Childhood Cancer Survivors’ Day Celebration in MAHAK

On December 27, MAHAK family gathered to hold a ceremony celebrating ‘Childhood Cancer Survivors’ Day’ under the theme of “Cancer is not the end”.  We hosted guests consisting of MAHAK Board of Trustees and Directors, survived children, their family members, celebrities, social VIPs, volunteers and MAHAK staff.

MAHAK’s Childhood Cancer Survivors event based on the day Kiana was born is marked to honor the strength and courage of those who are living with a history of cancer as Kiana has experienced.  She was diagnosed with cancer 24 years ago.  Successfully fighting an arduous battle, she not only survived, she thrives.  Thanks to this victory, her mother, Ms. Saideh Ghods became intensely preoccupied with the idea of building a charity-oriented organization for cancer-stricken children and their families.  Very soon thereafter, MAHAK was born, and as they say, the rest is history.

This event began by displaying a clip featuring the renowned actress Ms. Fatemeh Motamed Arya and MAHAK children.  Ms. Motamed Arya who was present followed the clip with an expression of her own heartfelt sentiment and enthusiasm for MAHAK.  She was followed by Ms. Saideh Ghods, the founder of MAHAK who explained the importance of this day and the irreplaceable role of those who have supported MAHAK during the past two decades.

Afterwards, Dr. Reza Fekrazad, president of Iranian Medical Laser Association (IMLA), expressed his appreciation regarding MAHAK’s assistance in holding the 8th congress on the ‘8th Annual Conference on Medical Laser’ and described his future collaborations with MAHAK hospital.

Then the attendants heard about MAHAK’s background and activities in detail from the mouth of Dr. Mardawig Alebouyeh who is a member of MAHAK’s Board of Trustee and a prominent oncologist.

In the next session, the dedicated statue of the late Prof. Parvaneh Vossough’s was unveiled by Kiana and MAHAK’s survived children.

The atmosphere benefitted immeasurably by the presence of Iranian champions such as Mr. Javad Nekounam, the captain of Iranian National Football Team, Mr. Saeed Nasiri, one of MAHAK’s children who survived cancer and is a world champion in weight lifting as well as the accomplished climber Mr. Dehghan, who planted MAHAK’s flag on the peak of Everest.

At the end of the ceremony, the Dr. Anasori, recited poems with the concept of altruism, humanity and love while pieces of violins and violoncellos were being played by Ghazal Rozbahani and Yekta Ahmadizadeh.

There was a great sense of inspiration in time of celebrating Kiana’s birthday with Nima Hafezieh, one of MAHAK cancer-defeating children playing piano.

From family members to close friends, everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by cancer.  This inspiring day provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of cancer to connect with each other, celebrate milestones, and recognize those who have supported them along the way.

MAHAK congratulates this day of hope to all cancer survivors, their families and friends, and the global community dealing with this insidious enemy we all know as cancer; and appreciates all the kindness and support benevolent members and volunteers selflessly provide to help children remain children, giving them hope and conviction, preventing them from becoming reclusive, and thus assisting them in maximizing their chances for recovery and returning to normal life afterwards.