It has now been 4 years and 10 months since my bilateral knee surgery. The medical team and the rest of the staff who cared for me—led by surgeon Steven Barnett and his wonderful team—provided truly exceptional and attentive care, reflecting the high level of professionalism that characterizes all of you.
Both surgeries were performed perfectly; my mobility and ability to get around changed completely starting from that blessed day, April 4, 2022. I am still doing very well; whenever I leave the house and need to walk longer distances, I always use the excellent walker I was provided with to prevent any potential falls—something we all need to be careful about. I also perform the recommended exercises quite regularly. I do experience some manageable discomfort, which I assume is simply a normal part of having prostheses. Overall, I can say that the work done by this wonderful team of professionals—who help those in need, as was the case for me—was truly excellent.
I would like to send my warmest and most affectionate regards to all the specialized staff who changed my life—the team that was part of the mission to Cuba in April 2022. My deepest thanks and blessings go to the distinguished Operation Walk LA organization. In particular, I’d like to thank those I had the pleasure of meeting: Dr. Barnett, Tina and his entire surgical team, Dr. Kumar, and the nurses—Paulina, Michelle, Mary Ellen, Jeri, Matt, and Trish. To my physical therapists, Sandy Holsbeke and Jen Okuno, as well as Audra Kennedy CRNA and Lisa Fujimoto Yamaguchi PA-C, Alejandra, my interpreter, Camilla Ward and her husband, Charlie.
To all of you—respected, compassionate healthcare workers—thank you for the good you do for so many people in our world. You are all deeply appreciated.
With all my gratitude,
Armando Arturo Ramos Rodriguez
Cuban Patient 2022
