11/16/2007 is a day that I will always remember. It was the day that I had my left hip replacement surgery, thanks to Operation Walk.
I wasn’t always limited by my hip. In my 20s and early 30s, I taught tennis, rode horses, did triathlons and ran a 10K race nearly every weekend. But at the age of 49, I could barely walk a step without feeling the pain from my failing left hip.
I was unemployed, had no medical insurance, and relied on my sister, Sarah, for help just to get through daily tasks. I didn’t see how my situation would change until one night, I saw on the news that Operation Walk was having its 5th annual Operation Walk LA event. My sister and I submitted a letter, but we knew that we were up against hundreds of others who needed the same help I did.
We received the news in September that I was one of the 10 selected for joint replacement surgery. I was so grateful for the chance to have a surgery that seemed to be out of my reach. You can’t repay something like that.
Coordinator, Jeri Ward, RN, walked the ten of us through the pre- and post-operation classes to prepare us for the road ahead and after surgery. After our joint replacements, she did follow-ups in person and via phone calls. Jeri, the medical staff, and the volunteers gave us our lives back. We couldn’t have done it without them.
Returning to physical health allowed me to care for my father during his last 4 years of life. It was as if Dr. Dorr knew my future. He’d told me the philosophy behind the organization. “If you help one person, that person can go on and live a life helping others.” Operation Walk continues that same philosophy today.
Today, I am retired and living with my little sister Malinda. We enjoy traveling, hiking, camping and spending the time we have together. I thank God every day for my life, my health, and Operation Walk. Thanks for reading, donating and praying. Special thanks to Jeri Ward and her staff for all they have given to so many.
As for me, time for another hike.
Blessings,
Jeff Morris
Operation Walk USA 2007 recipient