Just two short years ago, Mylene Amor Pañares Fulgencio was an OpWalk patient who underwent bilateral hip surgery.
Last month, she volunteered to provide much-needed relief to her community after an earthquake rocked the Southern Philippines.
Melanie Rimando (Philippines, 2026)
“As we prepare for patient screening this month, I wanted to share my mom, Melanie Rimando’s story.
My mother first started feeling severe pain in both knees in 2015. For as long as my brother and I can remember, she worked tirelessly to give us a comfortable life. But commuting to work every day in the Philippines is a brutal ordeal. Six days a week, she endured over three hours of daily travel. She had to run to catch buses and jeeps, get bumped around in massive crowds, and struggle to keep her balance while standing inside packed vehicles. The commute was so rough that she would sometimes lose her footing, falling knee-first onto the floor or violently slamming her knees against the hard metal seats and other passengers.
She endured all of that without a single complaint, secretly pushing through the agony just to show up for us. Eventually, the pain intensified so much that she could no longer work on-site. Over the last decade, her condition progressively worsened. Today, in 2026, our once-active mother is now mostly wheelchair-bound and cannot walk without assistance because of severe, bone-on-bone pain that she rates a 10 out of 10.
We took her to the doctors and X-rays confirmed she has bilateral end-stage osteoarthritis. But for a normal family in the Philippines, a double knee replacement costs an absolute fortune and is a financial impossibility. We felt completely helpless watching her suffer.
One night in November 2025, I couldn’t sleep. The image of my mother’s excruciating pain kept me awake. I spent the entire night researching alternatives like joint injections, only to find out that a full replacement was her only hope. It was a sleepless night, but it was the least I could do for my mother. She did everything in her power so we could run, even if it meant losing her ability to walk. That was the night I stumbled upon Operation Walk.
Finding your organization instantly brought hope back into our lives. I messaged the page right away to share her story, and a few days later, Miss Cami Ward replied with the life-changing news about the upcoming July 2026 mission at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Right now, we are looking forward to the final screening, which is happening in less than two weeks and doing our absolute best to keep her healthy and ready for it.
This mission is truly the answer to a decade of prayers. I love my mom so much, and words cannot express how grateful we are that Operation Walk is giving her a second chance at a pain-free life.”
Thomas Alfonso Ng
Memories of Cebu City, Philippines, 2001
When I think back to that mission in 2001, I am reminded of how our location proved to be full of challenges. The hospital in Cebu had double-booked themselves for medical missions. A team of neurosurgeons were using the ORs, so we ended up using little outpatient exam rooms for surgery.
We placed OR tables diagonally to fit the cramped quarters. The scrub tech had to go in first with the instruments and then the bed with the patient – sealing in the tech. We taped sterile drapes to the wall because the instrument tables were right up against it. You can visualize how small the room is since Dorr is right up by the wall. Pre-op and post op were in what was the waiting room of the clinic. Patient rooms were set up in the lobby of the hospital with chalkboards as room dividers in the area where they typically did peritoneal dialysis.
Music and Mobility Sharron Whiteley, RN
“I’ve been close friends with Pia Squillino since my early teens. Growing up, we were part of a group of six girls who did almost everything together. Although we all eventually moved away, built careers, and started families of our own, we’ve remained incredibly close.
Pia moved to London and went on to become Sir Mick Jagger’s personal assistant. Fortunately for me, her work often brings her to Los Angeles, so we still see each other regularly. I honestly couldn’t do her job—she is exceptionally organized, dedicated, and hardworking.
Operation Walk Los Angeles – Partners with Cornell College: Continuing our Youth Movement
Operation Walk has had a long-standing partnership with Cornell College and its pre-healthcare program, Dimensions. This program for Health Professions provides comprehensive support for pre-health students, including specialized advising, internships, and research opportunities.
With Cornell College being Dr. Dorr’s undergrad alma mater, this program fits perfectly with his vision to immerse students at the ground level of Operation Walk, experiencing healthcare at its truest form. This tradition has given dozens of students throughout the years an introduction to medicine and service to others.
Our upcoming mission to the Philippines welcomes two student volunteers, Eva Plathe and Tansy Graves. Learn more about these motivated students and why they are excited to volunteer.
Celebrate 30 Years With Us
“I am humbled by the growth and meaning of Operation Walk throughout Orthopedics and the countries where it has operated, including our own. The thousands of people it has touched, both the givers and the receivers, have better lives because of the good and goodness that is OPWALK.”
– Lawrence D. Dorr, M.D.
Founder, Operation Walk
A Return to the Philippines
As we prepare for our return to General Santos City, Philippines in 2026, things have been very busy behind the scenes. We’re gathering and coordinating everything needed for surgery—because we truly bring everything with us.
We’re also screening and selecting patients to ensure they meet the criteria, carefully choosing the right volunteers for this mission, and working closely with our local partners to make sure all requirements are met and everything is done properly and in compliance. All of this is happening while we continue to balance our full-time jobs and everyday responsibilities.
Volunteer Voices – Student Volunteer Daena Talavera
Hello!
My name is Daena Talavera, a current senior chemical engineering major attending the University of Notre Dame! Alongside engineering, I am a member of the varsity fencing team, an undergraduate researcher in the O’Sullivan Biophotonics lab, and an amateur chef.
Juan Manuel Aleman Diaz
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
Jeffrey Busog (Philippines, 2024)
Hi. I am Jeffrey Busog, a July 2024 beneficiary of Operation Walk held at St. Elizabeth Hospital in General Santos City, Philippines.
Two years after my operation, here I am working, completely healed and with great optimism. No more pain, no more uncertainties, and doing things without restriction, because of this surgery, I am building and fulfilling my dreams for my family. I will never ever forget the Operation Walk team and those people who helped make this a reality for us. I am beyond blessed to meet all of you. It is bliss.
Thank you ALL for the journey I’m enjoying now.
Jeffrey Busog
Hip Replacement
Philippines 2026
Ruby Jane (Philippines, 2024)
I am deeply grateful to Operation Walk Los Angeles for the life-changing mission I was blessed to be part of in July 2024.
Before surgery, daily movement was a constant struggle because of pain. Simple tasks felt heavy, and walking freely was something I could only hope for. Today, with joy and confidence, I can say what I often tell everyone… I am fully recovering. I can now walk without pain, and that freedom has restored so much of my daily life.
This hip replacement surgery has made a profound difference, not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually. I am now able to fulfill my responsibilities as a mother with greater ease, and I can once again actively serve in church activities without limitation.
What once felt impossible has become a testimony of healing and hope. I will forever be thankful to the compassionate team at OpWalk LA, the volunteers, and the supporters who made this mission possible. Your service has truly transformed my life.
Ruby Jane Amar
Hip Replacement
Philippines 2024
WNS Alumni Continue to Support the Mission
Operation Walk may have started 30 years ago, but these young volunteers keep the spirit of giving moving forward. Thank you for helping us to continue to restore mobility into the next decade!
For nearly three years, Westside Neighborhood School alumni Madison Yamaguchi, Haley Ahir, Ethan Chang, and Alex Melendez have supported Operation Walk Los Angeles. As they prepare for the upcoming Philippines mission, they welcomed a new member, Dylan Daniels.
On packing day, the students palletized durable medical equipment (DMEs), including walkers and crutches, and assembled post-operative toiletry bags for patients recovering from hip and knee replacement surgery. These are thoughtful essentials that provide comfort and support during recovery.
This year’s bags feature a custom logo designed by Dylan. The logo incorporates hip and knee elements and an image of a person walking, symbolizing patients taking pain-free steps again. Dylan drew inspiration from the transformative journey of renewed movement and independence.
As we celebrate three decades of life-changing surgeries, it is inspiring to see young leaders step up with compassion, creativity, and commitment. Through their service over the past three years, these students are helping ensure patients receive the support they need. We cannot wait to see what they continue to accomplish and how they will keep making a difference in the years ahead.