Jeffrey Busog (Philippines 2024)

We are happy to share an update on our patient, Jeffrey Busog. We first introduced our readers to Jeffrey and his wife Merly in our April newsletter. Jeffrey suffered from pain in his hip most of his life due to osteoarthritis. At just 41, life looked bleak. It was difficult for Jeffrey to continue at this job installing security cameras and to support his family. Through his wife’s diligence, they contacted OpWalk last January, and team leader Lisa Fujimoto connected the family with Saint Elizabeth Hospital. During our mission there, Jeffrey successfully received a hip replacement and a second chance at life. His wife updated us last week on his progress.

Good morning,

I have continuously thanked the team of Operation Walk LA for all they have done for us. My husband’s surgery was performed by Dr. Nate Heckmann. He was truly the best. As of today, day 6 post-surgery, he has no swelling nor violet color around his incision. Jeffrey can walk without pain. He told me the only pain he experiences is when he’s lying down and getting out of bed.

This morning he tried walking without his crutch and walked successfully for around 35 seconds. He also began cooking again because that is one of his passions. Here at home, before his pain became too great, he was always the cook of the family. I reminded him if it hurt, he should stop but he finished cooking lunch for us and said he was okay. He’s gradually getting better and getting stronger.

He told me that up until now, he couldn’t believe he was actually operated on. He didn’t believe it would happen this year, in 2024. To the team and all of the donors, kindly tell them that we will always include them in our prayers. Thank you for bringing this miracle into our lives.

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU.
Merly

Student Volunteer Update: Sarina Parks

Since the collection of Durable Medical Equipment at the Verdugo Hills Hospital Physical Therapy Department and Outpatient Orthopedic Clinic was a huge success, I wanted to start an additional collection site at the outpatient orthopedic clinic at the hospital where my mom works. Although collection at this site wasn’t possible, the staff suggested to approach Fr. Mike Gergen, a beloved pastor at St Dominic Savio church.

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Like Father, Like Son: Jonathan and Drew Weiss

In honor of Father’s Day and fathers everywhere, we continue our “All About Family” series by featuring the father and son team, Jonathan and Drew Weiss. Dr. Jonathan Weiss has been volunteering with Operation Walk as an anesthesiologist for the past several years. When the opportunity came about, he jumped at the opportunity to share the experience with Drew. Read their thoughts about volunteering together during our 2022 mission to Guatemala and the perspectives they gained through their experience.

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Westside Neighborhood School (WNS) Students Choose to Support Operation Walk Los Angeles For Their SPLASH Project

Los Angeles, CA — At Westside Neighborhood School (WNS), a group of dedicated 7th graders have embarked on a school project called SPLASH, which stands for Solving Problems for Los Angeles’ Society and Health.

SPLASH is designed to identify and address community challenges while making a meaningful impact. This year, my daughter, Madison Yamaguchi, along with school teammates Ethan Chang, Haley Ahir, and Alex Melendez have chosen to support OpWalk Los Angeles as their project.

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Joint Disease Doesn’t Just Affect the Elderly

Hip and knee replacement surgeries are often thought of as procedures primarily for the elderly, but this perception overlooks the significant number of younger individuals who require them due to conditions such as congenital dysplasia, osteonecrosis, post-traumatic arthritis, and inflammatory diseases. We’re screening several young patients for the upcoming mission who are in need of these surgeries to be free of pain, regain functionality, return to work, and take care of their families.

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Technology with the Human Touch

Often, we receive messages through our website, Facebook and Instagram pages, or in response to our newsletter requesting help. That help can be for a parent, a husband or wife, or the patient themselves. Through modern communication, we can connect these patients with local hospitals and sometimes are able to serve them during an Operation Walk Mission. Below is one such story.

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Meet Dr. Kamran Movassaghi

It is with pleasure that we introduce the Lawrence D. Dorr Operation Walk Scholarship winner for 2024, Dr. Kamran Movassaghi. This scholarship was founded by Operation Walk Los Angeles Angel and long-time donor, Ms. Paula Paulus, to honor and celebrate Dr. Dorr’s distinguished career. This scholarship grants fourth or fifth-year residents in orthopedic surgery, aspiring to specialize in joint arthroplasty, the opportunity to participate in Operation Walk’s international missions.

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Introducing Potential Patient; Jeffrey Busog

As we gear up for our mission to the Philippines this summer, we have received several requests from locals and their families. These requests describe hardworking people whose lives have been interrupted by joint disease, damage to their knees and hips due to accidents, and other debilitating causes. One such individual is Jeffrey Busog. His wife wrote to us in January with the hope that her husband could be considered as a potential patient for our upcoming mission at our partner hospital in General Santos City. Team Leader, Lisa Fujimoto PA, coordinated with the hospital administrators to find him a place on the screening list. Jeffrey will be evaluated, like all potential patients, orthopedically and medically to see if he qualifies for surgery. Below is his story.

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Operation Walk for the Baldwin Bunch is a Family Affair

During our most recent mission to Tanzania, we had the rare occurrence of three family members volunteering and working side by side. Kyle, Ava, and Kate Baldwin made the journey working in Physical Therapy, as Administrative Coordinator, and in the OR respectively. Since the inception of Operation Walk, this family has dedicated their time, talents, and service to helping restore mobility one surgery at a time. Hear how their involvement in our organization and this trip has and continues to shape their lives.

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