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.
‘SERVICE Before Self’ is the Air Force motto-as our family now has 2 sons serving in the USAF, we take this motto to heart and do our best to serve others as a daily habit. Whether it’s cooking meals for the homeless shelter, dropping off goodies for an elderly neighbor, or paying for the coffee of the car behind us, we feel our best when we are in service to others.
Since OpWalk’s inception in 1997, Kyle Baldwin DPT, has been a member of the Operation Walk team providing quality and compassionate care to people both in the USA & around the world. Over the years, our 3 children, solicited walkers, canes and crutches and cleaned and dropped them at the warehouse. They had their classmates write cards and letters to patients whom they never met. They collected crayons, coloring books, candies, toiletries, sports equipment and jerseys to donate to the patients’ families. Moreover, they love volunteering, knowing that it would be like Christmas with someone getting a new soccer ball or hair bows.
In 2015 during a mission to Managua Nicaragua, Kyle brought our daughter, Kate, as a volunteer. Upon return, she saw what a difference OpWalk made in patients’ lives. She too wanted to provide quality and compassionate health care around the globe, especially to those with little access and even less means to pay for it. Because of her time with Operation Walk, Kate pursued a Biological Science degree in college, applied to PA schools and is waiting for acceptances. She’s now a biomedical implant representative for Arthrex in Scottsdale, AZ. On our latest Tanzanian medical mission, the three of us experienced the joy of serving together. It was an unforgettable mission.
-Ava Baldwin
Operation Walk has been an integral part of my family for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I distinctly recall my father’s excitement to tell his kids stories from abroad, how many people he was able to help and how their lives were impacted for the better. My involvement with OpWalk began in 8th grade, the year that the organization took their first trip to Tanzania. I held several donation drives that year for walkers, canes, crutches, etc. When my dad returned home from Tanzania, I was shown photos and videos of patients utilizing my community’s donations and I knew it was something that I forever wanted to be a part of. My family has a passion for orthopedics as we’ve all been on both sides of the operating table. On my first trip to Nicaragua, I knew that was the beginning of a lifelong commitment to medicine. I wore many hats on that trip, from assisting in pre-op, observing in the OR and working right next to my Dad in physical therapy. OpWalk is a community of the most intelligent, collaborative, and humble individuals I’ve ever met. I’m honored to have been invited back to serve as a device implant representative and even more grateful that I have a family that shares in the joy of helping others.
-Kate Baldwin
Ava and I have been blessed in so many ways in our lives. We’ve raised our children to be generous with their time, talent, and resources. Our simple family golden rules combined with the vision of Dr. Dorr and Operation Walk have been a galvanizing force for the Baldwin Family. OpWalk has literally been a part of our family from day one. All family members have contributed in their own special way over the years. Most recently, I traveled with my wife Ava and my daughter Kate to Tanzania with Operation Walk. I worked in physical therapy, Ava as Administrative Coordinator, and Kate as an implant rep helping in the OR and the warehouse…a well-oiled machine working hand in hand with our team members to help care for Tanzanian friends and patients.
I will admit that seeing my family work with such grace and joy was one of my proudest moments in my personal and professional life. Their servant leadership was inspiring and heartfelt. These efforts also carry momentum moving forward. We share stories and experiences that truly bring us together and make us better people.
I am grateful for this unique opportunity to serve alongside my family members and learn from my friends and colleagues. No doubt this volunteerism will get handed down the chain to future generations in the Baldwin family.
-Kyle Baldwin DPT