Each mission is fueled by volunteers. These men and women donate their time and talents to help Operation Walk Los Angeles achieve the goal of restoring mobility to those who need it most.
This month, we feature thoughts from both a return volunteer, David Rawson, MD, and a first-timer, Zen Shimabukuro. Thank you both for sharing your story and being a part of our team. Together, we are changing lives through joint replacement.
David Rawson, MD
Dr. David Rawson with a happy patient post-surgery
“It was a joy and a privilege to be a part of the Operation Walk Los Angeles team, working to restore mobility to 35 amazing patients in the Philippines this past July. I will always remember the warm welcome from our host hospital, the collaboration with a team made up of volunteers from around the world, and the smiles on our patients’ faces as they took their first steps after surgery.”
David Rawson, MD
Internal Medicine
Zen Shimabukuro
Zen Shimabukuro distributing post-op bag
It’s been an absolute honor to have been given the opportunity to be a student volunteer for OpWalk’s 2026 mission to General Santos City. I was able to learn from some of the best and kindest healthcare professionals there are. From surgeons in the OR, nurses on the floor and PACU, internal medicine doctors, OR staff and physical therapists, you all helped me gain an understanding of what it means to be a healthcare professional.
I’ve been a part of OpWalk since I was young, helping my dad, Don Shimabukuro, in the warehouse. I could never have imagined that 9 years later I would be able to be a part of this mission. Seeing patients come into the hospital with little mobility, observing surgery, and then seeing those same patients sometimes just hours later eager to walk, with little pain, was simply amazing. It is amazing how a group of selfless and kindhearted individuals can create such a positive impact on a community.
This is a trip I will never forget. This was my first time out of the country and our hosts at St. Elizabeth Hospital made me feel like I never left home. I was able to learn so much about the different professions within healthcare, GenSan culture, and what this organization is truly about. I met such amazing people from all over the world and had the chance to bond with them. Thank you for making my first Operation Walk mission so memorable.
Zen Shimabukuro
Student Volunteer