Dr. Paul Gilbert, Dr. William Long, Dr. John Kumar, Julie Anderson, Paulina Andujo, Stacy Kelso, Ray Lopez, Christopher Gilbert, Alan Gutierrez, Angel Gutierrez, Lisa Fujimoto-Yamaguchi, Mary Ellen Sieben

In 1997 Operation Walk was born in Cuba. Dr. Lawrence D. Dorr was inspired by the humanitarian work of Operation Smile, an organization that performs free operations on the faces of children. The names of these charitable organizations are similar but that is where the similarities end.

Dr. Dorr was advised that generous people may donate to the care of poor children, but there is less compassion for the fate of older adults. Surgery on the face is relatively low risk in otherwise healthy children. Joint replacements are typically performed in debilitated adults with comorbidities. The resources and facilities required for Operation Smile may consist of a scalpel, a single tray and sutures. Joint replacement surgery includes expensive implants for every patient, a hospital and modern equipment to sterilize heavy trays. No organization had ever attempted such a mission.

With this in mind, Dr. Dorr said, “Let’s go to Cuba and do 50”. What seemed too ambitious and unrealistic was actually genius. He understood that demonstrating 2-3 surgeries with the professors would help 2-3 patients. By doing 50, the anesthesia team, nurses, surgical technicians, and therapists would learn the system together. The knowledge could remain in the country and in the minds of the healthcare providers. He was correct.

When we returned to Cuba in 2019 for Dr. Dorr’s last mission more than 20 Cuban surgeons were performing hip and knee replacement surgery on their own patients. They had the knowledge and skills and only lacked the implants. Dr. Dorr didn’t bring fish, he had successfully taught them how to fish.

We will return to Havana in October of 2025. It is symbolic that this may be the final Operation Walk trip for Mary Ellen Sieben. She has been organizing all aspects of the operating room since our first mission 28 years ago. She helped organize more than 25 independent Operation Walk teams around the world. All of them were inspired by the missions of Operation Walk Los Angeles. 

When our fearless leader passed away, we were concerned that his mission might not live on. The world-class team heading to Havana is here to show the world that his dream lives on through each volunteer and all the generous people who have donated to this great project. Please continue to spread the word and contribute to Operation Walk Los Angeles.

William T. Long

Co-Medical Director

Operation Walk Los Angeles

8th-grade students at Westside Neighborhood School (WNS) Madison Yamaguchi, Ethan Chang, Haley Ahir, and Alex Melendez are continuing to collect Durable Medical Equipment for their school project, SWIM (Solutionary Work In Motion). The students also conducted several warehouse site visits, assisted with organizing and packing the DMEs, collected toiletries for post-operative bags, and are working to increase awareness for Operation Walk.

If you have gently used medical equipment such as canes, walkers, crutches, etc. that you would like to donate for our 2025 mission, you drop them off at collection boxes located at:

Verdugo Hills Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Clinic 

1818 Verdugo Blvd Suite 300

Glendale, CA 91208

Verdugo Hills Hospital Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 

1812 Verdugo Boulevard

Glendale, California 91208

Please contact Lisa Fujimoto Yamaguchi with any questions.

lisa.fujimoto@operationwalk.org

Below is a letter written by a concerned child of a parent in need. Her mother, Norma, has a condition that has affected both of her knees, making movement almost impossible.Her daughter Zaily shares the concern of many children, parents, co-workers, and friends who write to us daily about their loved ones—people in need of a miracle. Many thanks to Zaily for sharing her family’s story.

Hello,

I am writing to you on behalf of my mother, Norma, who has and continues to suffer from arthritis in her knees.

She had years of limited mobility, and that has had a great personal and family impact.

In 2022, the stars aligned for us, and the volunteer angels of Operation Walk replaced her left knee with a prosthetic. It was magical!

Hope returned to our lives. She was no longer confined to her bed, and the pain in her left knee disappeared.

We gave thanks:



• to God,
• to Science,
• to the solidarity of an organization like Operation Walk, and to the generosity and good heart of those who make it possible for the dreams of so many patients to come true.

One year later, her right knee, which was pending surgery, complicated her hip and required an operation to replace it.

We count the days until Operation Walk can return to Cuba.

Many times, when medication does not solve the problem, we ask again for the miracle to be repeated and for them to return to change the lives of those most in need.

I hope my note finds you well, that my request conveys the seriousness of our need in Cuba and helps to mobilize resources for future missions.

Blessed be they all,

Zaily Justo H

With a successful 2024 behind us, we’re thrilled to announce our next mission: Havana, Cuba, here we come! This marks our 10th trip since Operation Walk’s very first trip to Cuba in 1997, and we couldn’t be more committed to changing lives.

Last November, due to unforeseen circumstances, we were unable to complete some of our scheduled surgeries. But we haven’t forgotten those patients—they’re at the top of our list for 2025. Now, we need your help to make sure they, and many others, receive the life-changing Joint replacements they deserve.

How You Can Help

To help us Provide 



• Hip Kits to aid recovery
• OTC pain medications that are incredibly difficult to come by in Cuba
• Team Meals to nourish our team after long days in the hospital 
• Wellness gift bags for patients to help them feel at home while in the hospital 
• And SO much more!

Many patients in Havana lack access to these basic yet essential recovery tools. Your donation can restore mobility, ease pain, and give someone the freedom to walk again. Every single dollar makes a difference. Be a part of this journey—bring hope and healing to Havana!

I'm thrilled about the incredible new fundraising initiatives we're launching this year to support Operation Walk LA. Honoring Dr. Dorr’s legacy remains at the heart of everything we do!

If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Dorr and the incredible work of Operation Walk, you can now purchase his book, 'Next Step: Hope, The Story of Operation Walk,' on Amazon!

This inspiring book shares the journey of how Operation Walk began and the profound impact it has had on lives around the world for the past 25 years.

Get your copy today HERE—all proceeds go directly toward funding Operation Walk’s mission to #RestoreMobility worldwide!

Warmly,

Roshy Khorsand 

Donations and Fundraising Coordinator, Operation Walk LA

Over the next few months, we will be sharing updates from young volunteers who, even at a young age, have made a large impact on our organization. This month we learn more about Sarina Parks and her plans after she graduates High School this year.

Thank you, Sarina, for all you have done for OpWalk, and we wish you success in your continuing education.

“My senior year of high school has been really busy with schoolwork, college applications, college visits, and training for the upcoming track season. At the same time, it’s also been full of fun moments - hanging out with friends, going to school dances and football games, enjoying the senior bonfire, and taking our class trip to Disneyland.

Track season started about a month ago and I’m right in the middle of competitions as a sprinter. I’m working hard and hoping to finish the season by setting a new school record in the 400-meter and 200-meter dashes. I’m also using this season to train and prepare myself to compete as a college athlete.

Next year, I’m super excited to attend Brown University as a member of their Track and Field team. I plan to study Biological Sciences because I want to pursue a career in the medical field. 

My medical mission trip to the Philippines last summer really helped me realize that. It gave me a chance to work in a team and see what it’s like to help others in a meaningful way.

Thank you, OpWalk, for giving me that opportunity and for helping me figure out what I want to do in the future."

Sarina Parks

Student-volunteer

Operation Walk Angels may be from all walks of life, but one thing brings us together: purpose.

These women philanthropists ensure that Operation Walk’s mission to restore mobility continues to reach patients here at home and around the world.

A reminder to save the date for our Angel Luncheon being held on Wednesday, September 10, from 11:00 to 2:00 at Annandale Country Club. We’re inviting all past and current Angels, as well as prospective members, to attend this unique event.



The Luncheon will feature guest speakers, a raffle with one-of-a-kind offerings, and a beautiful lunch provided by Annandale. Keep an eye on your mailbox and inbox for more details to come.