Jain Digest 2009 03 Vol 28 No 1

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 33

Anekant Community Center
Nalini Shah Cancer Fund - Cancer Awareness Program
Anekant Community Center (ACC) - a Los Angelesbased non-profit organization has set up Nalini Shah Cancer Fund for prevention and early detection of cancer. Nalini had breast cancer and passed away in August 2008 at the age of 61. In Nalini's memory, her family has donated $10,000 for this noble cause to fight the cancer and spread the message of awareness. As reported in the Time' magazine, cancer is overtaking heart disease as No. 1 killer in the U.S. Overall death rate from cancer dropped just 5% from 1950 to 2005. During the same period deaths from heart disease dropped 64%. At current rate 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in 2008 — that is 1.4 million Americans.
ACC plans to present a series of lectures at the Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) on various cancers - Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Colon and Rectal Cancer, Uterine Cancer, Prostrate Cancer etc. Early detection through regular screening tests and life style improvements to minimize the cancer risks will be emphasized. Volunteers who can spread the message of cancer awareness and motivate the public to go for screening tests will be trained by American Cancer Society and Orange County Health Authority. Funds in the amount of $500 per camp will also be made available to organize cancer detection camps in India. For more than 15 years, Anekant Community Center has organized free annual health camps in USA and
IAAMJV News
IAAMJV - Recipient of Large Donations
International Alumni Association of Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya (IAAMJV) recently received $105,000 donation from Dr. and Mrs. Gunavant N. Shah of Birmingham AL. The association will work closely with this philanthropic couple and spend their donation per their wishes to further the cause of the professional education in the Jain community.
The association is also in the process of receiving from Shri Manubhai Doshi, JAINA RATNA, of Chicago, a donation Rs. 15 lacs in India. This money will be used to distribute scholarships to undergraduate students over there.
Jain Digest Winter 2009
abroad. ACC also assists other non-profit organizations to conduct health fairs in various communities which are free for the public. In view of the seriousness of the cancer risks, Anekant Community Center urges all Jain Centers to organize cancer education and detection programs for their communities. With timely checkups, early detection, and timely intervention, ravages of the cancer can be significantly reduced.
Funds in the amount of $500 per camp can be made available by ACC to organize cancer detection camps in India. For further information, please contact Harkishan Vasa at 714/771-7860 or hvasa@yahoo.com, or Mukund Shah at 949/509-6716 or mgshah@yahoo.com.
Dr. Ramesh Kothari, a Los Angeles dentist and ACC Director, examines patients at a medical camp organized by ACC in Ndola, Zambia, Africa. A team of 11 physicians and dentists treated 300 patients and performed 60 operations.
The association is very grateful to both of these donors for their generosity and vision. We hope that these donations would serve as a source of inspiration to many.
IAAMJV, founded in 1991, is a JAINA affiliate, non-profit and tax-exempt organization and structured to promote the professional education. It gives out loan scholarships to the bright and needy Jain students, in India and USA, irrespective of their sect, language or region and also participates in larger educational projects. For further information, kindly contact Ramesh Fofaria, President, IAAMJV at 919-283-4232.
Reported by Anop R. Vora, Rochester, NY
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