Hicksville, NY – The American Punjabi Society (APS) turned an ordinary Sunday into a powerful morning of awareness and community bonding on March 9, 2025, as it hosted a Multiple Myeloma & Colon Cancer Awareness Breakfast at Pearl Banquet Hall. With over 200 attendees, the event successfully blended life-saving health discussions, inspiring community leadership, and a mouthwatering Indian breakfast—all while celebrating India’s Cricket World Cup victory!
The morning kicked off with an authentic desi breakfast spread, which left guests savoring every bite. Gary Sikka and his team at Pearl Banquet Hall ensured everyone felt welcomed with their top-notch hospitality.
But beyond the delicious food, the event carried a critical message—raising awareness about colon cancer and multiple myeloma, two life-threatening yet preventable diseases. Renowned specialists Dr. Tarun Wasil and Dr. Jagmohan Kalra stressed the importance of early screenings and proactive healthcare.
🔹 Colon Cancer Insights:
- 153,000 cases & 50,000 deaths annually in the U.S.
- Screening from age 45 can prevent late-stage cancer.
- Family history? Start even earlier!
🔹 Multiple Myeloma Awareness:
- Affects bone marrow, causing severe pain & fractures.
- Symptoms: back pain, anemia, infections.
- Routine blood tests can catch it early.
- New treatments offer hope & longer survival rates.
🔹 Diet & Prevention:
Memorial Sloan Cancer Center’s Francesca Castro guided the audience on healthy eating habits to lower cancer risks, reinforcing the link between nutrition and longevity.
💡 Leaders, Doctors & Change-Makers Unite
The event saw an impressive lineup of community leaders supporting the cause, including AAPI QLI President Dr. Deven Shrivastava, RANA President Prem Bhandari, Indo American Lions Club President Anju Sharma, and Indian NYPD Officers Association President Manish Sharma.
💪 Powerful Women in Attendance:
The presence of strong women leaders like Navneet Sondhi, Priyanka Khanna, Dr. Taranjeet K. Ahuja, Dilsheet Kaur, and Binny Kaur highlighted the importance of female leadership in healthcare and advocacy.
🏆 Inspiring the Next Generation
APS recognized Janessa Sondhi for her outstanding efforts in spreading awareness through social media, proving that the youth are leading the way in community impact.
🎉 Cricket & Community Spirit!
Despite a major India Cricket World Cup match, the community turned up in large numbers, showing their dedication to health and wellness. And when India won, it only added to the festive spirit of the morning!
👏 A Huge Success!
APS President Gary Sikka and his team, including Mohinder Taneja, Ajayveer Sondhi, and Ravinder Narang, delivered an impactful event that blended education, action, and a sense of togetherness.
With its commitment to health, service, and unity, APS continues to be a pillar of strength for the South Asian community in the U.S. 🚀💙