My Journey to Ghana with Operation Walk
By Savannah Murtaugh
This October, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Ghana, West Africa with Operation Walk. It was my first medical mission trip, and to say I’m hooked is an understatement. The experience was one of the most meaningful of my life. I came home not only with new knowledge, but with a new family of friends and colleagues.
Going into the trip, I wasn’t sure what to expect—I just knew I was willing to do whatever it took to support the mission. As a first-timer, the first day was overwhelming. There was so much happening at once, and I was simply trying to find where I fit. Thankfully, several members of the team had been on past trips and guided me and the other newcomers until, before we knew it, we had our process down pat. That early teamwork set the tone for the entire mission.
By day two, it was clear that Operation Walk is a well-oiled machine. Even with equipment failures and volunteer illnesses (cough—mine), everyone stayed focused on helping as many people as possible in just four days. One day, we spent nearly 17 straight hours at the hospital to ensure we completed all scheduled surgeries. We refused to let anyone down. Witnessing that level of dedication was heartwarming. Many of us were able to merge our passions—travel, surgery, medicine, and service—into something indescribably fulfilling. Because of this work, people can now start families, run, jump, walk, and simply live the lives they deserve. These are things we often take for granted.
When people ask me what the hardest part of the trip was, I have three answers.
First, the heat and humidity. Coming from upstate New York, I am absolutely not acclimated to West African weather. The area of the hospital where I worked was outside, so the luxury of air conditioning was completely absent.
Second, our final day at the hospital was emotionally difficult. Leaving patients and staff members I had formed relationships with was heartbreaking. Friendships were made, socials were exchanged, and yes—tears were shed.
Lastly, one of the hardest parts didn’t even happen in Africa. It happened when I came home. I found myself deeply missing the work we were doing and the people I did it with. Unless you’ve been part of something like this, it’s hard to explain the feeling of coming together with a group of people who share a common goal to change lives—and witnessing firsthand how grateful and joyful the patients are. It’s euphoric. I was ready to go back within days.
When I learned that this could possibly be our last trip, I was gutted. I know what you might be thinking: “Savannah, that’s dramatic for your first mission trip.” But after seeing the faces of the Ghanaian people and realizing how life-changing this care is for them, I knew it couldn’t be the end. There are still so many people who need our help—many of them young, vibrant individuals held back by circumstances they never should have had to face. We are their only hope for a normal life. That’s why securing more funding for this mission is absolutely crucial.
“One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others.”
—Lewis Carroll
-Written by Savannah Murtaugh, Op Walk NY Volunteer
Operation Walk New York is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization.
To learn more about Operation Walk New York or donate check the website: https://operationwalknewyork.org/
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