Our Bureau
New York, NY
The American Punjabi Society (APS), in collaboration with Blood Cancer Specialists and the APS Women’s Council, hosted a highly successful 5K Cancer Awareness Walk at Eisenhower Park on Sunday, October 13, 2024. The event brought together over 300 participants, including families, children, community leaders, health professionals, and volunteers, all united to raise awareness for cancer prevention, promote fitness, and foster community spirit.
The walk was led by Blood Cancer Specialists CMO Gurmohan Syali, Dr. Tarun Wasil, and Dr. Jagmohan Kalra, all prominent figures in blood cancer care. Their involvement underscored the importance of raising awareness about cancer prevention and treatment through community engagement.
Participants were treated to a variety of activities throughout the day. The event featured numerous raffle prizes, generously donated by local businesses such as Spartons Basketball, Bowlmor, Marble, coffee shops, Kumon, Mathnasium, and Oceoglow, which added excitement and fun. Attendees also enjoyed a hot breakfast freshly prepared on-site by Mint restaurant, including samosas, chole bhature, sandwiches, and hot tea, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Several health and wellness vendors offered valuable services and educational activities:
Krafty Hands by Priyanka engaged children with arts and crafts, encouraging creativity.
Organ Donor Awareness by Dunesh Kaur educated the public on the significance of organ donation.
Blood Donation Awareness by Dr. Tarun Wasil emphasized the importance of blood donations in cancer care.
Physical Therapy Insights by Dr. Shynee Kumar provided guidance on the benefits of physical therapy for overall health.
First Aid Services led by Dr Kishan Kumar and Parminder Bhatti ensured participant safety throughout the event.
Ankle and Foot Care by Dr. Arti Kumar offered specialized health advice.
Chase Bank provided financial insights and support.
Pearl contributed nourishing food to participants, further enhancing the day’s community spirit.
Notable attendees included cancer awareness advocates and 5K Run specialists, Dr. Avtar Singh Tinna and Satnam Singh Parhar, alongside representatives from the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), including Dr. Kishan Kumar, Dr. Rakesh Dua, Dr. Asha Dua, and Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan. Their presence highlighted the importance of continued health education and support.
Key organizers from APS included President Gary S. Sikka, Executive Vice President Mohinder S. Taneja, and General Secretary Varinder Sikka, with support from Vice Presidents Paul S. Bindra, AjayVeer S. Sondhi, and Jaspal S. Arora. Advisory Board members Eric Kumar, Surjit S. Singh, Ranjit S. Bhatia, Paramjit S. Sondhi, and Rajinder S. Taneja were also instrumental in ensuring the event’s success. Pradeep Tandon, President of the India Association of Long Island (IALI) and APS Advisory Board member, was in attendance, further underscoring the significance of such community-driven health initiatives.
The APS Women’s Council, led by Chair Navneet Sondhi, played a pivotal role in the event’s coordination and success. Supported by team members Jessica K. Kalra, Esq., Shweta Malhotra, Priyanka Khanna, Dr. Taranjeet K. Ahuja, Dilsheet Kaur, Binny Kaur, Swati Anand, Harleen Jolly, and Guntaj Arora, the Council ensured smooth operations throughout the day.
The event began with a moving Pledge of Allegiance, led by young volunteers, symbolizing the dedication of the next generation to cancer awareness and community service. Nassau County Police were present to ensure the safety and security of all attendees, showcasing their ongoing commitment to the community.
The 5K Cancer Awareness Walk was more than just a fitness event—it was a powerful expression of unity, education, and hope in the fight against cancer. The collective efforts of the American Punjabi Society, its Women’s Council, and Blood Cancer Specialists underscored the importance of raising awareness for cancer prevention and care. This event serves as a testament to the impact that community collaboration can have on addressing important causes and promoting health and well-being.
