A family’s crusade for
child health
Donor spotlight
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Progress Report 2021/22 |
Since 2003, the Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation (DMF) has been supporting hospitals, research centres and schools around the world, guided by a single, powerful vision: to achieve lasting change in the lives of children.
Founded by philanthropist and business leader Djavad Mowafaghian, the DMF has donated over $17 million to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, transforming pediatric healthcare in significant ways. The DMF’s profound impact is felt throughout all of BC Children’s Hospital, especially in the many areas of the hospital that bear its name, such as the Djavad Mowafaghian Child Care Centre and the Djavad Mowafaghian Welcome Gallery in the Sunny Hill Health Centre, among others.
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The passionate commitment to giving hope to children runs throughout the entire Mowafaghian family, as shown in the DMF’s most recent gift. Under the leadership of Hamid Eshghi, President and Director of the DMF, and Djavad Mowafaghian’s nephew, the DMF made a transformative contribution at the 35th Annual Crystal Ball Gala in 2021. Co-chaired by Arya Eshghi, Hamid Eshghi’s wife, and Helen Rivero, the Crystal Ball gala raised over $6.76 million to help conquer childhood cancer. Arya has been instrumental in the success of the gala over the years, having served as chair or co-chair seven times during her 15 years on the Crystal Ball committee. The highlight of the 2021 gala was the DMF’s incredible contribution in honour of a member of the Mowafaghian family: Mojgan, Djavad Mowafaghian’s eldest daughter. Mojgan fought a long battle with cancer — years ago she was a proud cancer survivor, but in recent years was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Sadly, in 2021, she lost this battle at the age of 53. |
“Mojgan was a beautiful woman who was a born caregiver,” says Hamid Eshghi, Mojgan’s cousin. “Even when suffering through cancer treatments, she was committed to living her best life in service to others.” In Mojgan’s honour, the DMF pledged $3 million to establish the Mojgan Mowafaghian Hospital Chair in Oncology Research at BC Children’s Hospital. This Hospital Chair will be held by a visionary leader who will foster excellence and innovation, catalyze change, and strive to ensure BC Children’s Hospital is at the forefront of novel treatments and transformational research in childhood cancers. In a life filled with notable accomplishments and successes, Djavad Mowafaghian never wavers from his mission to improve the lives of children. The DMF reflects the spirit and vision of its founder, embodied through the work of Hamid Eshghi and Arya Eshghi and their pivotal contributions to BC Children’s Hospital. |