A Message From Dr. John Kumar, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Volunteer

A mentor, a leader and a father. You taught me about cigars, wine, and the important things: people, teamwork, patient care, surgery, having a routine, not fixing what isn’t broken.

Gone, but you still live on in all of us who have had the grace and good fortune to learn from you.

For those of us in Orthopaedics, we thank you for your innovations of cancellous titanium, partially coated anatomic stems, bone type, computer and robotic surgery, and the spinopelvic relationship, amongst the many. These innovations have improved so many lives.
I will do my best to make sure your legacy of Operation Walk lives on.

Obit By Dave Dorr, Dr. Lawrence Dorr’s Brother

Compassion, and what it meant, was a topic talked about at the supper table and taught in the Des Moines parsonage home of the Rev. M. Everett Dorr and Evelyn Dorr, the parents of Lawrence D. Dorr.

Hearing as a youth that giving a helping hand to those in desperate need would be the most powerful thing he could ever do shaped in large part the life of Lawrence Dorr and took him to a distinguished, influential career in medicine and recognition as an internationally renowned orthopedic surgeon.

Read more

A Message From Dr. William Long, Orthopedic Surgeon and Operation Walk Los Angeles Board Member

Dr. Lawrence D. Dorr surrounded by his team in Cuba. He raised us to be World Class in joint replacement but that was not all.

You can see it in our eyes. We love that man.

Thank you God for letting us go along with him for the ride.
His legacy did not end ….we are still on his mission.

We take our vacation time and go to places where people need help and we do it with love. My tribute to Dr. Dorr will be to take that baby and nurture it as he nurtured us.

Dr. Dorr, you left your baby in great hands.

A Message From Jennifer Okuno, Physical Therapist and Volunteer

Hard to find the right words as I’m filled with sadness and gratitude.

Because of Dr. Lawrence Dorr, I had the opportunity to learn from the best in every aspect of health care. His vision and leadership blended perfectly with humility, compassion and loyalty touched many lives… from those who worked with and for him and for those he served with his brilliant mind and precise hands.

I am saddened by his passing as we’ve lost an extraordinary human being. I’m also extremely grateful that I have many memories to share with so many friends whom I met because of him.

Have a peaceful journey, Dr. Dorr. I will miss you.

A Message From WOGO

The world is less brilliant today. We are sad to share the news that the founder of Operation Walk, Dr. Dorr passed away this morning. He was an inspiration to all of us at WOGO. He was an avid supporter of our team and an incredible mentor for many in Orthopaedics. We will proudly carry on his legacy and continue to restore mobility through joint reconstruction surgeries for those who would not otherwise be able to receive these life changing surgeries.

Love and hugs from our team to yours,
WOGO
Women Orthopaedist Global Outreach

A Message From Daniel Gonzalez, Operation Walk USA Patient

I am at a loss for words…..

He was a gift from God with all his greatness. His heart and soul was filled with a kindness he shared completely. He gave back in a way that not many could ever accomplish to help those in need along with all those who for years have been by his side.

I for one am so grateful not only to have known Dr. Dorr but that he gave me the second chance of mobility.
God bless Dr. Lawrence Dorr. May he rest in peace among the Angels.

A Message From Matthew Holsbeke, Nurse Practitioner and Volunteer

In life, not only do events shape our lives, but so do individuals. All people who come and go in our lives either have a negative, or positive impact. Around 2003 was the year my life changed all for the better. I was attending one of the largest Orthopedics meetings in the nation, Current Concepts in Orlando, Florida. On one of my breaks from lecture, I approached a vendor booth which caught my eye. A medical mission groups based out of Los Angeles called Operation Walk. Jeri Ward ran the booth and we sparked up a conversation about the organization. I asked her how I could get involved, and she said I would have to discuss this with Dr. Dorr. Unbeknownst to me, I said, “who is Dr. Dorr.?” Fate is a wonderful thing, and to my good luck, he happened to walk by. Jeri quickly pointed and said, “there he is, go talk with him”.

Read more