A recent ceremony in New York celebrated the remarkable contributions of U.S. surgeon Manoj Abraham and the non-profit organization Project CURE, both of whom have played pivotal roles in supporting healthcare in Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. The duo was awarded the prestigious Order of Saint Panteleimon, recognizing their efforts to provide medical assistance and equipment to those in need.
Key Takeaways
- Award Recipients: Dr. Manoj Abraham and Project CURE were honored for their significant contributions to healthcare in Ukraine.
- Ceremony Location: The awards were presented at the Ukrainian Institute of America in New York.
- Award Significance: The Order of Saint Panteleimon is the highest public award for professionalism and charity in healthcare.
- Impact of Project CURE: The organization has delivered over $50 million in medical aid to Ukraine since the onset of the war.
Ceremony Highlights
The ceremony was presided over by Andrii Bazylevych, the head of the World Federation of Ukrainian Medical Societies and a professor at Lviv Medical University. He presented the awards to Dr. Abraham and Douglas Jackson, Executive Director of Project CURE.
Tetiana Tymkiv, President of the U.S. Foreign Council of the Order of Saint Panteleimon, explained that the award, traditionally given to Ukrainian doctors, was extended to international contributors due to the influx of aid to Ukrainian hospitals from abroad since the war began.
Contributions of Dr. Manoj Abraham
Dr. Abraham, a reconstructive surgeon and Chairman of the Face to Face initiative committee at the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, was recognized for his commitment to helping those affected by war-related injuries. His team, supported by the Razom for Ukraine initiative, operated on nearly a hundred patients in western Ukraine, addressing serious facial injuries among both military personnel and civilians.
Project CURE’s Role
Project CURE has been instrumental in providing medical supplies to Ukraine, having established a partnership with the country long before the full-scale invasion. The organization specializes in transporting advanced medical equipment and has been a vital source of support, delivering over $50 million worth of aid since the conflict escalated.
The Order of Saint Panteleimon
Established in 2009, the Order of Saint Panteleimon is awarded for significant achievements in healthcare and the development of Ukrainian society. It is named after the patron saint of doctors and is considered the highest public honor in the field. This summer, the award was also presented to top medics in Kyiv during the Day of Medical Workers and the Day of St. Panteleimon celebrations.
The recognition of Dr. Abraham and Project CURE underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing healthcare challenges, particularly in times of crisis. Their efforts not only provide immediate medical assistance but also inspire others to contribute to the ongoing support for Ukraine’s healthcare system.
Sources
- U.S. surgeon, non-profit receive Order of Saint Panteleimon for helping Ukraine, Ukrinform.
- U.S. surgeon and non-profit receive the Order of St. Panteleimon for helping Ukraine – RISU, Релігійно-інформаційна служба України.