Our Bureau
Hicksville, NY
On Sunday, March 9th, 2025, the American Punjabi Society (APS) successfully hosted the Multiple Myeloma & Colon Cancer Awareness Breakfast Event at Pearl Banquet Hall, Hicksville. The event brought together esteemed medical professionals, community leaders, and distinguished guests to raise awareness about these critical health issues.
A Breakfast to Remember
One of the highlights of the event was the incredibly delicious and mouth-watering Indian-style breakfast that everyone enjoyed. The spread featured an authentic selection of traditional Indian delicacies, leaving guests savoring every bite. The impeccable service at Pearl Banquet Hall elevated the experience, ensuring that every attendee felt welcomed and well taken care of. A huge thank you to Gary Sikka and his team for pleasing everyone’s appetite with such a delightful feast!
Event Organizers
This impactful event was led by APS President Gary S. Sikka, who is also the owner of Pearl Banquet Hicksville and Mint Garden City.
Supporting the event were:
• Mohinder S. Taneja – Sr. Vice President, APS
• Ajayveer S. Sondhi – Vice President, APS
• Ravinder S. Narang – Vice President, APS
• M/s Navneet Sondhi – Chair, APS Women’s Cell
Medical Experts & Panelists
The session was moderated by renowned specialists:
• Dr. Tarun Wasil – Oncology & Blood Cancer Specialist
• Dr. Jagmohan Kalra – Oncology Expert
• M/s Francesca Castro – Dietitian at Memorial Sloan Cancer Center
Supporting Organizations & Leadership
This initiative was further strengthened with the support of various organizations:
• Dr. Deven Shrivastava – President, AAPI QLI (Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin)
• Prem Bhandari – President, RANA (Rajasthan Association of North America)
• Jasbir Jai Singh – President, Indian Association of Long Island
• Anju Sharma – President, Indo American Lions Club
• Manish Sharma – President, Indian Officers Association of NYPD
• M/s Beena Kothari – President, American Association of Indians in New York
Women Leaders in Attendance
The event also welcomed prominent women leaders from various fields:
• Navneet Sondhi – APS Women’s Council Chair
• Jessica K. Kalra, Esq.
• Priyanka Khanna
• Dr. Taranjeet K. Ahuja
• Dilsheet Kaur
• Binny Kaur
• Swati Anand
• Harleen Jolly
Distinguished Guests & Community Leaders
Several prominent personalities joined the event to show their support:
• Harman Singh – Omni Mortgage
• Ronit Singh Bhatia
• Mohinder Singh Miglani
• Mohinder Singh Chandhok
• Dr. Jagdish Gupta – Former President, AIA
• Harish Thakkar – former President of AIA,
Dr. Dua, Dr. Mehra, Japra Singh, Sanju Sharma, Indu Gijwani, Dr. Priya Korrapatti, Jyoti Bhatia Gupta, Hargobind Gupta, Negi Gobind, Beena Sabhapati and many more
Encouraging the Next Generation
APS took the opportunity to recognize young leaders making a difference. Janessa Sondhi was awarded a citation from the Town of Oyster Bay for her outstanding work on social media in promoting APS programs.
Medical Discussions & Key Takeaways
The event focused on educating the community about colon cancer and multiple myeloma, two serious yet preventable diseases. Dr. Wasil and Dr. Kalra, both part of New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, emphasized the importance of early screening and preventive care.
Colon Cancer Awareness
• Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., with 153,000 cases and 50,000 deaths annually.
• Screening through colonoscopy from age 45 is essential.
• Those with a family history should consider earlier screenings.
• Early detection can prevent unnecessary chemotherapy and radiation.
Multiple Myeloma Awareness
• Multiple myeloma is a bone marrow cancer that spreads to bones, leading to pain, fractures, anemia, and infections.
• Symptoms include severe back pain, paralysis, and respiratory failure.
• Routine blood tests can help detect the disease early.
• New treatment options have significantly improved patient outcomes.
The Role of Nutrition
M/s Francesca Castro, a dietitian at Memorial Sloan Cancer Center, addressed dietary habits and lifestyle changes to reduce cancer risks.
Community Engagement & Impact
The session was highly interactive, with a large audience of over 200 attendees. Despite an important cricket match, the community showed great enthusiasm for health awareness. Notably, India’s victory in the Cricket World Cup added a celebratory spirit to the event.
Gratitude & Closing Remarks
A heartfelt thank you to all attendees, speakers, and organizers for making this event a success. Special appreciation goes to Gary Sikka and Pearl Banquet Hicksville for hosting. The APS remains committed to serving the community through education, awareness, and action.
For more information, contact American Punjabi Society by email or visit its website.
