Hip and knee replacement surgeries are often thought of as procedures primarily for the elderly, but this perception overlooks the significant number of younger individuals who require them due to conditions such as congenital dysplasia, osteonecrosis, post-traumatic arthritis, and inflammatory diseases. We’re screening several young patients for the upcoming mission who are in need of these surgeries to be free of pain, regain functionality, return to work, and take care of their families.
Our recent focus in a previous newsletter was on a 41-year-old with hip dysplasia, Mr Jeffrey Busog. He has been enduring the pain since his youth.
We are now featuring a story about a 33-year-old woman, Ms. Ruby Amar, who has steroid-induced hip osteonecrosis. She reached out to Operation Walk Los Angeles in hopes of being chosen for this life-changing surgery. For Ruby and the other potential candidates, this opportunity represents a miracle, as without our assistance, their mobility and quality of life would remain severely compromised.
As we draw closer to the Philippines mission, we are excited by the opportunity to transform lives through the true act of giving.
Lisa Fujimoto Yamaguchi PA
Operation Walk Team Leader
“My name is Ruby Jane Amar, I’m from the Philippines, and I’m 33 years old. I didn’t earn a degree in college, but I studied theology and now my husband and I are pastors. I work as a freelancer to support my husband, who is a teacher. I can’t work outside the house for long because I had hip replacement surgery on my left hip in 2017, thanks to a free operation in our area done by doctors from Michigan (OPERATION CARE ABROAD MISSION). We were grateful for the opportunity, even though I could only have one hip operated on.
In 2019, the doctors diagnosed that my right hip needed to be replaced, but since we lacked the financial means for the operation, I ignored it and took extra care to alleviate the pain. I remember my diagnosis was AVN, Avascular Necrosis, which is the death of bone tissue due to the lack of blood supply to the area. I also heard it was Osteonecrosis – bilateral, so I was advised that replacement was necessary eventually.
My AVN started in 2016. That was two years after I recovered from my Optic neuritis. I became blind (2 eyes) so I took a lot of medication, had steroids, and more medications. My liver was safe but my bones were affected.
Now, my husband and I have two kids (1 year old and 4 years old). I ignored my right hip until one day, while carrying my 1-year-old daughter, I felt unbearable pain. The next day, I went for a check-up and found out my femur was in bad shape. I need surgery as soon as possible. I want to have a normal life for my kids because they’re so young and they need me. My husband needs me too.
I looked for a solution with God’s guidance. I did some research and joined a private Facebook group for THR (total hip replacement) patients. Someone there mentioned the Operation Walk website, so I checked it out and messaged them on social media, hoping someone would reply. I am glad you noticed me and are giving me the opportunity to be part of those dreaming of walking normally.”
Ruby Jane Amar
Potential Patient
Philippines