Granite Bay resident Firas Nassif, DMD—who’s practiced dentistry since 2001 in Roseville—insists he isn’t into numbers, but he set this year’s fundraising record for the Greater Sacramento Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Man & Woman of the Year campaign—earning him the title of 2019 Man of the Year. Over the course of the 10-week philanthropic competition, he and his teammates raised $200,000—money that will help LLS with their mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma; and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. “Eighty cents of every dollar donated goes to the actual cause,” Dr. Nassif says. 

A leukemia survivor himself, Dr. Nassif says maintaining a positive attitude daily and not getting mired in negativity helps yourself and those around you, too. “Through faith and learning that bad things are a test of our strength...[it] helps us to overcome [them],” he says.

Married for 14 years, the Nassifs have three children. “Every day when I wake up, I count my blessing(s) and strive for my daily purpose. It’s my family that tops that list.” 

By Domino Soleil

Q&A

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Don’t let failure hold you back.

What comes to you naturally?

Empathy.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Pushy salespeople.

Biggest life inspirations?

As a person, it’s my dad; on a daily basis, it’s waking up every day knowing I have a purpose.

What are you most proud of?

My wife and kids.

 

Favorite humanitarian cause? 

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Best words of wisdom you’ve received?

Live every day with appreciation, even for the smallest things.

FAVORITES:

AUTHOR/WRITER: Paulo Coelho

MEAL IN TOWN: Mikuni 

LOCAL LANDMARK: Tower Bridge

MOVIE: The Shawshank Redemption

MUSICIAN/BAND: The Beatles

ESCAPE: Napa

GUILTY PLEASURE: Whiskey

LOCAL NONPROFIT: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

SAYING: “The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude.”

By Dennis Brown