01. Meet the Fakhouri Family
02. Building on a Foundation of Blessings and Success
03. Impact on MS Patients Across the Region
04. A Vision for the Future
05. Stewardship and Trust: Managing Wealth for Generations 06. Lessons for Other Families
07. Download the PDF Version
Cambridge Associates
Client Story
The Fakhouri Family
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Building on a Foundation of Blessings and Success
The Fakhouri family’s philanthropic mission was born from personal challenge and a deep sense of responsibility to their community. Samer Fakhouri, a successful businessman, built a legacy of achievement and leadership before his diagnosis with multiple sclerosis (MS), which marked a turning point in the family’s journey. Their search for the latest treatments and rehabilitation options soon evolved into a broader mission: to bring hope, dignity, and opportunity to others across the Middle East facing similar struggles.
The Fakhouri family’s story is one of resilience, hope, and enduring impact.
Meet the
Fakhouri Family
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Motivated by their journey and all they had learned, the Fakhouris established the STF5 Care Foundation in Jordan. They named their rehabilitation center Nemat al-Tawfiq after Samer’s parents—his mother, Nemat, and his father, Tawfiq. The symbolism runs deeper: in Arabic, the names mean “blessings” and “success” respectively. Together, they capture the family’s philosophy—delivering social “blessings” through the entrepreneurial “success” that underpins their journey.
Drawing on decades of international business experience, they are now channeling this knowledge into philanthropy—sharing blessings with MS patients through exposure to global best practices and technologies that can restore dignity, independence, and hope. By working to break the stigma surrounding MS, particularly for women and youth, they have built a complementary portfolio of interventions that aligns with their commitment to empowering the next generation through entrepreneurship education. As they explore breakthrough medical solutions such as exoskeletons, they further demonstrate the power of entrepreneurial thinking and innovative mindsets in advancing both patient care and youth opportunity across the region.
Impact on MS Patients Across the Region
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While the foundation’s reach is significant, its greatest accomplishment is seen in the improved quality of life for those it serves. Over 76,000 rehabilitation sessions have been delivered to more than 400 patients, most of whom would otherwise have no access to care. The Fakhouris’ approach blends compassion with innovation, leveraging their global network to introduce advanced technologies and best practices to the region.
A pivotal moment in the family’s journey came when Samer traveled to Paris to try an exoskeleton device. He returned home with a video of himself walking upright and moving freely, no longer reliant on a wheelchair. Sharing this video with his children, especially his youngest son, was deeply moving for the family. The experience not only brought a sense of possibility but also inspired the Fakhouris to make advanced rehabilitation technology accessible to other MS patients. This story became a catalyst for the foundation’s commitment to innovation and dignity in care.
“Samer has never let MS define him. He has continued to work and lead his businesses. He is always searching for the latest rehabilitation programs around the world. Through him, I’ve realized patients don’t just need treatment—they also need inspiration and empowerment.”
—Maram Samara Fakhouri
A vision for the future
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The foundation has become a regional reference point for MS care, breaking barriers for women and empowering youth to reclaim their independence and improve their quality of life.
Still, the Fakhouris are committed to scaling their model further across the MENA region. Their ultimate goal is to create a network of rehabilitation centers and commercial gyms that subsidize care for MS patients, leveraging science, AI, and robotics to inspire hope and transform lives.
Entrusting the stewardship of their wealth was a deeply personal decision that went beyond business. For the Fakhouris, it was about securing their family’s future and ensuring their philanthropic mission continued. In partnering with Cambridge Associates, they sought peace of mind in knowing that their investment partner was motivated solely by their interests, with no competing business priorities.
Cambridge Associates manages two distinct portfolios for the family: a multi-generational family portfolio and a foundation portfolio dedicated to supporting their charitable work. The family portfolio is structured like an endowment, designed to provide for future generations, while the foundation portfolio is more income-oriented, helping ensure the foundation can meet its commitments today and continue its vital work well into the future. The family’s approach to portfolio management involves not only financial stewardship but also governance, succession planning, and a commitment to their philanthropic mission.
Maram Samara Fakhouri offered, “I find it meaningful that Cambridge Associates looks beyond financial returns to consider the human impact of the investment journey. Knowing our values are aligned gives me comfort as a client.”
The Fakhouris are also passionate about teaching philanthropy to their children, ensuring that the values of giving, community, and resilience are passed down. Their story is a testament to the power of family-driven philanthropy and the importance of trusted partnerships in achieving lasting impact.
Stewardship and Trust: Managing Wealth
for Generations
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“With our children, we make sure to teach them about philanthropy from a young age. We have seen how much can be gained from giving back, and how it creates a sense of belonging and community.”
—Maram Samara Fakhouri
Lessons for other families
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Lead with values
Philanthropic journeys are powerful when they’re rooted in personal experience. The Fakhouris demonstrate how a deeply held sense of responsibility and compassion can guide not only the causes a family supports, but also their ability to approach giving in an authentic and enduring way.
Leverage your network for good
Families can amplify their impact by seeking out and building relationships with organizations and leaders who share their vision. By collaborating with international experts in MS research and tapping into the global Cambridge Associates client network, the Fakhouris have brought world-class solutions to their local community.
inspire others to give back
The Fakhouris believe that by being open about their challenges and successes they can encourage other families to embark on their own philanthropic journeys. Their example demonstrates that philanthropy is not just about resources, but about leadership that inspires others.
Build trusted partnerships
Philanthropy and wealth management are deeply personal endeavors that benefit from relationships built on trust, transparency, and shared values. The Fakhouris’ experience highlights the importance of working with partners who listen and act as an extension of the family—helping to navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and remain committed to the family’s vision. It’s equally important to choose a partner who always offers honest advice, ensuring decisions reflect the family’s best interests.
Plan for generations
The Fakhouris have structured their wealth to support both their family and their philanthropic mission, ensuring generational impact. By thinking beyond the present and putting in place thoughtful governance, succession planning, and sustainable investment strategies, families can create a foundation for lasting change and empower future generations to carry their vision forward.
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About Cambridge Associates
Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm with 50+ years of institutional investing experience. We partner with private clients, endowments, foundations, pension plans, and corporations to design and manage custom portfolios focused on generating alpha and achieving investment objectives. Our services include outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and alternative asset class mandates.
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Samer Fakhouri
STF5 Care Foundation team
“So many women in Jordan who are diagnosed with MS are now breaking the stigma. They are returning to school, going to university, and realizing that a diagnosis is not the end of the world.”
—Maram Samara Fakhouri
Maram Samara Fakhouri
Here are five things the Fakhouris would offer as advice to other families working to align their legacy and values.
