People may only think negativity comes out of having a cancer patient in your life, but I’ve experienced the opposite. After my 20-year old brother was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma this year, we have been embraced with surprising support from family, friends and our community. It felt awesome to say the least; but this new “normal” has given my family and myself a different perspective on feeling the need to give back.

I heard May Marquez’s story through the Food & Sh-t members before my brother was diagnosed. Before my brother’s life was threatened by cancer, we couldn’t wrap our heads around what it really felt like to go through that struggle and fear everyday. Now my family and I do know, and when I heard about May’s fundraiser dinner, I felt sort of a responsibility to help someone else who is going through a similar struggle.

Salted Sea Minter sweet Oysters with Watermelon and Cilantro Mignonette

Food & Sh*t Dashi Tinola, Dashi Ginger Broth, Garlic Chicken Meatball, Chayote, Spinach

The dinner itself was my favorite pop-up to-date. “May’s Mash-up” menu included dishes from hosts Kraken Congee, Food & Sh*t, and Salted Sea. The menu had a good mix of personality that each restaurant or pop-up holds. Since I have a sweet tooth, the Hood Famous Bake Shop made the dish that was most delightful to me - their Pandan Flan with a bruleed top and fresh berries. That doesn’t mean that the other prepared plates didn’t please me, because they did! It’s just hard to pick a favorite among so many deliciously creative makings.

Kraken Congee Salmon Sinigang Congee with Manila Clams, Bok Choy, Daikon

Salted Sea Smoked Trout Salad Mizuna, Poppy Seed Vinaigrette, Chioggia Beets and Goat Cheese Truffle

The night went on merrily while special guests; The Purple Heart Social Club arrived to perform a few songs for the room full of guests. The group of ladies introduced themselves and shared account of their own family member, Phoenix, who had cancer, lost the fight but inspired them to spread the lessons of love that she gave them.

Hood Famous Bake Shop Pandan (Coconut) Flan Brulee, Creamy Custard Infused with Pandan, Caramelized sugar, Topped with Sea Salt

I felt the night encompassed so much of the positive side of cancer; showing support of your loved ones, eating wonderful food, finding light in what life is like at the moment and forgetting for a second how afraid we are when we think about how much more time we have here on earth with our loved ones.

Hello, I’m Emma Eekhoff. I’m a 17-year-old that would rather be networking for business than at a party with my high school friends. I’m not afraid to share my stance on something, whether it is an art form like music or recent events in the world. I’ve been writing in a journalist setting for only a few years, through my high school’s online newspaper, The Growl Online or for a music blog. I love to connect and network with new people in the worlds of business and music, travel to new places and eat new interesting foods. 

Follow & connect with me on Social Media: Instagram / Twitter / eekhoffemma@gmail.com

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