The 2026 Cancer Walk raised more than $502,000 to support free quality-of-life services for cancer patients, with GOPIO-CT contributing to the effort for the 18th consecutive year.
The Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) participated in the 30th Annual Cancer Walk benefiting the Bennett Cancer Center at Stamford Hospital, continuing a long-standing commitment to community service and healthcare support.
This year marked the 18th consecutive year that GOPIO-CT has taken part in the event. Fourteen chapter members and supporters contributed to the fundraising effort, helping raise $2,925 for programs that assist cancer patients and their families. Overall, the 2026 Cancer Walk generated more than $502,000 to support patient services.
Funds raised through the walk help provide a range of quality-of-life programs at no cost to patients undergoing cancer treatment. These services include complimentary lunches during chemotherapy sessions, Reiki and reflexology treatments, massage and yoga sessions, post-treatment exercise programs, transportation assistance, and financial grants to help cover non-medical expenses.
GOPIO-CT Board Member Anita Mathur coordinated the chapter’s participation in this year’s event.
The organization’s continued support for the Bennett Cancer Center reflects a broader commitment to community engagement that has defined GOPIO-CT since its founding in 2006. Over the past two decades, the chapter has supported numerous charitable organizations across Connecticut, organized fundraising initiatives for cancer patients, and regularly hosted soup kitchens at the New Covenant Center in Stamford to assist vulnerable members of the community.
GOPIO-CT was launched in 2006 at the initiative of GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham.
Reflecting on the chapter’s progress a year after its launch, Abraham said, “In one year, GOPIO-CT has become a very active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with many policy makers, youth mentoring and networking, parent’s day and health awareness series.”
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary year, GOPIO-CT remains one of the most active chapters within the global GOPIO network. The organization regularly conducts cultural, educational, civic engagement, youth mentoring, leadership development, and community service programs aimed at strengthening ties between the Indian diaspora and local communities.
The chapter’s contributions have also been recognized by local leaders. Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons described GOPIO-CT as “a vibrant organization that brings rich contributions for Stamford spanning education to business, innovation, arts and culture” during the oath-taking ceremony of the chapter’s executive council and board of trustees in 2023.
As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, GOPIO-CT is also preparing to host its Annual Awards Banquet on June 13 at Water’s Edge Banquet Hall in Darien, Connecticut. The event will recognize distinguished members of the Indian American community for their professional achievements and public service. This year’s honorees include Connecticut State Senator and Quinnipiac University professor Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox for Political Leadership; NanoViricides founder Dr. Anil Diwan for Entrepreneurship and Business Achievement; veteran journalist and Indo-American Press Club founder Ajay Ghosh for Journalism; First County Bank CEO Nitin Mhatre for Corporate Leadership; and University of Hartford professor Hemchandra Shertukde for Achievement in Engineering and Applied Sciences. Several Connecticut lawmakers are expected to attend the celebration.
Founded to promote the interests and global engagement of people of Indian origin, GOPIO-CT has built a reputation for combining cultural outreach with public service initiatives. In addition to charitable activities, the chapter organizes educational forums, networking events, heritage celebrations, and dialogues with policymakers and community leaders.
The chapter’s continued participation in the Cancer Walk highlights its longstanding emphasis on service beyond the Indian American community, supporting healthcare initiatives that benefit residents across Connecticut.
As the Bennett Cancer Center marks the 30th edition of its annual fundraising walk, GOPIO-CT’s involvement underscores nearly two decades of sustained support for cancer patients and their families in the region.
