The Immigrant Who Turned Gratitude into Care

Lebanese Jew creates project that provides free care to thousands of children

In the 1960s, young Vivian de Picciotto arrived in Brazil with his mother, the widow Fortunée, and his brother Moussy. The family had no financial means, neither in Lebanon nor upon arriving here.

Vivian and his brother worked tirelessly, day and night, just to put food on the table. Often, they managed only one meal a day, accompanied by the traditional pingado (coffee with milk) and a piece of bread they shared.

Years later, once financially stable, Vivian decided to give back to the country that had offered him opportunities. Inspired by his mother—who in Lebanon had always helped those in need—he founded the Fortunée de Picciotto Israelite Association in the same warehouse where he had begun his professional journey. Today, the space houses dental and ophthalmology clinics that provide free care to children and young people in vulnerable situations.

Offering dental care was his way of giving children something he himself never had: the chance to maintain oral health and ensure a healthy smile for the future. Similarly, recalling the difficulties he faced seeing the blackboard at school—and supported by studies showing that many vision problems can be solved with a simple consultation and a pair of glasses—he also implemented ophthalmology services.

In 2025 alone, the Association carried out more than 32,000 appointments, between consultations in its clinics and outreach initiatives. Since its founding, it has surpassed 125,000 appointments in dentistry and ophthalmology.

Last year, the project expanded its reach to include babies and adults, ensuring continuous care across all stages of life.

The institution features a playful children’s area, an educational brushing space, and specialized teams in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, maxillofacial surgery, restorative dentistry, and ophthalmology. This structure creates a welcoming environment for children, reducing fear of dental treatment.

All services are funded exclusively by Vivian, who is neither a dentist nor a doctor. As he puts it: “This is my way of giving back what Brazil has given me.”

For more information, visit: https://associacaofortunee.com/ Tel: +55 (11) 3224-8989 Instagram: @associação.fortunee

Source: Silvia Perlov