It began in the imagination of Southwestern Australian artist, Marion Graeber. An idea fulfilling a request to create an Angel to represent the spirit of Operation Walk and the women who support its mission to restore mobility. What followed was a painting that soon became known as “Hope”.
This was a fitting name because that’s what our organization is all about, restoring hope and mobility through joint replacement surgery. The spirit of hope is what helps us year after year to bring together a diverse group of volunteers who give their time and talent to improve the lives of others.
“Hope” had an amazing journey of her own, traveling almost 10,000 miles from Margaret River, Australia to San Diego California. Our Director Emeritus, Jeri Ward, welcomed her with open arms and then carefully transported her to Pasadena for our Annual Angel Luncheon. Together, with the help of Co-Medical director and surgeon, Dr. William Long, we opened the box to reveal her true beauty.
Southwestern Australian artist, Marion Graeber
Hope served as the centerpiece of our Luncheon, on display at the front of the room. As the end of the event neared, it was time for the live auction. I told the process of commissioning “Hope”, Marion’s volunteer experience with Operation Walk, and what inspired her to be a part of our luncheon, although she was half a world away. I then spoke to what joint replacement surgery means to our patients; individuals that live with pain that contorts their daily lives, conditions that confine them to a wheelchair, that limit their ability to work and support their families.
Realizing that a generous bid could change a life, donors Bea Bennett and Adele Binder joined together and offered an amount that will provide a complete surgery for a patient during our upcoming mission to Arusha, Tanzania. These two dedicated supporters of OpWalk will give Hope a new home and a patient a new lease on life.
Many thanks to everyone who helped to make “Hope’s” mission possible. It’s a reminder that together we can change lives.
To learn more about Marion and what inspires her paintings, please visit her gallery.
-Camilla Ward
Social Media Coordinator