Dear friends and supporters of the Nadjmi Foundation.

We are excited to share the latest updates from our recent missions across Iran, where our dedicated team has been working tirelessly to transform lives through cleft care and surgery. Each mission reminds us of the profound impact that love, passion, and teamwork can have on the lives of those in need.

A Journey of Hope: Shiraz Mission

On July 14th our journey began in Shiraz, where we once again had the privilege of visiting dozens of patients with congenital anomalies, particularly cleft lip and palate, from all over Iran. This visit would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of the team at the Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic of the Shiraz Dental School, as well as the colleagues who traveled from various parts of Iran to receive training. Every helping hand in this effort is a testament to the power of collective action.

Shiraz Cleft team

Shiraz Surgical team
Group picture at the operating room at the completion of surgeries.

As the great poet Molavi (Rumi) beautifully expressed:
“Your love can turn the world upside down, create a hundred new eras, and reveal what lies beyond the heavens and the void.”

Among those we visited was Yekta, an Afghan girl who fled Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. A year and a half ago, Yekta underwent surgery at our Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic in Shiraz (built and sponsored by Nadjmi Foundation). Her remarkable progress since that day is a testament to the enduring power of love and commitment. This moment of triumph is shared by all who contributed to her journey.

As Rumi reminds us:
“A life lived without love is worthless.
Love is the water of life; let it fill your heart and soul.
Anyone who is not a lover is like a fish out of water.”

Continuing the Mission: Zahedan and Beyond

Following six days in Shiraz, our team traveled to Zahedan for a three-day mission. There, we visited over 50 patients and performed surgeries on 27 individuals in our newly refurbished operating theatres.
Dr. Torabi en Dr. Moslemi, two of our cleft surgery fellows.
Among the patients was Fatemeh Zahra, an 11-year-old girl whose life story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Used by her drug-addicted parents for begging, she has been kidnapped three times by her grandmother in attempts to bring her to our center for surgery. Each time, her father forcibly took her back. However, this time, under the protection of a judge’s order, Fatemeh Zahra was finally able to stay and receive the surgery she so desperately needed.
The sparkle in her eyes and her courage both promise a bright future, but her challenges are far from over. Due to the lack of identification documents, she is deprived of the opportunity to learn and build a better life. We are committed to advocating for her and others like her, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.
In addition to our surgical work, we are thrilled to announce that we have begun construction on a center of excellence for the non-surgical aspects of cleft care housed in the same building as our refurbished operating rooms. This facility will further enhance our ability to provide comprehensive patient care.

Closing the Mission: Tehran Operations

Our mission concluded with a flight to Tehran, where we arrived in the early hours of July 22nd. Alongside Dr. Torabi, a Maxillofacial Fellow from Shahid Beheshti University, and Dr. Moslemi from Babol University, we spent the next two days operating on 15 primary and secondary cases at Mofid Children’s Hospital. On the third day, we held a multidisciplinary consultation and met with Professor Khojasteh and the dean of the Dental School at Shahid Beheshti University. Our discussions focused on organizing a sustainable, nationwide cleft care program.
Performing surgeries and giving training in Mofid children’s hospital, Tehran – Iran.

At the end of this mission, and with the help of our dedicated team, we visited over 150 patients and changed 73 lives for the better through surgeries performed.

Our team members who made this possible include:
Shiraz:
Dr. Tadayyon, Dr. Hakimi, Dr. Torabi, Dr. Moslemi, Dr. Ajami, Miss Zare

Zahedan:
Dr. Roshanzamir, Dr. Gharibi, Dr. Torabi, Dr. Moslemi, Mrs. Khosravi, Mrs. Kykhanejad

Tehran:
Dr. Khojasteh, Dr. Torabi, Dr. Roesrokh, Dr. Ebrahimi, Dr. Moslemi

As we reflect on these missions, we feel a deep sense of fulfillment and are energized for the work ahead. Together, we are making a tangible difference in countless children’s and their families’ lives.

Thank you for your continued support. Your contributions make these missions possible and help us bring hope and healing to those who need it most.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Nasser

If you’d like to support our work, consider donating or volunteering today : Visit our website www.nadjmifoundation.org