The Better Future Trust, under the leadership of community advocate and philanthropist Shivani Arora, successfully hosted an impactful Ovarian Cancer Awareness Dinner at the Remuera Club on Saturday evening. The event brought together more than 170 attendees, including health professionals, community leaders, and dignitaries, for a night centred on education, solidarity, and raising awareness about one of the most under-recognised yet deadly cancers affecting women.
The evening was graced by Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India, and Dr. Carlos Cheung, Member of Parliament for Mount Roskill, both of whom commended the initiative for addressing a pressing health concern that often receives too little public attention. They praised the Better Future Trust for encouraging open conversations and for mobilising the community to understand the seriousness of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is frequently referred to as a “silent killer,” largely because its symptoms are vague and often dismissed until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Many women are diagnosed too late, making awareness and early detection crucial. The event, therefore, sought to bridge this gap by offering accurate medical information and heartfelt personal stories to help attendees recognise the signs and understand the importance of timely intervention.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Primal Khar, whose detailed yet accessible presentation demystified the medical complexities surrounding ovarian cancer. He discussed early detection challenges, risk factors, genetic components, and the pressing need for greater public education. Dr. Khar’s address resonated strongly with attendees, many of whom expressed that they left the event with far more knowledge and awareness than they had arrived with. The programme also included an important contribution from Linda Leonard, representing the Ovarian Cancer Foundation of New Zealand. She emphasised the foundation’s ongoing work in research, advocacy, and patient support, highlighting the urgent need for more resources and community engagement to improve outcomes for women nationwide. Her message underscored the reality that awareness events like these play a vital role in saving lives.
One of the most moving moments of the night came from ovarian cancer survivor Lisa Finucane, who courageously shared her personal journey of diagnosis, treatment, and resilience. Her emotional story offered a powerful human perspective, reminding the audience that behind every statistic is a woman, a family, and a community forever changed by the disease. Many attendees described her testimony as the heart of the evening. Complementing the educational presentations was a vibrant cultural programme. Guests enjoyed a three-course buffet dinner, an elegant Chinese classical dance performance, and soulful live Bollywood singing. The blend of cultural artistry and health awareness created a warm and memorable atmosphere, reflecting the diverse and compassionate spirit of Auckland’s communities.
In her address, Shivani Arora, Chairperson of the Better Future Trust, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support. “Ovarian cancer is one of the least talked-about but most dangerous cancers affecting women,” she said. “Our goal was to raise awareness, spark meaningful conversations, and empower our community with knowledge. We are humbled by the incredible support from leaders, organisations, and families who joined us tonight.”
Attendees praised the Trust for organising an event dedicated to such an important yet often overlooked health issue. Many described the evening as “eye-opening,” “much needed,” and “a community service that will undoubtedly save lives.” With strong community backing, the Better Future Trust plans to expand its health awareness initiatives and deepen its collaborations with medical professionals and advocacy organisations in the coming years. The event concluded with a warm vote of thanks delivered by Secretary Jyoti Parashar, closing the evening on a note of appreciation and hope. As the attendees departed, one message echoed clearly: awareness saves lives—and the Auckland community is ready to champion this cause. -TIN Bureau