My involvement with Operation Walk began in the late 90s as a donor and attendee of the annual gala. I continue to support OpWalk financially by maintaining my status as an Angel donor.
Beyond the financial, I support Operation Walk with both brain and brawn. The brawn began in 2019 when Jeri Ward invited my spouse to a mission in Cuba. She could not attend, but unbeknownst to me, I was volunteered in her stead. On that mission, I jumped in with both feet and helped out in many ways: plumbing issues, X-Ray labeling, pill counting, tub cleaning, packing for the return, and more. Seeing the transformation in people’s lives that I played even just a small part in made an incredible impression on me, and I wanted to continue to volunteer.
The following year or so, Jeri Ward, RN, asked if I would be interested in taking on more responsibilities, and I gladly accepted. Over the past few years and missions, I have been learning from Mary Ellen Sieben, RN, the processes employed in the preparation for and execution of a mission. Recently, I was bestowed the title “Warehouse and Logistics Manager”. This is a good fit for me as I am retired from a career in inventory management with a master’s degree in global logistics (MAGL).
Our next mission (Cuba 2025) is fast approaching. This is where the brain joins the brawn. In the recent past, we have spent weekend days, inventorying our supplies, ordering what is needed, receiving, packing, and palletizing. In addition to facilitating the above, I will make arrangements to see that some of our instrument trays get sterilized before the trip to Cuba. In the very near future, I will be making arrangements with our transportation partners to get our cargo from Torrance to Havana.
Everything that goes into preparing for our mission involves some member(s) of our team, be it volunteers, clinicians and team leaders. We have a great team of folks with huge hearts.
Stacy Kelso
Warehouse and Logistics Manager
Operation Walk Los Angeles