My name is Behbod (Ben) Naghshineh, and this fundraiser is honor of my late grandmother, Nahid Farahanchi or better known by her loving family, Nana.

Nana was one of the kindest people I've ever known. She cared deeply for everyone around her, and her love for her family was endless. When I was a child growing up in Iran, Nana was my safe place. She'd smile at everyone, no matter what, and she taught me what it means to live with kindness.

When I was still young, I moved to Canada and my family stayed in Iran. Years later, when Nana became sick with cancer, I couldn't be there with her. I missed the final years of her life, something that's stayed with me and filled me with guilt for a long time.

This year I decided to turn that guilt into purpose.

I'm launching The Maman Foundation, named after the Farsi word "maman" meaning "mother", to honor Nana's memory and her belief in helping others.

Our first project is the For Nana Fundraiser, running annually from October 27 to November 27, with a goal to raise $10,000 CAD in support of cancer research around the world.

Cancer has touched so many families, mine included. Every donation to this campaign goes towards funding cancer research and awareness through World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRF), an organization that helps prevent cancer and improve survival globally.

At the end of the campaign, 100% of the funds raised here will be donated directly to WCRF International. After the transfer, I'll post proof of the donation and receipts publicly so everyone can see exactly where the money went.

If you've ever lost someone to cancer, or know someone fighting right now, please consider donating or sharing this page. Every dollar and every share means more than I can say.

This is for Nana, for everyone we've lost, and for everyone still fighting.

Thank you for helping me carry her kindness forward.

- Ben Naghshineh

Founder, The Maman Foundation

#forNana #MamanFoundation #CancerResearch #InMemoryOfNana