Fund for Armenian Relief
PRESS RELEASE
Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR)
Press Office
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 889-5150; Fax: (212) 889-4849
email: press@farusa.org
web:
FAR part of multi-organization effort to help young Armenians with
Cleft Palates and Cleft Lip A child, with a cleft palate or cleft lip,
faces a life with no smiles.
Each year, approximately 50 children are born in Armenia who suffer
from these birth defects. Not only does a clef palate or lip present
cosmetic problems, it can also lead to malnutrition because it affects
how children eat.
These children, however, now have the chance to live normal lives
thanks to an effort jointly undertaken by the Cafesjian Foundation,
the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), and several other non-profit
organizations.
In early 2007, FAR began investigating the plight of these children in
Armenia. The Cafesjian Family Foundation, which was initiating an
effort to address the issue, connected with FAR. The Smile Project
formed to consolidate available resources and expanded to include the
Yerevan State Medical University, Arabkir Medical Center in Yerevan,
the Hand in Hand Foundation of Karabagh, Hope for the City, and Smile
Network International.
In total, 50 young Armenians, mostly under the age of 4, underwent
surgery last October thanks to the Smile Project. The surgery raised
public awareness about the issue and trained Armenian doctors in the
latest techniques of cleft palates and lips. Smile Network
International’s surgical team will arrive in Armenia for the second
mission in late June to address surgical needs of over 50 Armenian
children and young adults with cleft lip and cleft palate birth
defects.
"It is great to know we played a part in literally bringing smiles to
the faces of Armenian children," said Garnik Nanagoulian, executive
director of FAR. "And this project is an example of the power we have
when we all work together. Many organizations, each with their own
special abilities and skills, came together to make this complex
project successful. FAR very much appreciates the efforts of each
participating organization, and in particular the great partnership
with the Cafesjian team, as they are not only responsible and caring
but organized and professional."
Through the efforts of multiple organizations, FAR identified
potential patients throughout Armenia and the Armenian population of
the Javakhk region in Georgia. FAR also worked to cover the costs of
transportation, meals, accommodations in Yerevan and other relevant
expenses for the patients and their parents or guardians. In addition
to the above noted organizations, FAR also worked with members of the
FAR Fellowship Alumni Association, a nonprofit organization composed
of the leading healthcare professionals in Armenia. Moved by their
experiences with FAR, these doctors have been giving back to their
community over the past ten years. By training Armenian doctors and
building a sense of volunteerism in them, FAR is able to decrease the
cost of such surgeries by eliminating the need to fly in teams from
America. Diocesan Sunday school students helped in the effort as
well, raising almost $9,000 for the Smile Project through their 2007
Lenten season fund-raising efforts.
"We are always so happy with these collections, which have benefited
FAR programs over the years," said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
President of FAR and Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America (Eastern). "Whether they memorize Bible verses, sell Easter
baskets, bake, clean homes, wash cars, or pass canisters around at
church, all their efforts are full of energy and a beautiful spirit."
The Sunday schools will continue this effort through 2009 and once
again work to raise money to bring smiles to the afflicted children in
Armenia. "Sunday School students are always so energized during the
Lenten Campaign," said Elise Antreassian, Christian Education
Coordinator at the Armenian Diocese. "This year, the Project Smile
campaign has prompted students to serve dinners and sponsor sport-or
walk-a-thons among a number of other fun projects. This is Christian
education at its best – the Gospel truly and sincerely applied to
life!"
Together, the Diaspora and the medical professionals of Armenia are
giving these children the opportunity to enjoy a healthy childhood.
# # #
About FAR
Since its founding in response to the 1988 earthquake, FAR has served
hundreds of thousands of people through more than 220 relief and
development programs in Armenia and Karabagh. It has channeled more
than $265 million in humanitarian assistance by implementing a wide
range of projects including emergency relief, construction, education,
medical aid, and economic development.
For more information on FAR or to send donations, contact us at 630
Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016; telephone (212) 889-5150; fax (212)
889-4849; ; e-mail press@farusa.org.
— March 31st, 2008