Dear Operation Walk Team,
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for giving my mama, Gloria Palacio, the incredible gift of mobility.
My mom was one of the fortunate recipients of a knee replacement surgery during your recent mission in General Santos City. While I know this surgery will transform her life, I also want you to know how deeply it has touched ours.
As a daughter, it is incredibly painful to watch a parent lose their mobility so early in life. My mom was only in her 50s when chronic knee pain began to limit the things she loved to do. Over the years, I watched her endure pain with quiet strength, adapting her life around what her knees would allow instead of what her heart wanted.
Living abroad while my mom is in the Philippines means we only get to spend precious time together every few years. Those visits are something I treasure. I’ve always dreamed of taking her on walks, exploring new places, and making memories together. But each trip came with the heartbreaking reality that every outing had to be planned around her pain. It was difficult seeing someone you love hesitate to walk, struggle with stairs, or sit out activities because of discomfort.
Your generosity has given my mom far more than a new knee. You have given her freedom, independence, dignity, and hope. You have given her the chance to enjoy everyday moments without constant pain. And for our family, you have given us the priceless opportunity to spend our limited time together creating memories instead of worrying about her limitations. That is a gift beyond words.
I know Operation Walk is powered by volunteers—surgeons, nurses, therapists, coordinators, and countless others who generously give their time, expertise, and compassion. Please know that your work reaches far beyond the operating room. It changes not only the life of each patient, but also the lives of the people who love them.
Thank you for choosing to serve communities in need. Thank you for restoring hope where there was pain. Thank you for making it possible for families like ours to look forward to a future filled with more walks, more adventures, more laughter, and simply more time enjoying life together.
Your kindness and generosity will forever be a part of our family’s story, and we will always be grateful.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Glorissa Palacio