SINGAPORE — It remains the number one killer in Singapore. And even for those who survive cancer, the battle is often a long drawn and costly one even after subsidies. It is also a disease that doesn’t discriminate. One survivor who understands the struggles all too well is singer-songwriter Daphne Khoo, who shares her unique experience on Pokka’s official campaign website (www.fightcancertogether.sg/stories/daphne-khoo). She, her sister and mother are all cancer survivors. In a poignant acknowledgement, her mother said: “If you never check, you’ll never know … “But it had never occurred to me that at such a young age, somebody could get cancer.”

This is why Daphne, 29, who discovered she had ovarian cancer four years ago while she was studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA, stresses the importance of regular check-ups. “Once you’re 21 you should go for a pap smear once every year, at least to have peace of mind,” she shared. “I’m really grateful that I had a friend to tell me to go get it checked. Early detection really saves lives; it saved my life.” Part of her medical fees was covered by the Livestrong Foundation, saving her thousands of dollars. “Fundraising really makes a difference in someone’s life. All that medication and surgeries can be extremely expensive.”

Daphne and actor Paul Foster, who shares about his father’s battle with cancer, are the two personalities helping raise awareness in Pokka’s Fight Cancer Together, One Litre At A Time campaign, which runs until the end of the month.

In a bid to raise cancer awareness and ease the financial burden of cancer patients in Singapore, Pokka is working with Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) in this nationwide collective effort with consumers to raise funds and awareness for the long and expensive battle against cancer.

Its green tea variants in a limited edition packaging featuring a lavender ribbon in support of the fight against cancer, will also be available during the period of the campaign in which a sum will be donated to the Singapore Cancer Society for every litre of Pokka Jasmine Green Tea, Honey Green Tea, Jasmine Green Tea No Sugar and Japanese Green Tea sold. Once five million litres of these variations are sold, a full sum of S$50,000 will be donated to the SCS.

Weekend roadshows were also organised as part of the drive, the last will take place this weekend (Sept 24 to 25, noon to 8pm) at Giant VivoCity, where hand-crocheted magnets made by Singapore Cancer Society Crochet of Love volunteers will be sold. 100 per cent of the sales proceeds will go to Singapore Cancer Society.

“As a self-funded voluntary welfare organisation dedicated to helping Singaporeans impacted by cancer, Singapore Cancer Society is grateful to be POKKA’s Adopted Charity 2016,” said its chief executive officer Albert Ching. “We believe no one needs to fight cancer alone. Now, people from all walks of life can contribute towards the fight against cancer, and SCS can serve more, and serve better.”

At the moment, almost three-and-a-half million litres have been sold, equalling to more than S$27,000 in donations.