The Reet Uppal Foundation brought together culture, community, and a powerful health message during its “Project Pink Warriors” Breast Cancer Awareness Event, held at 22823 Dublin Way in Lake Barrington.
Combining the festive spirit of Vaisakhi with breast cancer awareness, the event attracted community members, healthcare professionals, survivors, and supporters for an afternoon dedicated to education, inspiration, and empowerment.
Founded by community advocate Reet Uppal, the registered nonprofit organization seeks to break the silence surrounding women’s health issues, particularly within South Asian communities.
ADVERTISEMENT
Addressing the gathering, Uppal emphasized the importance of open conversations about breast cancer, mental health, heart disease, and other health concerns often stigmatized within the community.
“There is nothing wrong with sharing. The more we keep inside, the more problems it causes,” she said.
The event was skillfully emceed by Surbhi Katoch, who connected the spirit of Vaisakhi and other South Asian New Year celebrations with the resilience and renewal demonstrated by cancer survivors.
One of the highlights of the program was a presentation by Dr. Srilata Gundala, board-certified oncologist and founder of Hope and Healing Cancer Services. She stressed that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among South Asian women and urged women to prioritize screenings and mammograms.
“Early detection saves lives,” Dr. Gundala noted, emphasizing that breast cancer diagnosed in its early stages has exceptionally high survival rates.
Breast cancer survivor Azha Sayed moved the audience with her candid and inspiring story of courage and recovery.
“Asking for help is not weakness,” she said, encouraging women to seek support and speak openly about their health challenges.
Additional presentations by healthcare professionals including Dr. Amrit Virk, Dr. Preeti Poindexter, Supreeta Kapur, and Dr. Priyanka Sultania focused on oral health, nutrition, fitness, preventive care, and cardiovascular health among South Asian women.
Several survivors, including Rajie Modi, Lily Cheema, and Jasbir Kaur Mann, shared emotional personal journeys of perseverance and hope. In a touching tribute, survivors were honored with traditional Phulkari dupattas, symbolizing community support and admiration for their strength.
The event also featured lively cultural performances, including traditional Gidha, Fusion Gidha, and Rabindra Nritya dance presentations, celebrating the diversity and richness of South Asian culture. Games, raffles, vendors, and authentic Punjabi cuisine added to the festive atmosphere.
A key contributor to the event’s success was Neena, whose dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts helped transform Reet Uppal’s vision into a meaningful community initiative.
The program’s central message, “We Are Stronger Together,” resonated throughout the afternoon. Organizers emphasized that awareness, prevention, early detection, and community support remain essential tools in the fight against breast cancer.