Caterino Riz is a 64 year-old husband to his wife Angelina and father of eight children. Caterino supported his family for many years by working in a coffee factory. Eight years ago, the pain in his knees became so bad that he had to quit his job. The next six years held a series of temporary jobs to make ends meet until three years ago, the unbearable constant pain made completing the smallest tasks impossible. Surgery was unthinkable for him, as it was over ten times his yearly salary.

Caterino heard about Operation Walk and the opportunity in Antigua to receive his much-needed surgery. He traveled six hours by two buses to get to Hospital San Pedro Hermanos just for the chance to be screened. The ride was long and painful, but Caterino says that he arrived by the grace of God because he was chosen to receive a knee replacement.

Caterino was one of the first patients out of surgery and was walking within hours of its completion. He quickly transitioned from a walker to crutches and was able to plan his return home just a day and a half after his operation.

His wife was very worried about the tole that the long journey would take on Caterino and mentioned his situation to their local fire department. The “bombaderos” agreed to make the journey into Antigua and bring him home in the ambulance so he would be more comfortable and at a fraction of the cost of the bus ride.

Caterino and his family say they are beyond blessed and are so thankful for the care they received from both the hospital and Operation Walk volunteers. He cannot wait to get back on his feet and start providing for his family again.

Ana Violeta Lemus has spent most of her life as a wife, mother, and teacher. She has dedicated herself to educating children and spent many years as a second-grade teacher. Even after the death of her husband, she felt a purpose because her students were waiting for her each day.

Ana’s knees began to fail her. After suffering through the pain for ten years, she regretfully decided that she could no longer teach. She began to rely on her three children to help her around the house and provide her with daily needs, such as a place to live and food to eat.

Ana found out about Operation Walk through a family whose mother received a hip surgery from our organization. She felt that this was a ray of hope, that if she could receive knee replacement surgery, she could regain her independence and go back to the job that she loved. Ana traveled over an hour from her coastal town in Guatemala to Antigua to see if she had a chance to qualify for surgery. To her delight, she was chosen to receive the first surgery not only of the day but of our trip to Guatemala.

Dr. Ken Gustke and his team from Tampa, Florida, replaced Ana’s right knee successfully, and an hour and a half later, she was up on her feet. Ana has a very strong work ethic and was ready to start rehabilitation right away. She practiced several times the day of her surgery and was a constant presence in the halls of the hospital the following day. On the morning of the second day after surgery, Ana’s youngest son made the trip to the hospital and Ana declared that it was time to go home. Her doctors and physical therapists agreed and Ana was released. She is thrilled with her progress and knows with some hard work she will be able to return to her second graders this coming January. She thanks the team and those who give to Operation Walk because “they made my dearest wish come true.”

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.