I first learned of Operation Walk when I met Dr. Dorr and Dr. Gilbert for my knee replacement consultation in 2016. Nine years, two new knees and a hip replacement later, I know firsthand how life-changing it is to be given the opportunity to live a pain-free, productive and active life again after years of crippling pain. I cannot even imagine a world in which relief is not an option, though many people do face that crippling reality every day and have no option for alternatives. It is a humbling experience to travel to countries where people have no access to this type of medical help and have waited 10 and sometimes even 20 years to be able to receive a new joint. That’s where Operation Walk steps in.
As a photographer, I am always moving, climbing on ladders, crouching in odd positions, and carrying around heavy equipment. None of this would be possible without having had my joints replaced. My job is to capture the moments of life written on people’s faces that tell a story. I was so excited and honored when I was invited on my first Op Walk mission to Guatemala in 2017 as the team photographer. To witness this team of world-class doctors and medical professionals firsthand is one of the most stellar examples of teamwork, collaboration, and heart I have ever seen. The work ethic, positive, can-do attitude, and single-minded goal of restoring mobility and quality of life are unsurpassed. Egos are checked at the door, sleeves are rolled up, ready for any challenge, and camaraderie abounds the moment the mission begins.
There is a special bond that is formed between the patients and the Operation Walk team on each mission that is born of trust, compassion and gratitude. I’m not sure who is fulfilled more, the volunteers or the patients, as we each receive so much love and gratitude in return from each of the patients. I think I speak for all of us when I say that these missions feed my soul and fill my cup.
The recent mission to Cuba was my fourth Operation Walk trip. Choosing which one of my Op Walk missions was my favorite is like asking a mother to choose which one of her children she loves the most. It is impossible to do, as each mission is unique and special in its own way. All of the missions I have been on have had their special moments and certain patients that I will never forget. It is gratifying to be able to share my journey with the patients and assure them that they are in the best hands and that their doctors were my doctors.
Rogelio pre-surgery
To be able to photograph the patients prior to their surgery and see the pain written all over their face, and then to photograph them 24 hours later in recovery, and see the relief in their face, and the light in their eyes, and the change in their demeanor is such a gift. I think that is my favorite part of the trip.
Each trip confirms the importance of giving and doing for others, creating that culture is the foundation for a society built on compassion. It is an honor to be able to serve on these missions, one I don’t take for granted.
One of the most memorable patients was on my first Op Walk mission in 2017 to Guatemala. We had a patient named Rogelio who had suffered for many years with two severely deformed legs, due to a debilitating, progressive arthritic condition that dramatically bowed his knees and rendered him crippled and in agony. He was unable to work and support himself and had not walked without the aid of crutches for many years. After several years and 40 attempts of traveling to the hospital in Antigua trying to get corrective surgery, he was finally given the surgery that changed his life, performed by Dr. Dorr. Each of his 40 prior journeys to Antigua was a 12-hour round-trip bus ride from his mountain village in the north of Guatemala. His dream finally came true when the Operation Walk team arrived and he awakened after his surgery with two very straight legs and was able to stand erect and walk without crutches. It was an emotional moment for everyone. There are so many inspiring stories like this one. Operation Walk not only gives people hope, but it also gives people the ability to jump for joy again, all around the world.
Rogelio post-surgery
Cheers to the modern-day superheroes known as Operation Walk!
Raquel Landworth-Kleinhenz
Photographer