Fransico Goenaga presenting Dr. William Long with the patient donation 

Every mission holds a surprise, something we’ve never seen or experienced in our twenty-nine years of restoring mobility.

This year, former patients, Francisco Goenaga and Viviana Velazquez, presented our team with a special gift: a donation from past patients at Hospital Fructuoso who wanted to pay it forward.

“We are honored to be here today and present you with this collective donation. Your patients want to help you give the gift you’ve given us, the gift of freedom to live without pain and restriction.”

December 2nd is #GivingTuesday and we can think of no better way to honor this gift than to help pay forward the generosity shown by our friends in Havana.

We challenge you to help us grow their donation. These men and women gave of themselves to help other individuals that they will never meet. Let’s support their efforts and make this #GivingTuesday an event we will all remember.

Viviana Valasquez with our 2025 OpWalk patients

Idania in 2024 pre-surgery

My name is Idania Urquiza Montero and I want to share the profound impact the two surgeries performed by the OpWalk team have had on my life, first in 2024 and then in 2025. I'm not just talking about medical procedures: I'm talking about a real, tangible, and transformative before and after.

When I came to you, I was carrying years of pain, limitations, and emotional exhaustion that was taking its toll. From the very first moment, I felt a level of commitment and professionalism that you don't see every day. You spoke to me clearly, guided me every step of the way, and made me feel supported in a process that, honestly, is frightening.

The first surgery in 2024 opened a door that I thought was closed forever. I regained mobility, I regained hope. But the second procedure in 2025 completely changed everything. It was the closing of a long and difficult chapter, and the beginning of a life with real possibilities.

It hasn't been an easy road, but you were always there: attentive, compassionate, responsible, and with a dedication evident in every detail. Thanks to your work, today I can move around, resume my routines, look ahead with strength, and feel that I've recovered parts of myself I thought were lost.

I say this without exaggeration: Walk gave me back my quality of life, and that's something I will never forget. I will be eternally grateful to every member of the team who made it possible for me to have a fuller and freer life today.

Thank you for your commitment, your patience, and your excellence.

Sincerely and with much love...

Idania

Idania, 2025, two weeks after hip replacement surgery

Every trip is truly a team effort and an integral part of that team are our donors. Without them sharing resources, their time, and knowledge, our missions would not be possible. Thank you to each group and individual below that made our 2025 mission to Havana, Cuba, a success.

Zimmer Biomet

Brian Marshall

Paula Paulus

986 Pharmacy

Angie Mandujano

Varojan Dehbanian

Zachary Jones

Jeri Ward

Lucianna Holland

Operation Walk Los Angeles Angels

Westside Neighborhood School Team

Haley Ahir

Ethan Chang

Alex Melendez

Madison Yamaguchi

Donors who purchased supplies through our Amazon Account

After each mission is complete, we give our first-time volunteers a chance to reflect on their individual experiences with the team. This has become a time-honored tradition for the past 15 years and we’re honored to share their thoughts with you throughout the next few months.

I first learned of Operation Walk when I met Dr. Dorr and Dr. Gilbert for a knee replacement consultation in 2016. Nine years, two new knees and a hip replacement later, I know firsthand how life-changing it is to be given the opportunity to live a pain-free, productive life after years of crippling pain. I can’t imagine a world in which relief is not an option, though many people do face that crippling reality every day. It’s a humbling experience to travel to countries where people have no access to this type of help and wait 10 and sometimes 20 years to receive a new joint. That's where OpWalk steps in.

As a photographer, I am always moving, climbing on ladders, crouching in odd positions, and carrying around heavy equipment. None of this would be possible without having had my joints replaced. My job is to capture the moments of life written on faces that tell a story. I was honored to be invited on my first Op Walk mission to Guatemala in 2017. To witness this team of world-class doctors and medical professionals firsthand is one of the most stellar examples of teamwork, collaboration, and heart I’ve ever seen. Egos are checked at the door, sleeves are rolled up, ready for any challenge, and camaraderie abounds the moment the mission begins.

There is a special bond formed between the patients and the Operation Walk team on each mission, born of trust, compassion and gratitude. I'm not sure who is fulfilled more, the volunteers or the patients, as we each receive so much love and gratitude in return. I think I speak for all of us when I say that these missions feed my soul and fill my cup. 

From our family to yours, wishing you a wonderful holiday season. May your days be filled with laughter, love, and peace.

All our best to you in the New Year.

The OpWalk Los Angeles Team