Operation Walk Ecuador

This April, I am heading back to Cuenca, Ecuador to provide post-operative care within the PACU to many orthopaedic patients who will receive their long-awaited hip surgeries.

In 2023, Natasha and I joined the incredible Operation Walk team on our first trip to Ecuador and had the immense privilege of recovering and caring for 32 patients (including one mother-daughter duo who we recovered together in the PACU). We were inspired by their resilience, strength and appreciation and are thrilled to have the honour of returning to Ecuador to assist in this mission again.

Why is this surgery required?

"In developing countries such as Ecuador, (developmental dysplasia of the hip [DDH]) is too commonly not diagnosed and too often left untreated. The result is significant hip deformity and leg length discrepancy by early adulthood accompanied by significant pain, stiffness and severe osteoarthritis" [Operation Walk Canada].

In Ecuador, poverty and geography (especially for those living in the mountainous areas) contribute significantly in preventing patients from being able to access the care that they require. Because of this, Ecuadorians with DDH spend the majority of their lives in severe pain. This is especially debilitating as the majority of those living within the mountainous areas are farmers; thus requiring their strength and mobility to survive.

My role in this mission is entirely voluntary and will cost $1,250. I am so very appreciative for any support that you may be able to provide to help me reach this goal!

For more information, please visit https://www.operationwalk.ca/ecuador (and please to send me any questions you may have)!