Representatives of the AAMS with event organizers and emcees at the gala on May 7
The Armenian American Medical Society and its dedicated community of members and supporters united on May 6 and 7 for a meaningful cause: to generate funds to procure essential life-saving medications and healthcare supplies for the people of Artsakh.
The weekend’s events, a Gala, and Telethon, launched an ongoing fundraising campaign, Lifeline of Hope. Nearly $300,000 has been raised so far between the Gala and the Telethon, the proceeds of which will be used to purchase medications and medical supplies for the Armenians in Artsakh. This campaign was spurred by Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin corridor, which has been rendered inaccessible since December 12, 2022. As a result, the 120,000 residents are isolated, without access to essential goods and services, including life-saving medication and healthcare.
“Our priority is to ensure the well-being of our people in a region that is presently landlocked and under blockade,” said Garni Barkhoudarian, MD, FAANS, president of AAMS. “Our aim is to provide the necessary support to maintain the health of Armenians in Artsakh. The more resources we can obtain, the longer we can sustain the availability of vital medications and medical supplies crucial for their survival.”
The first event of the weekend, the AAMS 38th Anniversary Gala, was held May 6, at the spectacular Jonathon Club in downtown Los Angeles. The gala drew 250 attendees.
AAMS Board members with honorees Dr. Armand Dorian (center left) and Dr. George Melikian (center right)
Armand Dorian, MD, MMM, FACEP, FACHE, and George Melikian, MD, MPH, both received the AAMS Lifetime Achievement Award for their significant contributions in assisting Armenia and Artsakh during the challenging times of COVID and the Second Artsakh War. Their remarkable efforts were recognized and celebrated as they shared inspiring words, emphasizing the importance of continued dedication and collaboration.
Elizabeth Zoryan, RN, BSN, PHN, AAMS Executive Committee member and secretary, and gala chair, offered the evening’s opening remarks and a somber reminder that the evening was about more than awards and recognition. “As we unite to honor our peers, we need to also reflect on the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh,” she noted. “The blockade has continued for nearly five months, cutting off our Armenian brothers and sisters from Armenia and the rest of the world. Through the generosity of our members and supporters, we can provide desperately needed humanitarian assistance. We can be their lifeline of hope.”
Emmy Award-nominated KTLA reporter Ellina Abovian presided over the gala as Mistress of Ceremonies. Ellina also co-hosted the Lifeline of Hope telethon, Sunday, May 7, sharing hosting duties with Vruyr Tadevosyan of Horizon Armenian TV and Armine Amiryan of USArmenia TV.
The televised fundraiser aired live for a total of 12 hours on Horizon Armenian TV, ARTN TV, and USArmenia TV. Members of the AAMS Executive Committee, AAMS members, and a host of local healthcare professionals rallied viewers throughout the day to support this worthy cause.
“The 120,000 Armenians in Artsakh this Sunday may not have electricity, fuel, or the security of knowing they can feed their family today, let alone tomorrow,” said AMIC President and AAMS executive board member Vicken Sepilian, MD, FACOG, during the telethon. “We are survivors of a genocide, but today, our brothers and sisters in Artsakh are still fighting to survive. We are here to send them the message, ‘We are here with you.’ We must speak out and provide them with aid so they know they are not alone.”
The fundraiser is ongoing and open for donations through the AAMS website, Paypal, and Venmo. With every contribution, we can make a world of difference in the lives of those affected by this crisis.
The AAMS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with over 500 members from around California whose practice areas cover the entire spectrum of allied healthcare. The AAMS is the largest Armenian medical society in the Diaspora. Its directory of practitioners is a vital resource for patients seeking care in various health-related disciplines and specialties. In addition, the AAMS is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education and the Dental Board of California, ensuring that AAMS members maintain their competence in new medical knowledge through Continuing Medical Education activities to improve quality care for patients and their communities.
