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Fund for Armenian Relief
Press Release
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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: www.farusa.org
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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.
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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.
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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; http://www.farusa.org; e-mail press@farusa.org.
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