The countdown for our trip to Arusha, Tanzania continues to tick away and our team in Los Angeles has been busy organizing materials, dropping off donations, sorting patient forms and charts, and making sure that each box is ready for shipment.  

Orthopedic Rep, Brian Marshall, has been bringing in and cataloging implants, we’ve had team members sorting, organizing, and sterilizing trays of instruments, Lead Floor Nurse, Paulina Andujo, went through patient forms, charts, and requirements, Dr. John Kumar has been dropping off donations and this last weekend volunteers Mary Ellen Sieben, Trish Lindsey, and Ploi Dejsubha prepared our pallets for shipment.  

A little insight from our warehouse manager, Stacy Kelso: “This Saturday we arranged pallets so boxes were optimized for shipping. Heavier ones on the bottom lighter ones on the top. We also numbered containers and did a count so we knew which boxes/tubs and how many boxes/tubs were on each pallet. We had to get creative (which is always the case when we work on pallets containing wheelchairs, walkers and crutches). The odd shapes of these items make for a challenge when it comes to stacking and then shrink wrapping.” 

We are so thankful for all of the volunteers listed below who give up their weekends and free time to ensure all of our materials arrive on time and are ready for each mission. Stay tuned for updates! 

Many thanks to:

• Mary Ellen Sieben- coordination, organization, and ordering of supplies.
• Trish Lindsey- coordination, organization, and ordering of supplies.
• Stacy Kelso- coordination, organization, tracking and ordering supplies.
• Ploi Dejsubha- instrumentation and supply packing.
• Brian Marshall- implants.
• Rudy Costales- equipment preparation and sterilization.
• Paulina Andujo- patient charts and nursing supplies.
• Ava Baldwin- snacks and volunteer support supplies.
• Dr. John Kumar- power pack donation and delivery.
• Jim Sieben- packing support.

Dr. Jacob Bobman in surgery - Cuba 2019

In 2018, celebrating the long and storied career of Dr. Lawrence Dorr, donor and Operation Walk Angel Paula Paulus established the Lawrence D. Dorr Operation Walk Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to a fourth- or fifth-year resident in orthopedic surgery who plans to practice in the field of joint arthroplasty. Applicants must have not participated in a prior international mission, provide two letters of recommendation from their current educational program, and write a synopsis of their experience at the completion of their mission for Operation Walk’s literature and social media.

We have been honored to have two recipients join us in the past few years. The first was Dr. Jacob Bobman on our 2019 mission to Havana, Cuba and the second was Dr. Eric Basler during our 2022 mission to Havana. These two surgeons were able to experience operating with and assisting our renowned surgeons, interacting with patients, and participating in a medical mission firsthand. Both young doctors stated that it was an honor to have been given the opportunity to join the Operation Walk team and without a doubt the mission trip they participated in was a life-changing experience.

Dr. Omid Jalali

Dr. Eric Basler and his patient Barbara in Cuba 2022

Notes from our donor Paula:

 “I am very humbled for the thanks that each recipient has expressed. All of the doctors selected are true gentleman and most dedicated to their craft. Dr. Dorr would highly approve of them all to date and I’m proud to have been given the opportunity to share in their experience. I thank the doctors and seasoned team members of Operation Walk for welcoming each of the scholarship winners and sharing their camaraderie and guidance. This is truly a life-changing and motivating time for them.”

We are happy to announce our third recipient of this scholarship and welcome Dr. Omid Jalali to our team. He will be joining us on our mission to Tanzania this August. Please see the article below to learn more about him and his journey.

Both Ms. Paulus and the OpWalk team want to keep this tradition alive, giving young, up-and-coming surgeons a chance to experience mission trips and what restoring mobility is like abroad. We are issuing a challenge to help match Paula’s donation up to $30,000. Your donations will help to continue both Dr. Dorr’s legacy and the spirit of our organization. Each donation ensures Operation Walk’s continued support for young surgeons, allowing them to grow, enhance their careers, and give them a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

To donate please go to our website www.operationwalk.org, call our office at 424-558-8076, or send your check to the below address. If writing a check, please make your donation out to Operation Walk Los Angels and notate “scholarship match” in your memo line.

Operation Walk Los Angeles

c/o Marion Moser

381 Van Ness Ave #1514

Torrance, CA 90501



Bobman, Eva Cristina, and Dr. Mimi

Dr. Mimi with Dora in post-opJPG

We are privileged to have Dr. Mimi Cameron joining us for our upcoming trip to Tanzania. Dr. Cameron is a core volunteer for our sister organization, WOGO, Women Orthopaedic Global Outreach and has joined us on two previous missions; once to Cuba and the other to Guatemala. Thank you, Dr. Cameron for sharing your thoughts on the upcoming mission.

“I’m very excited to return to Tanzania and Arusha Lutheran Medical Center, the site of the first mission I went on. The cast house and the orphanage will also be incredible due to the kindness and compassion of the people in all three places. Seeing giraffes was and will be a high point too.”

Dr. Mimi Cameron

Giraffe sighting in 2014

Rich and Kathy Link

For husband and wife team, Kathy and Richard Link, their call to service is a matter of faith.

“Growing up in my family it was expected for all of us to give back to our community. When I came to faith it gave me a different perspective of what 'giving back' meant. Helping others means the most to me in my life. I want to use my talents to help others and make a difference in the world.”

These words struck a chord with me when I spoke with the Links during a recent phone interview. Rich and Kathy will be joining us on our mission to Arusha, Tanzania this August and they couldn’t be more excited.

Their first introduction to Operation Walk came in 2021 when they were invited to attend our Gala Event hosted by co-medical director, Dr. William Long. They had known of Operation Walk through Susan and Michael Flanagan, Rich’s sister and brother-in-law but were not completely familiar with the organization. They attended the Celebration of Life for founder, Dr. Lawrence Dorr the following spring and something resonated with them both. Rich explained how he was drawn to become a part of the mission.

“I received a copy of Dr. Dorr’s book, Next Step: HOPE: The Story of Operation Walk, and I was inspired by the compelling story of how Operation Walk was founded. It brought into perspective the human scale and interpersonal relationships at the core of the organization. Listening to the stories told during the memorial, of Dr. Dorr’s upbringing and guiding influences, made evident his faith.“ 

Retiring from a career in accounting and finance, Rich was looking for an opportunity to keep engaged with his community. He joined the board in 2022 and enjoys being a sounding board and a fresh window to view operations from a new perspective.

Kathy was also moved by the memorial service. “A light went on during the service and I began to understand the scope of what Dr. Dorr had accomplished. After reading his book, I knew he was more than an orthopedic surgeon.” Excited by the opportunity to change lives, Kathy has become a member of our Angels group, who donate yearly, directly impacting patient recovery. She also volunteers for our major fundraisers, helping with donations for raffles, silent auctions and other vital components to make each event a success.

When asked why they want to travel with the team on our upcoming mission, their answers were quick and direct. Rich explained, “I would love to experience everything firsthand I have read about in Dr. Dorr’s book.” Kathy echoed that sentiment and added, “I just want to be put to work, to be of service.”

We are beyond thrilled to have them both as volunteers and look forward to sharing their thoughts and experiences after our mission is completed. Thank you Rich and Kathy for making our mission to restore mobility possible.

You can get your copy of Dr. Dorr’s book, Next Step: HOPE: The Story of Operation Walk, which inspired them to become a part of our team.

Hello everyone! I’m excited about this new opportunity and grateful to be a part of such a selfless team. My name is Glenda and I am a first-generation Salvadorian American, from Inglewood, CA. I currently serve in the United States Army Reserve and have been doing so for ten years. My position in the Army is as a Human Resource Specialist with an additional job working in postal operations. I am blessed to be able to say that I have traveled to multiple countries, including visiting Central America almost every two years for as long as I can remember. My previous civilian job was as a logistics recruiter for a small staffing company.

I recently had my first child in January, Ezra, and he’ll be 5 months by the time you read this. He’s the light of my life and such a fun, happy baby. My current life involves learning how to navigate between working, being a good mom, and being a good Soldier. Operation Walk caught my attention when I heard that missions had been conducted in El Salvador, which is my second home. It warms my heart to know that there are people willing to dedicate their time and energy to help others in less fortunate circumstances and I’m excited to assist in any way possible. My goal is to learn and help as much as I can and meet great people on the way. 

My name is Samantha See and I'm from Decorah, Iowa. Currently, I’m a junior at Cornell College, majoring in kinesiology on a pre-nursing track with plans to attend a direct-entry master's-in-nursing program after graduation. Hopefully, I will be on track to become a nurse practitioner. At Cornell, I'm involved in Greek life, summer research, new student orientation, and a member of the Greek council! In my spare time, you can find me walking, hiking, spending time with friends and family, kayaking, running, or listening to Zach Bryan.

I originally heard about Operation Walk through Dimensions, which is our pre-health program here at Cornell. Although I've never been on a mission trip before, I've worked as a CNA for almost 3 years now (2 of those years at a nursing home and the last year at a hospital) and I have really enjoyed the work I've gotten to do, especially getting to know and care for my patients/residents. At the hospital, I work on the Medical/Surgery floor. I’ve already gained so many skills and found a lot of love in what I do! 

Operation Walk interested me because I thought it would be a wonderful and beneficial experience for me to see more aspects of the healthcare field. I'm excited for the opportunity to be a part of the team and I hope this experience helps me grow both as an individual and as a future healthcare provider. 

Welcoming our 2023 Angels. Thank you for helping us to put our patients first and continue our mission to restore both mobility and hope around the world.

ANGELS 2023

Let’s Turn the Clock Way Back:

Looking back at our very first mission and original volunteer team on the trip to CIMEQ in Havana, Cuba in 1997. During that first mission, our team replaced 45 joints and began our collaboration with the orthopedic team in Havana. This trip led the way to all others, the development of 20 teams across the US, Canada, and Ireland, helping over 17,000 patients across the globe in 25 countries and the legacy that is Operation Walk.

Do you have a photo or memory to share about a past trip? Send your thoughts and images to cami@operationwalk.org and you could be featured in our next newsletter!