Meet Bayardo Guardado. In his mid 60’s and father of one son, his smile and gracious manner are infectious. Bayardo has driven a bus for the specially-abled for many years, but recently has found it more and more difficult to drive the manual stick-shift. He was concerned if he did not receive knee replacement surgery, he would no longer be able to drive his passengers to their appointments and eventually would not be able to support himself. When selected, Bayardo was over the moon. His trademark smile and easy laugh have not left him, even in the recovery room. Bayardo received a knee replacement and came out of surgery determined to start walking immediately. Bayardo did well during his two days of recovery. He began his physical therapy with a walker and was able to switch to crutches before he was discharged from the hospital. His brother came to pick him up on Sunday and he was full of smiles as well. Bayardo is anxious to get back to work, in fact that was one of the first questions he had for his medical team. “When will I be able to drive again?” was paramount in his mind. His surgeons assured him that he will be able to start driving again in four to six weeks after surgery, but he needs to take it slowly at first. Bayardo is beyond grateful for this “second chance” that Operation Walk has given him and says that he will remember all of the people who cared for him each time he drives his route. Driving his bus is his priority, as are the passengers he has gotten to know like family. He knows now with patience and hard work, he will be able to drive them for many years to come.
