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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline OCTOBER 23, 2026 | The Indian Eye 32

American Punjabi Society Cancer

Awareness Walk Brings Health Services and

Community Support to Long Island

Third annual event draws more than 450 participants to Eisenhower Park despite rain

NEERAJ DHAR and volunteers. Local businesses also
supported fundraising efforts by do-
EAST MEADOW, NEW YORK
nating raffle prizes, gift cards, mer-
ore than 450 people partic- chandise and wellness experiences.
ipated in the event held at Contributing businesses includ-
MEisenhower Park on Sun- ed Life Time, Orangetheory Fitness,
day, October 11, for the American Club Pilates Melville, Gregorys Coffee,
Punjabi Society’s Third Annual Can- Häagen-Dazs, Kirni Designs, Lotus
cer Awareness Walk, bringing togeth- Indian Fusion FCS Sneakers, Bikaner-
er families, healthcare professionals, vala, Kumon Math and Reading Cen-
community organizations, businesses ter of Melville, Mathnasium, Dortoni
and volunteers to promote cancer Bakery, 7-Eleven, Prime Sneakers &
awareness, preventive healthcare and Apparel, Vibrance 360, Skindeep Es-
support for those affected by cancer. thetics, Paper Rite, Health at the Kaur,
The event drew 270 registered walkers Madeline’s Closet, Spyce Sauce and
Khana Shana, among others.
and was supported by 70 volunteers. Volunteers worked through the
Led by the APS Women’s Coun-
cil under Chair Navneet Sikka Sond- well-being. The American Red Cross er, Global President and CEO of APS, rain to set up tents, welcome partici-
hi, the event combined a community participated through community out- for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Sik- pants, assist healthcare partners and
coordinate refreshments and raffles.
walk with health screenings, vaccina- reach and volunteer engagement. ka’s leadership and personal financial The gathering drew several genera-
tions, education and wellness resourc- Participating physicians included contributions have helped sustain the tions, including 71-year-old East Mead-
es. Heavy rain shortened the walking Dr. Kirpal Kochar and Dr. Avneet Society’s charitable and community ow marathon runner Satnam Parhar,
route, but participants and volunteers Singh of Northwell Health and Dr. programs. His support has enabled who wore a pink turban in support
continued with the day’s activities. Tarun Wasil of New York Cancer & volunteers and community partners
Many wore pink in recognition of Blood Specialists. Discussions ad- to work together on initiatives serving of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
APS expressed its appreciation
Breast Cancer Awareness Month. dressed cancer prevention, early de- families across Long Island. to the Women’s Council, healthcare
Healthcare services and cancer tection, family history and healthy The Cancer Awareness Walk is professionals, sponsors, businesses,
education lifestyles, along with the importance part of APS’s broader service efforts, volunteers and participating families.
PDM Family Dental provided of appropriate screenings and greater which include blood drives, winter The Society plans to continue pro-
on-site oral cancer screenings, while South Asian representation in medi- clothing drives, environmental initia- moting health education and commu-
cal research and clinical trials.
tives, healthcare programs and consular
healthcare professionals and repre- The walk also encouraged fami- assistance camps. Navneet Sikka Sond- nity engagement beyond the annual
sentatives from the American Heart walk, encouraging families to make
Association offered cardiovascular lies to speak more openly about cancer hi and the Women’s Council played preventive care and informed health
and seek timely medical advice. APS
a central role in organizing the walk,
health information and blood pres- aims to help address the fear and stig- supported by APS leadership, youth decisions part of everyday life.
sure screenings. Walgreens provided The American Punjabi Society
flu vaccinations. Northwell Health ma that can make these conversations volunteers and healthcare partners. promotes Punjabi heritage, cultural
difficult, while recognizing the needs
representatives shared health infor- of patients, survivors and caregivers. Business support and volunteer understanding, philanthropy, educa-
mation and resources, and physical dedication tion and public service. Its programs
therapy and mental wellness profes- Leadership and service Mint Restaurant, Garden City bring people from different back-
sionals offered guidance on rehabili- New York State Senator Steven and Pearl Banquet Hall, Hicksville grounds together through volunteer-
tation, physical health and emotional Rhoads joined Gary S. Sikka, Found- sponsored breakfast for attendees ism and community initiatives.

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