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Child rewarded for donation to Northwell by Dowling

Rose Weldon
Northwell Health President and CEO Michael Dowling presents 7-year-old Desiree Mohammodi of Syosset with an American Girl doll. The girl had donated her life savings, just over $50, to essential efforts for nurses and doctors. (Photo courtesy of Northwell Health)

After donating her life savings to essential efforts, 7-year-old with a heart of gold was personally rewarded for her generosity by Northwell Health President and CEO Michael Dowling.

Desiree Mohammodi of Syosset had written a letter to Dowling offering the $52.65 that she had saved in her piggy bank for three years to benefit the nurses and doctors of Northwell hospitals.

In a virtual press event held at Northwell’s headquarters in New Hyde Park on May 14, Dowling listened as Mohammodi read her letter and presented him with a small, heavy bucket filled with the loose change.

“I am worried that our doctors and nurses and the rest of the hospital staff are not having time for themselves,” Mohammodi wrote. “I hope you can all get a chance to take a break and use the money for a snack from the vending machines.”

In addition, she wrote that her mother, Rose Mohammodi, had said that God hears all prayers of little children.

“I pray the world is free of all disease,” Mohammodi wrote.

She then closed her letter by reminding Dowling to wash his hands.

Mohammodi added in a postscript to her letter that her uncle, Dr. Mehran Tafreshi, worked for the Northwell system, and asked Dowling to give him a hug from her should their paths cross.

Dowling later said at the presser that he had learned that Mohammodi was interested in astronomy, and had been saving her money for three years in order to purchase a telescope and an American Girl doll in astronaut garb. He then presented her with an American Girl doll and accessories as well as a working telescope.

“Because we think Desiree is a true superhero, we want to give her a special thank-you,” Dowling said.“Here at Northwell, we believe that now more than ever, the generosity and compassion of one special little girl should be rewarded.”

When asked how she felt about Dowling, Mohammodi replied, “He’s a wonderful man – I love him even more than I love my dog.”

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