Page 22 - The Indian EYE 052325

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 23, 2025 | The Indian Eye 22

BRIGHT STARS, BIG HEARTS:

IAMACF’s 31st Gala Lights Up Lives

OUR BUREAU
Chicago, IL
he Indian American Medi-
cal Association Charitable
TFoundation (IAMACF) trans-
formed the Waterford Banquet Hall
into a hub of compassion and commu-
nity during its 31st Annual Fundrais-
ing Gala on April 26, 2025 from 5:00
PM to 11:00 PM at 933 S Riverside
Dr, Elmhurst, IL, Over 300 physi-
cians, medical students, and support-
ers united to raise funds for the Seva
Community Health Clinic, a vital re-
source for underserved communities. nominations from general member-
Special guests included AAPI ship to elect Dr. Raj Aurora and Dr.
President-Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Amarjit Singh as members-at-large,
Mrs. Rajul Bhalala- The President for the Nominating Committee.
of Chinmaya Mission Chicago, Mr. Dr. Samir Shah, the newly elect-
Sunil Shah-Founding President of ed Chairperson and dynamic leader
FIA, Dr. Piyush Vyas-ISMS Presi- welcomed the audience and out-
dent, Padma Shri Dr. Bharat Barai, lined ambitious goals for 2025 for the
Dr. Arvind Goyal -Executive Med- free clinic. Highlighting the clinic’s
ical director of Illinois State Health 2024 impact serving 1,287 patients,
and Family Services. The evening including 327 new patients, with 671
was filled with inspiring speeches, lab services and 832 free prescrip-
cultural performances, and a nostal- tions he announced plans to expand
gic Bollywood musical journey, cele- to five days a week by July 2025, in-
brated IAMACF’s mission to deliver crease the medication formulary
free, high-quality healthcare. from 25 to 75 generics, and enhance
The Gala began with a vibrant services in women’s health, ophthal-
social hour, where exhibitors show- mology, dermatology, podiatry, and
cased healthcare innovations and at- mental health. He thanked partners groups. His research showed South Dr. Brij Malani for their vision, lead-
tendees connected, fostering a sense like Neelyx Labs for their generous Asians store excess fat in organs even ership and providing service as chair-
of unity. Dr. Annita John & Dr. Rajan support, emphasizing, “Determina- at normal weight, increasing diabetes person from 1994-2000. Dr. Suneela
shah guided the evening with warmth tion and commitment to excellence and hypertension risks. Dr. Shah’s Harsoor received the Leadership
and charisma as the Master of Cere- will drive our success.” second-generation study highlight- Award for outstanding services and
mony. The National Anthems, sung The Chief Guest, Dr. Preeti ed the need for early intervention, hard work as chairperson of IA-
by past IAMA presidents Dr. Radhi- Malani, Deputy Editor of JAMA earning the MASALA team a Com- MA-CF in 2023 earning the Gold
ka Chimata and Dr. Samir Shah, set and Professor at the University of munity Cardiovascular Research and seal award from NFCC. Dr. Sukanya
a patriotic tone, uniting the diverse Michigan, inspired the audience “SEVA” Award. Reddy received volunteer physician
audience in shared purpose. with her reflections on health equi- Dr. Bharat Barai, a communi- award and Dr. Dr. Praveen Mehta
Dr. Dilip Shah, the 43rd Presi- ty. After visiting the “SEVA” Clin- ty leader, champion of community for his hardwork and selfless contri-
dent of the Indian American Medical ic, she praised its “can-do attitude” service and philanthropist was hon- bution as the Medical Director of the
Association (IAMA-IL), opened the and longitudinal care model, which oured with the Lifetime Achieve- Clinic. The Numara Foundation, and
program with a heartfelt address. Dr. saw 450 physician and 2,850 student ment Award for his four-decade Neelyx Labs, with Dr. Ram Saladi
Shah emphasized the clinic’s role as volunteer hours in 2024. “Health career. Sharing a childhood story of and Sham Saladi pledging free lab
a lifeline since 1994. Quoting Mother is thriving in all aspects of life,” she his father borrowing money for his testing for 2025.
Teresa, he urged, “It’s not how much said, urging continued support for malaria treatment, Dr. Barai called The evening concluded with a
we give, but how much love we put IAMACF’s transformative work. IAMACF’s volunteers “the bright- delicious dinner and a captivating
into giving,” rallying attendees to Dr. Nilay Shah, Assistant Pro- est stars shining for others.” He ad- performance by Orchestra SARE-
meet the $220,000 fundraising goal fessor at Northwestern Universi- vocated for preventive medicine and GAMA, led by Shri Hitesh Master,
to expand clinic operations. ty’s Feinberg School of Medicine, telemedicine to extend care globally, celebrating 100 years of Bollywood
Dr. Rajeev Kumar, IAMA-IL delivered a compelling keynote on with his wife, Dr. Panna Barai, recog- Cinema. The event was very success-
Secretary, led the semi-annual busi- the MASALA study, revealing that nized for her support. ful, enjoyable and finished intime.
ness meeting, introducing the 2025 South Asians, 25% of the global pop- IAMACF recognized pioneers Dr. John’s call- “No amount is too
Executive Committee and Board of ulation, account for 60% of heart and pillars of IAMA Charitable Clin- big, no amount is too small”—in-
Directors. He shared a transparent fi- disease patients, with heart attacks ic , Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Dr. Rohit spired generosity.
nancial overview, Dr. Kumar invited striking a decade earlier than in other Vasa, Dr. Marella Hanumadass, and --Asian Media USA

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