Pink Ribbon Breakfast ”“ focussed on breast cancer awareness

By Neeru Saluja

While we are busy celebrating the festivities in the month of October, two women were working relentlessly for an event with a cause. Rekha Rajvanshi and Sue Advani organised the annual Pink Ribbon Breakfast to raise funds for breast cancer research.

Breast cancer is the most common life-threatening cancer facing Australian women. Every day in 2017, 48 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and eight women will die from the disease – mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and friends – leaving countless families devastated. What is called a taboo in our society is a disease that is becoming commonly prevalent amongst females.

With an objective to create awareness amongst our community and raise funds for cancer research, cancer survivors Rekha Rajvanshi and Sue Advani have organised this breakfast successfully since 2012. The brainchild behind the event, Rekha Rajvanshi initiated this cause in 2010 with a friend Joy Kumar when she lost her colleague to breast cancer.

Dressed in various shades of pink and in their morning best, the event was held at Parravilla Function Centre and attended by women from various walks of life and a handful of men. The breakfast was also graced with the presence of local MPs Jodi McKay, Geoff Lee, Julia Finn, Councillor Reena Jethi, Gurdeep Singh, Hon Michelle Rowland, Barbara Ward and Dr Rosy Khuma.

The morning started with a prayer song sang beautifully by Meena Mahanty Kumar, followed by various talks focussed on the cause by the VIP dignitaries. While most attending had a family member affected by cancer, few shared their stories like cancer survivor Padmini Peri and IMC Connect’s favourite Chandni Ravi. Her story was heartbreaking yet inspirational, as she bravely shared the ups and downs of her fight against cancer with the warmest smile.

Dr Rosy Khuma, wife of Consulate General Vanlal Vawna’s explained how women need be proactive, exercise, go for regular check-ups and conduct breast self-examination. Her point went straight home as she explained it so well, adding how turmeric and green vegetables like broccoli can assist in prevention.

The event is growing in numbers and supporters, as Seema Sahni from Interior Designer sponsored this event and a gorgeous dress from Roopanter was auctioned. Singers Meena and Murali entertained the crowds with their singing. Not to forget, the stylish fashion show organised by Shikha Kaushik where the ladies rocked in pink! Bharti Gidvani also supported this year’s event.

The breakfast was the perfect platform for not only survivors to share their stories but also to learn about breast cancer. Hats off to Rekha and Sue for their hard work to put together and organise an informative and fun-filled breakfast with a cause.

 

 

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