I first learned of Operation Walk when I met Dr. Dorr and Dr. Gilbert for my knee replacement consultation in 2016. Nine years, two new knees and a hip replacement later, I know firsthand how life-changing it is to be given the opportunity to live a pain-free, productive and active life again after years of crippling pain. I cannot even imagine a world in which relief is not an option, though many people do face that crippling reality every day and have no option for alternatives.  It is a humbling experience to travel to countries where people have no access to this type of medical help and have waited 10 and sometimes even 20 years to be able to receive a new joint. That’s where Operation Walk steps in.

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A reminder that our Operation Walk Angels luncheon will be on September 10 from 11-2 PM at Annandale Golf Club.

The afternoon features guest speaker Sarah Charton, MBA, RD, from Keck Medicine of USC. Ms. Charton will discuss the importance of good nutrition, including proper hydration. In addition, she will discuss how our diet can influence overall health and well-being.

Dr. Paul Gilbert will also give an update on Operation Walk, focusing on upcoming missions for 2025 and 2026.

Raffle opportunities, including our Grand Prize Basket, will be drawn at the conclusion of our time together. Learn about the raffle, renew your membership, or RSVP for the luncheon below. We can’t wait to see you!

“My name is Temidayo Aderibigbe (Temi for short) and I was born in the UK to my two Nigerian parents but raised primarily in Simi Valley, CA. I grew up playing soccer religiously and still have a massive passion for the sport, though I’m mostly just watching these days. 

I went to Yale University for my undergraduate degree and New York Medical College for medical school. I always had a big interest in medicine growing up, discovered orthopedic surgery early in medical school and went on to complete an orthopedic surgery residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. 

I’ve always had a big interest in medical missions, and I’m thrilled to have received the Dr. Lawrence Dorr Operation Walk Scholarship instituted by Paula Paulus. This opportunity will allow me to join Operation Walk in Havana. 

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Have you ever seen 50 + surgeries’ worth of orthopedic equipment and recovery supplies all at once? Imagine collecting, organizing, and packing it!

In August, our dedicated team of volunteers spent their Saturdays doing just that. Soft goods, medical and anesthesia supplies, durable medical goods, labels, files, implants, surgical trays, and more were carefully sorted, packed, sterilized, and wrapped for our upcoming mission to Cuba.

A big thank you to Julie Anderson, RN, Paulina Andujo, RN, Lisa Fujimoto, PA, Alan Gutierrez, RN, Zach Jones, Stacy Kelso, John Kumar, MD, Ray Lopez, Brian Marshall, Jeff Parks, MD, Joe Rangel, Matt Sandusky, Paul Shortt, Jim Sieben, Mary Ellen Sieben, RN, Cami Ward, and Sharron Whiteley, RN, for your help. We couldn’t restore mobility without you!

My involvement with Operation Walk began in the late 90s as a donor and attendee of the annual gala. I continue to support OpWalk financially by maintaining my status as an Angel donor.

Beyond the financial, I support Operation Walk with both brain and brawn. The brawn began in 2019 when Jeri Ward invited my spouse to a mission in Cuba. She could not attend, but unbeknownst to me, I was volunteered in her stead. On that mission, I jumped in with both feet and helped out in many ways: plumbing issues, X-Ray labeling, pill counting, tub cleaning, packing for the return, and more. Seeing the transformation in people’s lives that I played even just a small part in made an incredible impression on me, and I wanted to continue to volunteer.

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We are proud to announce that Sarah Charton, MBA, RD, will be joining us as the featured speaker during this year’s Angel Luncheon.

A Registered Dietitian, Sarah specializes in GI and Liver health. Currently, she works at Keck Medicine of USC in the GI/Liver clinic, with a primary focus on gastrointestinal and liver conditions. She has worked with various populations, such as people with diabetes, eating disorders, and sports nutrition. She also has a private practice, Blossoming Nutrition Therapy, which she does part-time. 

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