Zamanigian bequest enables AECP medical fellowships

Mary Ann Zamanigian was a dedicated and generous supporter of the Armenian EyeCare Project (AECP) in her lifetime. After her passing, the late Zamanigian will continue to make a lasting impact toward quality eye care in Armenia through her estate. Notably, a substantial bequest from the late Zamanigian will make it possible for physicians in Armenia to continue their advanced medical education and training in ophthalmology through international fellowships sponsored by her legacy gift. Dr. Arpine Petrosyan is the first physician in Armenia to be selected as a Zamanigian Fellow. Specializing in oculoplastics and neuro-ophthalmology, Dr. Petrosyan will participate in a yearlong medical fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. "This fellowship is more than an educational opportunity,” Dr. Petrosyan said. “It is an investment in my future and in the future of my country. As a physician from Armenia, I am honored to learn from outstanding professionals in Irvine and to gain knowledge, skills, and experience that I could not easily obtain at home. My greatest goal is to return to Armenia and use everything I learn to improve patient care, contribute to medical education, and support the development of our healthcare system. I believe that knowledge has its greatest value when it is shared, and I hope to pass on what I learn to my colleagues and future generations of physicians. This fellowship gives me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference — not only in my own career, but also in the lives of the patients and communities I will serve in Armenia." Zamanigian held a keen interest in the medical field, pursuing a degree in radiology and working at the Rhode Island Blood Center for many years. She also deeply valued service and education, which makes the allocation of her generous contribution to AECP particularly meaningful. "Mary Ann’s gift to the Armenian EyeCare Project stands as a permanent testament to her lifelong, unwavering commitment to serve,” said her cousin, Dr. Gary Zamanigian. “Through her benevolence, she ensured that her legacy would have an enduring impact. Her decision to allocate a significant portion of her estate stands as proof of her integrity, her compassion, and her steadfast dedication to the welfare of others. Through this final act of generosity, she leaves a legacy defined by the long-lasting good her gift will accomplish." If Dr. Petrosyan could, she would say this to Mary Ann: "Thank you for believing in people you may never have met. Your generosity has opened a door that will shape my career and, I hope, positively impact many lives in Armenia. I want you to know that I see this fellowship not as a destination, but as a great responsibility. Thank you for making this opportunity possible. Your support will create an impact that reaches far beyond one individual. It will touch the lives of many patients and families in Armenia for years to come." AECP is grateful to Mary Ann Zamanigian for her invaluable support and the lasting impact her legacy gift will have in advancing the organization’s lifelong mission: to eliminate preventable blindness in Armenia and make quality eye care accessible for every child and adult in the country.

Zamanigian bequest enables AECP medical fellowships

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