Operation Walk Team Leaders conduct preliminary trips before every Operation Walk mission. Mary Ellen Sieben, RN, has been going on pre-trip and Mission Trips for over 25 years! The amount of time travelling for a pre-trip often exceeds the amount of time in the actual country.
On the pre-trip, the team coordinates surgery plans with the local hospital administrators and doctors. We arrange screening, operating, & recovery rooms, cargo and security, pharmaceuticals, hotels, transportation and meals. In 48 short hours in Tanzania, we are able to establish an ongoing relationship between Tanzanians and Americans. We build trust and commitment to helping the good people of Tanzania. We agree that the mission will happen.
Under the leadership of Dr. Paul Gilbert and the experience of Mary Ellen Sieben, Operation Walk Los Angeles is excited to return to Tanzania!
On August 11-18, 2023, our 50-person team of doctors, nurses, physical therapists and volunteers will provide FREE hip and knee replacements to ~50 Tanzanians. Since Covid, the Tanzanian doctors have not been able to perform any hip or knee replacement surgeries. NONE! These life changing surgeries are long overdue, and your support is greatly appreciated.
