Wednesday, July 17: Difficult Goodbyes, but 'We will be back!'

Patient Discharge and Packing

The team spent their final day at the hospital packing, helping patients with their physical therapy and getting them ready to be discharged and reunited with their families. It was an emotional day for everyone, because the Op Walk team found it so difficult to say goodbye to their patients and hospital staff friends. 

"The people here are wonderful. We have had such a warm reception and have been so welcomed by everyone including the hotel staff, the hospital staff and all patients and families," said Dr. Tom "Muzzy" Muzzonigro.

After some tearful goodbyes and getting all of the patients discharged to their families successfully, the team visited a local marketplace to check out some Honduran culture. Team members picked fresh guava fruits from the trees and discussed a job well done with many happy patients and families. A group of team members also hiked a hill to the large Coca-Cola Sign in San Pedro Sula where they could see stunning views of the entire town from the top.
 
The group finished the day with a wonderful night of dancing and dinner with the Rotary Club and local hospital staff. Luis Mendieta, general manager of Clinica Bendana, presented Dr. Tony DiGioia and the team with an award. "We wish you the best in future missions and hope to see you again soon. You have changed the lives of so many people. We must convey our gratitude to you. Surgeons, Floor, OR, volunteers, everyone – you are all in our hearts."

Dr. DiGioia spoke on behalf of the entire Operation Walk Pittsburgh team, humbly accepting the award. "I would like to extend my thanks to everyone at the hospital and especially the Boquin family who is very special to all of us at Operation Walk. We will be back!"

***Correction on yesterday's update: The team completed 59 joint replacement surgeries on 53 patients.

To learn more about the Operation Walk Pittsburgh team's time in Honduras and to see more picture, visit our website: 
https://www.operationwalkpgh.org/Mission%20trips/honduras-2013/

or Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OperationWalkPittsburgh