Operation Walk New York’s (then Operation Walk Syracuse) first mission was in 2011 to Nepal. As is standard protocol for a new branch going on their first overseas mission, the Operation Walk LA team sent some of their members to assist and train the new Syracuse team members. This helps with consistency in patient care quality across Op Walk. The flagship team also sent some of their people experienced in dealing with the nuances of cargo, customs and other complexities of working in a foreign country.
Nepal has few physicians and is seriously lacking in specialized medical care. When Operation Walk New York went to Kathmandu, they built 4 operating rooms of their own so that the 4 surgeons could each work full days. 50 medical professionals and assistants brought everything needed to complete the surgeries and send the patient home. This amounted to about 7.5 tons of supplies.
What were they able to accomplish during the 9 day mission? They performed 60 joint replacement procedures and thus gave 54 patients a new start to life! Nepal is a country where a high proportion of the work is manual. Hence, joint conditions that restrict people’s mobility can negatively impact their ability to work. If one can’t work, they will be dependent on others.
Lasting memories of the Nepalese:
“From the moment we were welcomed with the traditional salutation of ‘Namaste’ until the time we left we were most impressed by the kindness, welcoming and trusting nature, fortitude and determination demonstrated by the people of Nepal.”
-Kim Murray, co-founder and director of Operation Walk New York.
#OperationWalkSyracuse #OperationWalkNewYork #Mobility4ALL #Changinglives #opwalkfamily # OperationWalk
Written by Helen Griffiths, Op Walk NY volunteer https://operationwalknewyork.org
