At the beginning of the year Sutter Health unveiled a new campaign as part of a brand re-launch. The new advertisements focus on how the not-for-profit healthcare network “proudly cares for the people of Northern California, the birthplace of pioneers.” Babak and Behniya Esmaeily are two of these pioneers.
In January, 2017, Babak Esmaeily immigrated to Turlock, CA with his eleven-year-old son, Behniya, after fleeing persecution in Iran. After relocating, Babak wanted two things for his son; to go to school, and to play soccer. Behniya speaks no English which makes school difficult, and why the latter is all the more important. Babak says he was insistent his son play the sport because “soccer is an international language”. When you’re on the field it’s not important that you cannot speak or understand; you just play soccer and make friends.
After learning of their appreciation of the sport, the San Jose Earthquakes in partnership with Sutter Health have invited Babak and Behniya to the match on Oct. 22. They will enjoy warm ups on the field, as well as attend the biggest game in Avaya Stadium’s history.
