Inspiration for Indus
For her enduring commitment to support the treatment of children suffering from cancer, concert pianist Rashna Gazder of Karachi was honored as an ambassador by the Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) on February 28, 2024. Being the only Zoroastrian among the 60 ladies recognized as ambassadors for making an outstanding contribution to IHHN, Rashna thought it appropriate "to wear a border sari of my late grandmother on the occasion,” she informed Parsiana.
The piano, French and Spanish language teacher whose group Harmony in Helping Hands seeks to raise funds through music performances, had first organized a special Children’s Cancer Fundraiser at the Banquet Hall of Hotel Avari Towers in 2017. Their collective efforts had yielded over PKR 1.60 crore (INR 47.46 lakh, USD 57,268). "The global community has sustained their generous support, ensuring an ongoing stream of contributions to Indus,” stated Gazder when responding to queries from Parsiana.
Gazder (l) and center (front row, 3rd from r) recognized as
ambassador of Indus Hospital and Health Network;
above: with a young patient
At charity concerts organized by Gazder, her ensemble of accomplished pianists and guest musicians entertain the audience. As the prime mover, her involvement implies she and her family "actively contribute to the fundraising efforts.” She also makes time to regularly visit the children’s cancer wards, offering companionship and encouragement to the young patients. Further, she promotes "the admirable work of Indus Hospital on social media, emphasizing the importance of supporting the expenses related to cancer treatment,” Gazder alluded to the efforts that earned her recognition as an ambassador.
"The ambassadorship bestowed” upon her and likeminded women is "a lifelong honor. It aligns with their overarching i-Inspire Women Ambassador Program,” she mentioned. This initiative provides a platform for women "to unleash their potential to fundraise for Indus Hospital… by engaging, inspiring and inviting others to support the cause that IHHN is serving. Women have the power to inspire, influence, involve, interact and create an impact as agents of change,” notes their website.
"Indus Hospital stands as a prominent healthcare institution in Pakistan, distinguished for its non-profit status and commitment to offering tertiary care services to all patients, irrespective of their financial means. Having personally experienced the heartbreak of losing my father to cancer, I was deeply motivated to actively support Indus in raising funds specifically for their Children’s Cancer Ward,” she clarified. As stated on the IHHN website, every year, approximately 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in Pakistan. Knowing that emotional, physical, mental and financial burdens can be overwhelming, families unable to afford costly treatment are provided free services.
"Since 2015, our dedicated group Harmony in Helping Hands has been actively fundraising for eight deserving institutions in Pakistan. Our initiatives span a diverse range, from enhancing adult healthcare to supporting children’s education, including those with physical challenges. We’ve extended our outreach to maternal and neonatal care, ensuring a holistic approach to our philanthropic endeavors. Last year, we made a meaningful impact by reaching out to orphaned children at SOS Children’s Village. Notably, our successful fundraiser in 2019 greatly benefited the Bomanshah Minocher-Homji Parsi General Hospital in Karachi. Following this achievement, we have continued our commitment by visiting the elderly and bringing joy to patients during Navroz celebrations.” On March 10, they were once again at the Parsi General Hospital that taught the young performers that "seniors need company and a hand to hold more than ever.”