Operation Walk USA

04/07/2026

"I will be able to walk again without pain. I will be able to live a normal life again. I will never forget what you have done for me." - says Maria Toscano with heartfelt thanks to Operation Walk USA, Drs. Lavernia, Beauperthuy and Gilbert, and all the staff.

My name is Maria Toscano, and this is my story of gratitude.
After surviving lung cancer, the treatments left my knees severely damaged. For over a year, I lived in constant pain. We tried many treatments, but nothing worked. I felt like I was losing my ability to live a normal life.

One day, I decided to search for help, and that’s when I found Operation Walk. I spoke to a kind and compassionate staff person who encouraged me to send my paperwork, even though registration had already closed. Months later, I received the call that changed my life—I had been approved for surgery!

That call came from Dr. Lavernia, who has truly been an angel in my life. He treated me with kindness, respect, and genuine happiness for my second chance. He also worked alongside Drs. Zvi,
Beauperthuy, Gilbert, and others whose care and dedication meant so much to me throughout this journey.

I have no job and very limited resources, so this opportunity meant everything to me. From that moment on, everything moved very quickly. The team at the HCA Florida Mercy Hospital treated me with incredible care and compassion.

On March 20th, I had my double knee replacement surgery, and it was a success. I spent one night in the hospital, surrounded by amazing nurses and staff. There are so many people I wish I could name and thank personally.

Recovery has not been easy. It is painful, and it is hard, but I am healing. My doctor has told me that everything is working well, and every day I am getting closer to walking normally again.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

04/07/2026

Many thanks to Dr. Carlos Lavernia and Team at the HCA Florida Mercy Hospital!

On this , meet seventy-four-year-old Salvador Rodriguez, who is walking tall again after undergoing knee replacement surgery on both knees with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Carlos Lavernia. Dr. Lavernia, along with Dr. Richard Henry, Dr. Gilbert Beauperthuy-Rojas and Dr. Edward Silverm...

03/22/2026

Thanks to our program, to the amazing participating hospitals, surgeons and their teams, as well as the generous implant donors, over 50 patients went through joint replacement surgeries in 2025!

AND
The registration is now open for the 2026 Operation Walk USA program that will take place November 30 - December 5, 2026.

Check your eligibility and apply if eligible at

Prospective Patient Portal Prospective patient registration for Operation Walk USA 2026 will open soon II Prospective patient registration for Operation Walk USA 2026 will open soon II Dear Prospective Patient, Friend, or Family Member of a Prospective Patient:We understand that you, or someone you....

03/18/2026

Millions of thanks to our partners for providing 17 complimentary hip and knee replacement surgeries for uninsured patients across Tampa Bay in February 2026!

Restoring mobility can provide hope and independence for patients in need. 💙 AdventHealth recently partnered with Florida Orthopaedic Institute and Pioneer Medical Foundation to provide 17 complimentary hip and knee replacement surgeries for uninsured neighbors across Tampa Bay through Operation ...

03/10/2026

One more "Thank you" from a grateful patient of Ascension St. Thomas Mr. Cruz Ontiveros. Photos will follow!
"We are beyond grateful for everything Operation Walk USA and the team at St. Thomas Ascension Hospital have done for us. This experience has truly changed his life. The difference we’ve seen since the surgery is incredible, and we can’t fully put into words how thankful we are for the care, generosity, and compassion shown to our family. We are more than happy to help in any way we can to support this amazing program so that other families can experience the same blessing we did."

02/10/2026

Thank you, Dr. William Kurtz and Ascension St. Thomas Hospital (Nashville, TN), for helping FIVE patients regain mobility with total joint replacements! Your dedication to patient care and willingness to help is so much appreciated!

01/02/2026

12/26/2025

Happy Holidays!

12/26/2025

This holiday season, two Jersey Shore residents are walking into a brighter future after receiving the gift of mobility through Operation Walk USA, made possible by Monmouth Medical Center and Seaview Orthopaedic and Medical Associates, a partner practice of RWJBarnabas Health.

12/22/2025

Here is Marie's Story...

"I had a total right hip replacement Friday, December 5th through and here is my story. 😊
Nine years ago (June 2016), I felt a tear or pop in my right groin and had excruciating pain immediately after and began to cry. I took it easy for the next few weeks, not putting much weight on my leg, but eventually was able to walk on it again, but with a limp. I didn't have health insurance, so I didn't go to the doctor and thought surely the limp and pain would eventually go away. As the years went on, the pain and limp got worse. Work (standing for hours) was always hard, but sometimes after working then going to the store then up a flight of stairs to get to my apartment, then having to use a heating pad all night to try and sleep, but not really sleeping; I felt defeated and couldn't believe that was my life. I pushed through, though, until I couldn't. A little over two years ago I ended up with a herniated disc and couldn't walk for two weeks. And then it took months to regain strength and better mobility. I had to quit my job in retail and I had to move in with my daughter and eventually, my son. Unable to work, I was at least able to watch my grandkids and be of some help. Still, I started to feel hopeless like I would never get help and things would just keep deteriorating. Earlier this year I went online and started searching for help again since I didn't qualify for the programs I had already applied for. I stumbled across and suddenly had a beam of hope again.

Founded in 2011, Operation Walk USA is an independent medical charitable organization that addresses the needs of uninsured patients the United States who require a hip or a knee replacement surgery. I filled out the form in the spring and kept my fingers crossed. I received a phone call at the very end of August from and had an appointment made. I was seen by Dr. Brelin and told I was a good candidate. She and the entire staff were very pleasant and helpful and I left the happiest I had been in a while. I was selected and after a few pre op appointments I was ready for surgery. They walk you through the entire process and are very thorough. On Friday, December 5th, after 9 years of pain I had a total right hip replacement! 🎉 Still can't believe it! Dr. Brelin is nothing short of amazing donating her time and expertise to those suffering who don't have the resources to get help. The entire experience was all anyone could ask for. Here I am recovering nicely with a new hip excited about regaining my mobility and life, all thanks to and Dr. Brelin (An angel on earth) and the team at and everyone who dedicated their time and resources to make this happen. The selflessness is mind blowing.
A dream come true! Thank You from the bottom of my heart!!! ♥️"

12/18/2025

We extend our deepest gratitude to the surgeons and participating hospitals who generously donated their time, expertise, and resources to Operation Walk USA. Your commitment to restoring mobility and improving lives makes a lasting impact on patients and families, and we are truly thankful for your compassion and dedication.