How many of us at the age of 6 know what we want to be when we grow up?  A little boy from Bam, Iran knew that he would one day become a dentist.  His name is Iraj Jabbary.  He lived with his family of 13 members, including 7 brothers and 4 sisters.  Bam, Iran is a small city of 70,000 people.  In 2^nd grade, Iraj had a severe toothache.  His family realized that there was no local dentist to treat him.  This toothache was a pivotal moment in Iraj’s life and made him more than determined to fulfill what he believes to be, his destiny.  At 19, he came to the United States where his will and determination would soon be tested.  All alone, he held 2 jobs while attending college full-time.  He worked as a bus boy and a valet.

Dr. Iraj Jabbary is a very compassionate person.  He is also one of our local dentists and part owner of ABC Dental in Rosenberg, TX.  He also has two other dental offices, one in Cleveland, TX  and the other one in Pasadena, TX.  Twelve years ago, he decided to start his own practice.  After much success with his “GIVE BACK” partner, Dr. Bari, saw the need to open a dental office in Rosenberg, TX.  Dr. Bari and Dr. Jabbary welcome parents to stay in the room while their child is having dental work done, although the policy takes much time and patience.

In 1996, when Dr. Jabbary was thirty-four, he lost his father, who was his hero.  And it was instances such as the day his father came home for lunch that his father provided the greatest impact, and inspiration, to him.  Although his father came home every day for lunch, on this particular day, he brought home a stranger from the city.  Dr. Jabbary’s mother, however, was worried at this turn; they barely had enough to feed their own family.  His father replied simply, “GOD WILL PROVIDE”.

His parents never had the opportunity to attend school because their families had little to no money.  But his mother always told her children that when they went out into the world, “NO ONE KNOWS IF YOU ARE POOR, THEY ONLY KNOW IF YOU ARE HAPPY”.   Dr. Jabbary feels blessed to have been a part of such loving, caring, and giving parents.   Now, that spirit continues with holiday bike giveaways.

“Two years ago, during Christmas time, my employees wanted to buy me a gift.  Instead of giving to me, I asked them to buy 10 things to give to 10 needy families.  They decided to buy bikes.  They took pictures of the whole process.  They were so moved and touched by this.  They were crying and felt blessed to have done this act of kindness.”

He promised that the following year he would personally purchase 1,000 bikes to give away.  Many children in the Richmond-Rosenberg area received a bike Christmas 2008.

Dr. Jabbary’s goals for 2009 are to give away 3,000 to 5,000 bikes.  He truly believes in giving back to the community.  He believes that God wants us all to be giving, caring and compassionate.

In December of 2003 Dr. Jabbary’s faith was truly tested.  He lost over 100 members of his family—most were children—in an earthquake in his hometown of Bam.  Within the course of 14 months, he took 4 trips back to Iran to assist in the recovery of this small community.  Each time, the flights took over 24 hours each way.  It was a very costly and time consuming endeavor, one that can take a physical toll on anyone’s body.  Even so, he provided much financial and emotional support during this time.

Dr. Jabbary expressed, “All the credit goes to God and all of the blessings go to my staff.  Many of my employees inspire me every day.”

Smiles on Wheels ABC Dental Bike Giveaway 2010 from Del Rio Wedding Films on Vimeo.