The Pharar Foundation’s mission is to provide compassionate dental care for cancer patients, ensuring a better quality of life throughout each individual’s cancer journey. Jessica Pharar was inspired to start the foundation after caring for her father who suffered from terminal brain cancer. Her experiences in college researching oral cancer and dental lasers combined with her work in an outreach clinic for victims of domestic abuse prepared her to care for medically complex patients.
Pharar currently balances the nonprofit and its team of volunteer staff and dentists, with her responsibilities at her practice—Drs. Chin and Pharar Dentistry—that she owns and operates with her husband. In the coming years, Pharar would like to shift her focus more toward the foundation and elevate the health care system on a national level by creating a residency program. The foundation works closely with Comprehensive Cancer Centers, UNLV and other oncologists to provide dental care to cancer patients at no cost.
Because Pharar experienced how specialized care can benefit cancer patients and their families, she derives great joy from providing this care in her community. “I love that I get to care for cancer patients when they are going through the scariest part of their journey and walk with them as they heal,” said Pharar. “I am so fortunate to help them during their greatest time of need.”