MISSION 2024
ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA
SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 5, 2024
Operation Walk Pittsburgh was pleased to return to Antigua, Guatemala, for our 9th mission at Obras Sociales del Santo Hermano Pedro Hospital. Our team expanded our impact with a record-breaking 83 knee and hip replacement surgeries for 60 patients in need!
This year, Dr. Michael Guthrie of Wexford Family Dentistry again traveled with our team and provided a combined 117 cleanings, extractions, and fillings for 27 dental patients. This is an important service, as we know that surgical risks and outcomes can be impacted by dental health.
On the orthopaedic side, we scheduled 3-4 patients per room in 5 operating rooms every day, restoring pain-free mobility for patients ranging in age from 31 to 82. This was our greatest impact ever, and we are poised to build on that momentum.
During the mission, the team also offered non-operative checkups and injections for patients who have already had surgery or who are not yet surgical candidates. We reconnected with many of our surgical patients from 2022 and 2023 during our clinic and met many new patients who came hoping for joint injections rather than surgery.
This year, we traveled with our largest team ever…over 75 clinical volunteers recruited from across the United States. Over 40% of these volunteers were traveling with Operation Walk Pittsburgh for the very first time.
Additionally, it was the first year we offered students interested in pursuing careers in the healthcare industry the opportunity to join the team. Supported by the Anthony M. DiGioia, Jr. Walk It Forward Scholarship Program, three medical students, one undergrad and aspiring medical student, and one orthopaedic resident were able to join us and experience the joy of medicine.
Witnessing patients walking and enjoying a quality of life that they hadn’t realized in decades is a gift to our team. Patients come from far and wide to show their gratitude, and the team is always happy to reciprocate, as so many of our patients leave us with lasting memories, stories, and smiles year after year.
We couldn’t be happier for the opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues at Obras later this year and to get back to doing what we do best: providing eager patients a fresh start through renewed mobility.
Applying to the travel team
Are you interested on joining the Operation Walk Pittsburgh travel team next year as a clinical or non-clinical volunteer? Slots are available for surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, Spanish interpreters, general hospital volunteers, and many other roles. As a travel team member, you’ll serve an important role in changing the lives of patients in need during mission 2025.
The application will open in mid-December of 2024. So please check back often or join our mailing list to be notified when the application launches. You’re always welcome to reach out to us with questions about the mission or the application process, too!
Planning for an OpWalk mission and making it all happen takes a tremendous amount of financial and in-kind support. As always, all donations made to Operation Walk Pittsburgh directly support patient care during the mission. We thank all of our donors and corporate sponsors for their support. To make a donation or explore corporate sponsorship opportunities, please email info@amd3.org or click the button below.
If you have a gently used walker or set of crutches you’d like to donate to the mission, please reach out.
JOIN THE JOURNEY
As this year’s mission unfolds, our communications team will be sharing news and updates.
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