Sydney’s Indian-Australian community comes together in a poignant celebration of resilience, generosity and the enduring importance of breast cancer awareness.
Behind every pink ribbon lies a story. A story of courage in the face of uncertainty, of families navigating unimaginable challenges, of lives irrevocably altered by a diagnosis, and of the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit.
On Sunday, 1 November 2026, the annual Pink Ribbon Breakfast, held at Grand Bawarchi in Parramatta, brought together members of Sydney’s Indian-Australian community for a heartfelt gathering dedicated to breast cancer awareness, compassion and charitable giving.
At the heart of this longstanding initiative are Rekha Rajvanshi ji and Sue Advani ji, two breast cancer survivors whose personal experiences have inspired more than a decade of steadfast advocacy. Having confronted the realities of the disease themselves, they have transformed their journeys into a meaningful mission to educate, empower and encourage others to prioritise their health. Over the past 14 years, the team has continued to grow, welcoming Meena Mahanty and Anubha Varma, both breast cancer survivors, along with Bharti Gidwani, Shipra Tewani and Poornima Menon, who share a deep passion and commitment to the cause.
Their tireless commitment has received formal recognition. In 2022, the City of Parramatta acknowledged their tenth annual fundraising breakfast, which raised $8,500 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Their continued efforts exemplify how personal adversity can become a catalyst for compassion, community service and enduring social impact.
A Cause That Touches Countless Lives
Breast cancer remains one of the most significant health challenges facing Australian women. According to Cancer Australia, approximately 20,336 Australians were expected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis in 2025, with an estimated 3,353 deaths from the disease.
Behind these sobering figures are individuals and families confronting the physical, emotional and psychological realities of cancer. Yet amidst these challenges lies considerable hope. Advances in medical research, screening and treatment have improved Australia’s five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer to approximately 93 per cent.
“Early detection remains essential. Recognising unusual changes, seeking timely medical advice and participating in recommended screening can significantly improve the prospects of successful treatment,” said Rekha Rajvanshi.
Within Indian and South Asian communities, where cultural sensitivities, stigma or hesitation may sometimes inhibit conversations surrounding women’s health, initiatives such as the Pink Ribbon Breakfast assume particular importance. They encourage open dialogue, dispel misconceptions and reinforce the importance of attending to one’s wellbeing.
The experience of breast cancer extends far beyond the diagnosis itself. It encompasses the uncertainty of treatment, the emotional endurance of patients and their families, and the often complex journey towards recovery. Community support, therefore, becomes an invaluable source of reassurance, dignity and strength.
An Afternoon of Inspiration and Generosity
The gathering was imbued with warmth, reflection and collective goodwill, with speakers sharing messages that underscored the importance of courage, compassion and community responsibility. Among the most poignant reflections of the occasion were the words of Sue Advani ji, who offered a deeply personal reminder of the importance of embracing life despite its uncertainties:
“Don’t die before your death, put in your best foot forward, do your best, and enjoy every moment.”
Her words carried particular resonance coming from someone who has experienced the vulnerability and uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis. They expressed a philosophy of living with courage rather than surrendering to fear, of embracing the present rather than allowing the possibility of hardship to overshadow the joy of being alive. It was a sentiment that transcended the experience of cancer, offering a universal reflection on gratitude, perseverance and the preciousness of time.
Guiding the proceedings as Master of Ceremonies was Dixit Thakkar, whose eloquent presentation and engaging delivery brought energy and sensitivity to the occasion. Through evocative verses, memorable cinematic dialogues and timeless wisdom, he beautifully highlighted themes of hope, courage, perseverance and the strength of the human spirit. His words resonated with the women present, connecting their personal journeys with the broader themes of resilience, compassion and solidarity. With warmth, conviction and an understanding of the occasion’s emotional significance, he created an uplifting atmosphere, reinforcing the power of words to inspire, comfort and unite.
The spirit of generosity was equally evident in the enthusiastic participation of attendees. Beautiful saris, generously donated by community supporters, were presented for auction, with guests bidding wholeheartedly to contribute towards the charitable cause. The auctions reflected the willingness of individuals to transform goodwill into tangible support for breast cancer awareness.
Various stalls added to the occasion, while representatives of The Pink Sari, a separate Sydney-based community initiative, attended in elegant pink saris to express their solidarity with the Pink Ribbon cause. Their presence was a vibrant reminder of the strength that emerges when different community organisations unite in support of a shared purpose.
A Legacy of Compassion and Collective Action
The significance of the Pink Ribbon Breakfast extends beyond the funds raised or the success of an individual gathering. Its enduring value lies in the conversations it inspires, the awareness it fosters and the willingness of individuals to devote their time and resources to the wellbeing of others.
Volunteering and charitable service are expressions of a community’s collective conscience. Through such initiatives, compassion becomes purposeful action, and individual contributions combine to create a lasting influence.
The dedication of Rekha Rajvanshi ji and Sue Advani ji stands as a testament to this spirit. Their continued advocacy reminds us that awareness must extend beyond an annual occasion and become part of our everyday conversations, responsibilities and choices.
As the luncheon drew to a close, the message remained clear: every conversation can inspire awareness, every contribution can offer hope, and every act of compassion can make a difference.
For the true power of the pink ribbon lies not merely in what it symbolises, but in the lives it honours, the courage it celebrates and the humanity it inspires.
By – Haley Thakkar
