
Walking comes so easy to most of us that we take it for granted. However, for millions of people walking and mobility become painful and sometimes impossible because of debilitating bone and joint conditions due to injury, advancing age or ailments. To help those people struggling or unable to walk, Operation Walk Denver was established a decade ago to provide free surgery for those in developing countries with patients who do not have access to medical care.
More than 350 attended the 10th Anniversary of the Walk of Dreams 2013 Gala at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center with management oversight by Event Director Laura Fitch with Walk of Dream staff and volunteers.
The reception area bustled with excitement with long-time benefactors, staff, board members and indispensible volunteers united for an evening of entertainment, fine dining, a silent and live auction, and a video of Operation Walk Denver founder Dr. Douglas Dennis and his surgical team in action.
Speaking at the event were Dr. Larry Door, Founder of the Operaton Walk organization founded in Los Angeles in 1994, and Dr. Todd Miner and Dr. Douglas Dennis, Partners at Colorado Joint Replacement.
Sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Adventist Healthcare Foundation, this annual September event supports the work of medical specialists of Operation Walk Denver, a team of doctors, nurses, physical therapists and surgical technologists who provide joint replacement surgeries worldwide. The program also educates in-country orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals on advanced treatments and surgical procedures.
The simple act of walking is just putting one foot in front of the other without much thought except when joint problems hinder mobility and healthy activity. Donations and fundraising ensure free surgical treatment for more than 50 patients every year with disabling arthritis and debilitating bone and joint issues. For more information visit: www.opwalkdenver.org or call 303-715-7600
- Walk of Dreams Denver celebrates its 10th Anniversary
- 9News Reporter Amelia Earhart, OWD Events Director Laura Fitch, Dr. Todd Miner
- Glamorous gathering for a good cause
- Andy & Rebecca Israel and Tim Shonsey
- Ariel Bravo, Andrea Fitch, Layla Rabih
- Big Band hits filled the ballroom
- Ministers of Swing entertained the crowd
- Bob and Barbara Danos, Dave Hunter
- Chris Brown and Stephanie Trinemeyer
- Dianna Cole McNitt, Alfred Maduro, Annie & Jenny Caquelin, Kate Griffin
- Derrick and Shannon Boltz
- Connie and Paul Connolly, Edward Ammon
- Dr. Douglas Dennis speaks with Barbara Danos
- Jack and Georgia Kleinheksel
- Jackie Hernandez and Kristin Schank
- Jason Lansdown and Melissa Murcia
- Janice Allmacher, Events Director Laura Fitch, Virginia Benvenuti
- Balloons for everyone!
- John Squires and Dianne Stone
- Sisters: Julia Wilder and Holly Spruiell
- Staff Members Kara Turpen and Deana Alfonso
- Laura Fitch with Kendall and Michael Slutzky
- Kendall and Michael Slutzky with Laura Fitch
- Lane and Brian Breitenwischer
- Leslie Harmoush, Adam Manchon, Kevin and Mary Francis SmithSmith
- Margaret and Charles Castellani
- Michael and Debra Durbin
- Meg Austin with Michael and Carrie Williams
- Nancy and Mark Leonard
- Michele and Shaun Cox, Dr. Raymond Kim and Melissa Kim
- Michelle and Joey Mahmood, Trish Witherington
- Phyllis and Barry GoldmuntzRow
- Rowena and Wanima Baca
- Sarah Meisenzahl, Shelly Sorensen, Janny Caquellin, Zach Stroh, Ann Caquelin
- Silent auction coordinators review bids
- Dr. Douglas and Debbie Dennis honored
- Stacy and Andy Carmel
- Sunset streams through the reception area
- Ministers of Swing Band played classic hits