Knowledge, courage and community: Eve Bombay hosts an afternoon of awareness and stories of strength with the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA)

In association with the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA), Eve Bombay, the contemporary multi-cuisine restaurant in Santacruz, opened its doors to an afternoon dedicated to breast cancer awareness. Mrs. Neeta More, Executive Director, Cancer Screening Services, CPAA, was instrumental in bringing the intimate, invite-only session together, joined by members of the CPAA team, guests and media. Among her guests was actor Renuka Shahane, who with her personal experience opened the session with a few words on the cause.

At the heart of the afternoon was an expert-led session by Dr. Vani Parmar, a distinguished breast oncosurgeon with over 37 years of surgical experience, 25 of them at Tata Memorial Centre, who currently heads the Department of Breast Oncosurgery at KIMS Hospitals, Thane. Her session focused on the practical side of breast health: building regular checks into routine care, seeking timely medical advice and approaching screening and treatment decisions with confidence. She also took on common misconceptions directly, encouraging women to put their own health first.

Speaking at the session, Dr. Vani Parmar said, “Breast cancer awareness is not just about knowing the disease; it is about empowering women to take charge of their breast health. Understanding risk factors and recognising changes in the breasts early can make a meaningful difference. We need to move beyond fear and hesitation and encourage open, informed conversations about breast cancer. Early detection, the right treatment and strong support can shape a woman’s entire journey through the disease.”

The most moving moment of the afternoon came from breast cancer survivor Ms Ranjana Vighne, who shared her stories with the room. She spoke about facing the diagnosis, going through treatment and the strength she drew from the people around her. Her experience brought a human dimension to everything discussed earlier, and showed the importance of awareness, support and informed action.

Her openness also set the tone for the interactive Q&A that followed, where guests shared their own questions and experiences. Dr. Vani Parmar and Mrs. Neeta More, Executive Director, Cancer Screening Services, CPAA, addressed questions on prevention, treatment and caregiving, helping participants better understand the importance of timely intervention. The event ended over high tea, as conversations continued well beyond the session.

Speaking about the initiative, Sneha Sharma, Vice President Marketing, Monarch Liberty Hospitality, said, “At Eve, we believe a restaurant can be more than a place to dine. It can be a space where people come together for conversations that genuinely matter. Breast cancer awareness is one of those conversations, and early detection can make all the difference. Partnering with CPAA allowed us to bring expert knowledge and real stories into an open, approachable setting. If even one guest walks away more informed, or encourages someone they love to get screened, the afternoon has served its purpose.”

With this initiative, Eve Bombay continues to be a space that goes beyond the plate, bringing people together for conversations that matter. The brand hopes to carry this spirit forward through more such meaningful collaborations in the future.