WAIMEA — American Cancer Society is on a quest for more people to celebrate more birthdays. To that end, Waimea High School senior Natasha Abadilla is taking the ACS national theme to a community level by developing a senior project
WAIMEA — American Cancer Society is on a quest for more people to celebrate more birthdays. To that end, Waimea High School senior Natasha Abadilla is taking the ACS national theme to a community level by developing a senior project that encourages the public to take their health into their own hands.
Abadilla’s senior project, “Healthy Birthday Cake Bake-Off,” invites residents to create a cake low in fat and sugar and rich in love.
When Abadilla lost her grandfather to cancer five years ago she spent all her free time at the hospital.
“I knew my way around the hospital better than I knew Kekaha,” she said.
That experience guided her toward her chosen course of study: Pediatric oncology. Student body president and Miss Kaua‘i Veteran, Abadilla has been accepted into Stanford University, where she’ll pursue her degree.
“This way I can make a difference and make lives more comfortable for people with cancer,” she said. “I think eating healthy might be a way to prevent cancer,” Abadilla said.
Mary Williamson, executive director of the Kaua‘i branch American Cancer Society, confirmed that assertion.
“We know two-thirds of cancer is lifestyle-related,” she said. “We can control that risk by not smoking and eating right.”
“And exercising,” added Abadilla, who also runs track for Waimea High School.
Williamson and Abadilla met while enrolled in Kaua‘i Leadership in 2009.
Williamson applauds the relevance of Abadilla’s chosen project.
“By being on the prevention side of cancer it opens her project up to engage her peers,” Williamson said.
“Besides,” said Abadilla, “everyone can relate to cakes.”
Every day more people are joining the ACS movement to create a world with more birthdays, according to the organization’s Web site. “Our strength and commitment fuels the movement’s growth, honors those that have been affected by cancer, and reminds us all how special one more candle, one more cake, and one more celebration with the people we love truly is.”
The “Healthy Birthday Cake Bake-Off” is open to any baker: student, amateur or professional. There are categories for each with the only criteria being the recipe is an original and not copyrighted. From 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. April 17 entries will be accepted at the bake-off booth at St. Theresa’s School carnival, where judges will choose first-, second- and third-place winners in each category, and award prizes. Cakes will be judged for adherence to theme, taste, originality and presentation.
The deadline for entry is April 12. To receive a registration form e-mail: natasha_abadilla@hotmail.com, or call ACS, 246-0695.
Visit morebirthdays.com for more information.
Want to bake a healthier cake?
• Add fresh fruit
• Substitute oils with unsweetened applesauce
• Use organic ingredients
• Substitute two egg whites for one whole egg
• Use less sugar
• Substitute cocoa for chocolate chips
• Add citrus zest to boost flavor
