Community Demonstrates Support for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Center

Community turns up in large numbers in support of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital

 

On Saturday, April 16 th the Pakistani-American community of Los Angeles came out in full force to show its support for the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center. The fundraiser was held at the Long Beach Hilton and was attended by a capacity crowd of 375 guests and volunteers. The evening included dinner, informative speeches about the Hospital’s latest programs, a raffle of one-of-a-kind prizes and concluded with a memorable concert by Jawad Ahmad.

The Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Research Center has become an established and credible name not only in Pakistan but all over the world. The Hospital serves humanity from all walks of life and is a living truth of its Mission Statement:

“To act as a model institute to alleviate the suffering of patients with cancer through the application of modern methods of curative and palliative therapy irrespective of their ability to pay, the education of healthcare professionals and the public and perform research into the causes and treatment of cancer.”

The April 16 th event started with a social hour and appetizers, followed by a delicious buffet dinner. The talawat was done by Mohammed Khan and then the emcee for the event, Arshia Ghani, welcomed the distinguished guests and thanked them all for supporting the great cause. A special message from Imran Khan was relayed to the audience on two large screens. Imran issued an apology for not being in Los Angeles in person for the event due to the situation in Pakistan making it impossible for him to leave the country at this time. He was represented by Dr. Nausherwan Burki and Ms. Fauzia Kasuri who came from Pakistan to attend and speak at the event.

Dr. Burki addressed the audience with a presentation about the progress the Hospital has made and gave an informative speech regarding patient care and treatment. He also enlightened the attendees by providing a breakdown of how much each procedure costs in Pakistan compared to how much more a similar procedure would cost us in the United States. The audience was given an updated progress report of Shaukat Khanum’s other medical facilities in Peshawar and Karachi. The second speaker of the evening was Mrs. Fauzia Kasuri who spoke from the heart about real-life stories of patients who benefitted from SKMCH’s services and medical care. She made an impassioned plea for guests to help this cause and donate generously.

The evening progressed with a raffle drawing of prizes such as a dinner gift certificate, framed artwork, a jewelry set and autographed cricket balls. The finale was a live auction of a cricket bat autographed by none other than Imran Khan.

The crowd was brought to their feet by a scintillating performance by Pakistani singer Jawad Ahmad and accompanying musicians from our very own California. The energy was felt by everyone present and the Pakistani national anthem sung by the crowd and Jawad Ahmad was the highlight of the evening.

The enthusiasm of the organizing committee and volunteers was contagious, resulting in the crowd packing the dance floor, requesting their favorite songs, swaying to the music and singing along till late into the night. Most importantly, this “Party for a Cause” made guests open their hearts and wallets and resulted in donations of over $110,000.

Special thanks to the following businesses and organizations whose support made this evening possible: JFK Realty, Inc., Kristal Graphics, Marhaba Chinese Palace, Niswa Association, Office of Consul General of Pakistan, Pakistan Link, PTI California, Safeer-e-Pakistan, Spectrum A/V Inc.

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital would like to extend a special thanks to the hard working and dedicated organizing committee and volunteers for putting this event together, including Ayesha Kamran, Hina Abidi, Samira Saleh, Fahima Ali Khan, Haya Farooqui, Atiya Khan, Durainaz Farooqui, Arshia Ghani and many, many more.

Shaukat Khanum has provided free medical care and cancer treatment for nearly 20 years to the indigent population of Pakistan, thanks to the generous support of private donors such as yourself. There is an on-going need for funds to keep providing medical care to an ever-increasing number of patients. Donations may be sent to “Imran Khan Cancer Appeal” c/o 24300 Belford Court, West Hills CA 91307.

 

 

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