Fr. Avedis Kalayjian

This year, I’m donating my birthday to help bring essential medical equipment to the healthcare clinic in Chambarak, Armenia.

Chambarak is a small and resilient town near Armenia’s northeastern border with Azerbaijan. Despite being geographically isolated and impacted by ongoing conflict, the community continues forward with courage and strength, but it faces real challenges, especially when it comes to healthcare.

The town’s primary healthcare clinic serves nearly 6,000 people. It’s where mothers bring their children when they’re sick, where elders seek care, and where people turn during moments of need. Unfortunately, the facility is under-equipped and under-resourced. Much of the medical equipment is outdated or missing entirely, and even the furniture is too old or broken to be used comfortably.

Yet the clinic’s physician, trained through FAR’s Continuing Medical Education program, shows up every day with commitment and care. What’s missing are the tools to match that dedication.

This fundraiser will help change that. With your support, we can provide basic yet vital medical equipment and furnishings so that the people of Chambarak can access healthcare with dignity, safety, and trust.

If you were planning to mark my birthday in some way, I ask that you consider a donation to this cause instead. Your gift will be a gesture not only to celebrate another year of life, but to extend that gift to others—families, children, elders—who need to know that their health matters.

Thank you for joining me in making this birthday truly meaningful.