We got an update from one of our patients in Nicaragua, Jose Salomon Agurcia, and his son, Juan Agurcia Rivas. We met Jose in May 2016 in Managua, where he underwent bilateral knee surgery. Below is a letter he wanted to share about his progress. Pictured is Jose and his surgeon, Dr. Audley Mackel, and one of our dedicated volunteers, Carolyn Miller.

“My thanks to Operation Walk.

On May 9, 2016, almost a year ago, I underwent surgery on both knees at the Hospital Roberto Calderón school in Managua, Nicaragua. I was attended to by surgeons, physical therapists, nurses and other Operation Walk volunteers. God bless you and continue to make a great work for the world. You are noble, educated friends, and with a humble smile tenderly that greatness.

We hope to see you in my country to visit, I feel good thanks to you.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

José Salomon Agurcia

Pramod is a 26-year-old teacher from Janakphur, Nepal. He suffers from Ankylosing Spondylitis, a disease that causes the joints and spine to fuse, thus restricting range and ease of movement. Last year, Pramod was screened by Dr. Ram K. Shah, head of the Orthopedic Department at Nepal Medical College. Dr. Shah runs an outreach program for individuals who may benefit from joint replacement surgery but are unable to afford treatment.

It was Dr. Shah’s hope that this surgery would provide Pramod with the means to lift himself out of poverty and rid himself of the stigma of disability. Oftentimes in villages like Pramod’s, people who suffer from debilitating diseases are seen as less than human and are not afforded opportunities given to others. Dr. Shah felt that Pramod would be the perfect candidate for Operation Walk. He told Pramod that the organization would be coming to Nepal the following year and could provide him with the surgeries he so desperately needed.

Pramod was troubled because he lives in extreme poverty and did not have the means to make a second trip to Kathmandu. Dr. Shah promised to pay for Pramod and his brother’s transportation costs and the nominal fee charged by the hospital that covered the cost of labs, laundry and meals. Each week that passed, Pramod would call for updates on the status of Operation Walk. This November, Pramod got the news that it was time for him to receive his surgery. Pramod was screened by the team during the initial day of Operation Walk and was slated to have surgery the following Sunday. Dr. William Long and Dr. Brett Greenky performed bilateral hip surgery that lasted a little over four hours. The next morning, Pramod was able to stand and walk for the first time. He continues to work on both mobility and flexibility.

The doctors replaced not only the deformed and fused bone, but also released the soft tissue around the hip to afford Pramod with increased range of motion. Pramod has thrown himself into his exercises and delights the physical therapy staff with his positive attitude. He continues to get stronger with each session. Through the reduction of his disability, Pramod will be able to reclaim his place in his community, earn a living, marry and have a family of his own one day. Dr. Shah framed the mission that we are all invested in Operation Walk by so clearly stating: “We are here as human beings to generate hope and by generating hope we generate life.”This hope shines in Pramod’s eyes with each new step he takes.

Thuong has had knee pain for 20 years.She lives with her sixty year old mother who was unable to travel to Hanoi for Thuong’s surgery. The only relative she had in Hanoi was her aunt, who could not be there on her surgery day.

As I tried to help her to get clean for her surgery, I saw the most precious thing: camaraderie.Another mid-age woman who was one bed away from Thuong got up and help her prepare for surgery. This woman also suffered from chronic knee pain, and had so for years. Every step she took to get to Thuong’s bed, she put forth genuine effort not to cry out loud in pain. She sat down and started to use the soap the hospital provided to clean Thuong’s knees.

“Sister, can you help me keep my bag while I am in the surgery?” Thuong asked the woman.“Sure, leave it with me. I will guard it for you. Don’t worry about a thing,” the woman replied.Later, when Thuong was in the OR, I asked the woman:

– “Have you two known each other before?”

– “No, we just met yesterday”

I looked at her and was stunned at how easily I had forgotten the trust that can be established between human beings. Having five to six patients in a 4mx 7m is not ideal. However, I saw something so beautiful, so human in that crowded patients’ room.

There was a genuine friendship that was formed between patients who needed not only medical care, but also love and support.

Before going to the OR, with the help of an interpreter, the patient and I had a short conversation. I told her that I was a student in the United States, and assured her that she was in good hands and had nothing to worry about. She seemed hopeful and told us about her hip pain. About 7 years ago, she had a herniated disk and the local doctors treated it. She also complained about hip pain, but the doctors told her not to worry about it and that it was trivial. The pain got very bad, her hips were displaced and it was extremely difficult to walk. She hoped that the surgery would release the pain and help her walk normally again. I followed her into the OR and observed the bilateral hip replacement procedure performed by Dr. Long and Dr. Gilbert. Because it was both hips, the surgery took longer than those in the other three rooms.

After the surgery, Dr. Long told me that the operation went very well and he felt very good about the cups’ positioning right in the socket. I felt so happy for her when they pushed her bed out. I just wanted to hug her tightly and deliver the good news. Her husband was anxious the entire time and wondered why her surgery was longer than expected- he did not know both hips were replaced. He was relieved to see her and to hear that the surgery went well.

Two days later, I had the opportunity to see her again. I gave her a huge hug and was able to work with the physical therapist and help her walk. She first started on a walker, tried crutches. We practiced walking up and down the stairs. Seeing her sweat and try to power through, I could understand how much she was eager to walk normally again. Like others, my 47-year-old lady had the biggest and most beautiful smile when she heard everyone clap to congratulate her on her great PT progress.

I never thought I would be that overjoyed to see someone smile. She told us that she was a cooking instructor and that she is very excited to come back to her job soon. She said that next time we came back to Havana, she would cook us very yummy authentic Cuban food. I now realize how much this woman taught me about strength. I am sure it had been a challenge for her living with pain for the last seven years, yet she still tried and believed that one day she would be able to contribute to her family again. Operation Walk made her wish come true, and I was lucky enough to observe this miracle happen to her. To me, that was a most wonderful gift.