Operation Walk

This last week has been a wonderful and exhausting experience for me as we had a team from the US come for a medical mission. The group of Operation Walk consisted of Orthopedic surgeons, medical doctors, anesthetists and an anesthesiologist, recovery room nurses, OR nurses and techs, floor nurses, physical therapists, medical students, PAs, translators, and volunteers. The plans for this trip have been in the works for quite a while, but I was fortunate enough to be a part of it at the last minute. I provided anesthesia for many of the 40 patients we did surgery on that week. There were knee replacements and hip replacements for people of Ecuador that could otherwise not afford the surgery. Some of these people had arthritis so bad that they had literally been bed bound for years.

One gentleman I did anesthesia on was 38 years old and had not walked for over 3 years. It was exciting to see them take their first steps after so many years of immobilization. I was privileged enough to be a part of the whole week by unpacking supplies, giving blocks, helping recover patients, and even assisting them in taking their first steps after surgery.

One man in particular touched my heart as Dr. Taughton (the physician that helped arrange for me to be part of this group) came in to pray for him. I had put in the man's spinal/epidural for his surgery and remembered how kind he had been. As we visited in the room Dr. Taughton asked me to translate a prayer he wanted to give for this kind gentleman. As Dr. Taughton finished his prayer the man had tears in his eyes and told us that he was so grateful to God for sending us to help him. He wanted us to know that he and his family would be praying for us as well.

One of our last nights the Foundation that helped plan this trip had a banquet in our honor and presented us with gifts. I especially enjoyed it as they presented all the doctors with Panama hats. A little known fact to most is that Panama hats are actually made here in Ecuador.

Our last day at the hospital we had a group picture with the patients. They had all walked to the end of the hall with walkers and crutches for the photo. While there they wanted to express their thanks to us for all the work and time we had put in that week. Some people had worked literally 14 hour days at the hospital. I was so touched as I listened to person after person say how grateful they were and how they would never forget our kindness. Many people said that they knew that they would never have been able to walk again without our help. One lady cried as she told us, "I have nothing to offer to you for the wonderful gift of healing that you have given me except my tears".

This week I saw some wonderful acts of kindness and selflessness as so many people sought to serve these wonderful Ecuadorians. I thank God for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful mission and pray that the Lord will give me many more opportunities to make a difference in the lives of these beautiful and amazing people.