Restoring Mobility, Giving Hope: Operation Walk USA Celebrates 14 Years of Improving Patient Quality of Life
San Antonio, TX – The holidays are fast approaching and many of us are already planning to step into the season with celebration and time with friends and family in mind. There are gifts to be wrapped, decorations to be hung and special occasions to be safely held in the weeks ahead.
But for many Americans who suffer from debilitating hip or knee pain, stepping into the season may prove impossible. Participating in daily activities – whether lifting a child, taking a walk, enjoying exercise or navigating work responsibilities where mobility is involved – may be mentally and physically overwhelming for those suffering from end-stage arthritis. And even if hip or knee surgery is an option, many patients may have not access to it and feel helpless and without options.
That’s where Operation Walk USA 2024 provides a solution and helps return an uninsured patient to mobility and the quality of life he or she once enjoyed. From December 2 to December 7, an estimated 45 patients will receive free joint replacements from 22 orthopaedic surgeons at 19 hospitals around the country.
“We are so very committed to this program, stated Dr. Marshall-Rodriquez with South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital. It has become an annual tradition and a way we can all give patients a new lease on life. These individuals will start the new year with mobility, renewed hope, and spirit. This is a real collaborative effort and we so appreciate the support of our local volunteers, other orthopaedic surgeons and their staff, and the many donors and supporters for their generous time and expertise.”
Now in its fourteenth year, Operation Walk USA takes place each December as a humanitarian effort. The program provides every element of treatment ─ surgery, hospitalization, and pre-and post-operative care ─ at no cost to patients who may not qualify for government health coverage, have insurance or be able to afford surgery on their own.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 23 percent of adults – or more than 54 million people suffer from arthritis. By 2040 that is expected to climb to 26 percent or 78 million of us. Arthritic disease is the most common cause of disability in the U.S., with the debilitating end stages of hip or knee degenerative disease making any movement or activity exceedingly difficult and near impossible.
“We are so glad to offer the services of Operation Walk USA again this year. Our orthopaedic community is so eager to help restore patient mobility and the quality of life they once enjoyed,” says New Albany, Ohio orthopaedic surgeon Adolph V. Lombardi, Jr., MD, president and co-founder of Operation Walk USA. “We are inspired by the remarkable success stories of our patients and recognize the tremendous efforts of all those who volunteer to make this program so impactful.”
Dr. Lombardi also noted that while the 2024 national outreach was conducted in memory of Lawrence D. Dorr, MD (1941-2020), founder of Operation Walk (International) and co-founder of Operation Walk USA, we continue to honor his lifelong commitment to excellence in patient care, philanthropy, and giving back in 2024.
“There is no greater sense of fulfillment than restoring mobility and function in a person previously debilitated by arthritis. Thank you for the opportunity to give back to our community through joint replacement.” – Dr. Amanda Marshal
Operation Walk USA began in 2011 following the tremendous success of Operation Walk, an international volunteer medical service organization that provides treatment for patients with arthritis and joint conditions in developing countries. To date, over 900 patients received help through Operation Walk USA, held in the month of December, annually since 2011. Since its inception, Operation Walk USA has provided knee and hip replacement surgeries valued at more than $24.6 million.
Device manufacturers DePuy Synthes (Johnson&Johnson), DJO (Enovis), Smith & Nephew, Stryker, Total Joint Orthopedics, Medacta and Zimmer Biomet have been donating the hip and knee implants for the Operation Walk USA. We are grateful for monetary donations from several donors, including Golden State Orthopaedics, Inc.
Operation Walk USA 2024 facts:
- Operation Walk USA 2024 is planned to be held at 19 hospitals throughout the country throughout December and into early 2025.
- An estimated 22 plus orthopaedic surgeons will provide hip and joint replacements, free of charge, to 45 plus patients nationwide.
- Operation Walk USA 2024 is based on the successful experiences of Operation Walk, which has provided hip and knee replacements to thousands of patients throughout the world since 1996.
- This is the fourteenth year for Operation Walk USA, which has provided free total joint replacement to over 900 patients to date and surgeries valued at more than $24.6 million.
To find a list of participating orthopaedic surgeons and cities, visit www.operationwalkusa.org or follow Operation Walk USA on Facebook.