It’s a medical mission of mercy.

For a 5th year, a team of Fresno area doctors and medical specialists is headed to the country of Armenia.

We traveled with the them last year, lead by Berj Apkarian the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno. We saw their work, and the tremendous need. “It takes a community to come together. Armenians and non-Armenians,” Apkarian says.

Last year there were 30 team members, including dentists and doctors of a variety of specialties. This year, the team numbers over 50, the doctors give their time and expertise, donations cover the travel expenses and supplies.

“Every donation that comes, it warms up my heart because I know there’s no administrative costs, every penny goes to reach out and touch lives and make it better,” says Apkarian.

A highlight of the mission trip will be a ribbon cutting at a hospital in the village of Ashtarak. We were there last year as mission doctors performed surgeries in an antiquated surgical suite with no running water.

This year, that suite has been renovated and modernized. According to Apkarian, “Two philanthropists from our community came forward. They embraced the project. I want to keep it a surprise because when we cut the ribbon, everybody will know.”

For many mission members, this is an annual trip. Providing care in a foreign country far from home. Where the need is great, and these visitors from Fresno will save and change hundreds of lives.