, their families and carers.”
Cork ARC Cancer Support House, (http://www.corkcancersupport.ie/), is a safe haven for people with cancer and their families, where they can find information, practical help, emotional support and trust. Cork ARC aims to provide therapies that complement the medical model and adhere to best practice, so as to make a difference to the lives of those affected by cancer. Based in Cork city, Bantry, Youghal and with a Friday morning community support service in Cork city’s north side, all of their services are available free of charge.
Pictured (above) are Winners Philip Kelleher and Francesca Bottacini with their “Fresh Lemon and Raspberry Probiotic Cheesecake” and (below)Audience winner Lorraine Draper’s “Chocolate Poo with candy magnifying glass” and a selection of baked entries
