My name is Juan Manuel Díaz Alemán.
I was born as a normal child, but at the age of 6, I began to feel pain in one of my ankles. I remember how worried my father was when he saw my right ankle swollen; he thought I had accidentally twisted it.
This was around 1996–1997, in my community: Las Isletas of Granada, Nicaragua — a beautiful but very remote place at the time, without electricity, roads, or clean water.
My father took me to San Juan de Dios Hospital in Granada. After three days, I was discharged, as the pain and swelling had disappeared. But a year later, the pain returned… and not only in my ankles, but also in my elbows, knees, and hands.
At the age of 9, I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA).
Juan Manuel with his father and Jennifer Okuno, OT, 2018
At that time, there were no specialists in my city, only general doctors who tried to relieve the pain and inflammation. Year after year, my joints deteriorated, and the suffering increased.
One very important thing: my father never gave up. He never stopped believing. He carried me in his arms, knocking on the doors of many doctors. Every new doctor was a new hope for him.
At 27 years old, in 2016, my major joints — hips and knees — were destroyed. I was already dependent on a wheelchair. That same year, I met Shelley Craft.
I am a self-taught artist in drawing and painting, and tourists would sometimes visit my home to see my artwork. One afternoon in January 2016, Shelley arrived with a friend. They bought some of my paintings, prayed for me, and she promised she would return.
And she did.
She came back the following year. At first, her mission was to help me sell my art in the United States. But soon after, my condition worsened again, and I had to stop painting. That was when Shelley decided to help me medically. I underwent tests, X-rays, and medical evaluations. For the first time, I saw a rheumatologist and began proper treatment.
Doctors agreed on one thing: I needed surgeries to walk again. I didn’t even know joint replacement surgeries existed. Later, Shelley learned that a medical team called Operation Walk would be coming to Nicaragua. Everything changed.
Juan Manuel taking his first steps after bilateral hip surgery in 2018
In January 2018, I had my first two surgeries. When I woke up from anesthesia, I was told that both of my hips had been replaced. Shelley stayed with me and my parents the entire time. That same year, another team from California arrived, and I received my third surgery: a right knee replacement. During my stay at Manolo Morales Hospital in Managua, I was treated with love and dignity that I will never forget. There, I also met wonderful people, including Ava Baldwin, who later became someone very special in my life — like a mother, an angel in my journey.
Years later, hoping to complete my recovery, I traveled with my wife to Antigua, Guatemala, for a fourth surgery, thanks to the support of the medical team and Shelley. That trip was filled with beautiful moments… including an unforgettable surprise: Ava appeared behind me, covered my eyes, and said, “Can you guess who I am? I am someone who loves you.”
Unfortunately, I tested positive for COVID-19, and the surgery could not be performed. It was a difficult moment, but we continued to receive love and care. Ava supported us daily with kindness and thoughtful gestures.
Finally, in November 2025, I was able to receive my fourth surgery in Nicaragua with the Operation Walk Manitoba, Canada team, always with the support of Shelley Craft and Operation Walk California.
Today, I have four joint replacements.
There were moments when I thought my dreams were over. Days when the physical pain mixed with emotional exhaustion, and the road felt too long to continue. But even in those moments, God never let go of me. Through every person He placed in my life, and every door that opened at the right time, I came to understand that my story was not only about suffering, but about purpose. Today, I see that every process has built a stronger faith in me and a grateful heart.
I also want to express my deep gratitude to Mrs. Sandy Barker, who has been like another mother to me. She cares, protects, and is always present with love and dedication. Her support has been essential throughout this entire journey; without her presence, many of the things that are now a reality would not have been possible.
After all this journey, I also received another blessing: I built a family. I have a beautiful wife and wonderful children.
Today, I can say that I have a new life. My joints work very well, and I walk with hope.
Juan Manuel two weeks after final surgery, 2025
I bless every person who is part of these medical teams — every volunteer, doctor, and donor. I am a living testimony of their love and work in a world full of need. My prayer is that they continue bringing hope, healing, and love to many more.
May they continue being the hands and feet of God on this earth.
Glory to God.
— Juan Díaz
