Greater Dallas Arya Samaj Opens Cancer Clinic

It is with great excitement that we announce the inauguration of The Greater Dallas Arya Samaj Cancer Clinic in Plano, Texas.

This Clinic is one of a kind in the Collin County area and will be able to provide cancer care services at an affordable cost to those who might not be so fortunate to be covered by a health insurance plan. Today, a large number of families struggle

each day with the challenges faced due to this illness, and the worry is only compounded by the fear of falling into poverty and struggling to pay for lengthy treatment. This clinic will provide access to affordable labs, ancillary procedures,

and selected pharmacy benefits.

A formal ribbon cutting ceremony for the clinic was held on Thursday, November 5^th. Many local dignitaries we present to grace the occasion along with Arya Pathik, Girish C. Khosla.

With the opening of this Clinic, Greater Dallas Arya Samaj comes together to fulfill the sixth principle, “The primary aim of the Arya Samaj is to do good for all, that is, to promote their physical, spiritual, and social well being,” and the ninth

principle, “One should not only be content with one’s own welfare, but should look for it in the welfare of others, also.” A broad cross-section of partners including volunteers, donors, public and non-profit agencies, businesses,

community leaders, neighbors, and physicians have collectively contributed in different areas to make this happen., scheduled to open on November 5th.

The master of ceremonies was Vivek Gupta. He welcomed all the guests and recognized volunteers, supporters, and guests to help the cause of providing cancer care to those who need it so badly, but have nowhere to turn.

The first speaker was Dr. Naresh Gupta. Dr. Gupta, who is Board Certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine, is the Cancer clinic’s president who has decided to offer his services free of cost.

Next, the chief guest, The Honorable Mayor Phil Dyer, Mayor of Plano, Texas was introduced. The Mayor is also the president of Legacy Texas Bank. He expressed his gratitude for the work Arya Samaj has taken and congratulated the organizers.

The Keynote Speaker was Mr. Satish Gupta, founder & CEO of SB International; a company specialized in the sourcing & distribution of steel tube & pipe products to primarily serve the energy sector.  Securing a spot on the Dallas 100 for the last 5 consecutive years, he was also ranked among one of the top 10 fastest growing private businesses in Dallas in 2008.  

The next speaker was from Frisco, Texas - a neighboring city. Mayor Pro Temp, Jeff Cheney spoke on behalf of Mayor Maso, giving his best wishes for the Cancer Clinic.

Arya Pathik, Girish C. Khosla (Troy, Michigan) was present at the ceremony to give his support on behalf of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha America. Khosla Ji was asked to light the auspicious lamp.

After the lamp lighting ceremony, Mayor Dyer cut the ribbon to officially open the Arya Samaj Greater Dallas Cancer Clinic. The atmosphere was filled with joy and pride.

Next, Ms. Sally Zuponcic was invited to the stage to speak. She’s currently the Director of Emerging Services & Corporate Systems at PepsiCo’s Information Technology organization and is involved in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  Most importantly, she is a breast cancer survivor.  She is also a three year breast cancer survivor.  When she was diagnosed in 2006, she added breast cancer research to her list of important causes.  As a leader in PepsiCo’s Women’s Network, she encouraged the women’s organization to focus on driving awareness, education, early detection and funding for research.  She walked in her first Komen race in Plano three days after a chemotherapy treatment, and hasn’t slowed down since. Sally credits her recovery to the excellent care available in North Texas, and to the strength of her husband Carl, her family and friends.  She also credits the unbelievable support from her PepsiCo family as well. She commented that she was fortunate enough to have access to the best health care available due to her company and family, but would be at a loss had she not had medical coverage. She commended the efforts of Arya Samaj Greater Dallas to start a clinic that will help the needy.

The Executive Director of the North Texas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure was the next speaker. She has two sisters (of three) that were diagnosed with breast cancer recently, and are fortunately receiving the support and care they need.  She shares a passion for educating people about breast cancer and everything that goes with it . . . from prevention to treatment.  

Lastly, but certainly Mr. U.K. Gupta, founder and President of ProFab Corporation was introduced. Mr. Gupta enjoys donating most of his time to causes he firmly believes in ranging from socio-cultural organizations to clinics like this one. He reassured his support for the Arya Samaj Cancer Clinic and thanked all the guests, volunteers, and supports for the noble cause.