A unique program for wounded veterans is providing both complex medical procedures and a connection with local families during the vets’ recovery and ongoing treatments.
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UCLA’s Operation Mend, a “groundbreaking” program which gives severely wounded military personnel access to the nation’s “top plastic and reconstructive surgeons, as well as comprehensive medical and mental-health support for the wounded and their families,” was established in 2007. Through partnerships with Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), a leading burn and rehabilitation center in San Antonio, Texas, the UCLA Health System, and the V.A. Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, the vision of Ronald Reagan, UCLA Medical Center Board and Executive Committee member Ron A. Katz and his wife Maddie (who is now deceased) not only aids those who were severely wounded in service to the nation, but is also building a community of support and love that goes far beyond purely medical services.
The program started with facial reconstruction for soldiers who were burned horribly while serving, usually in IED attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan, but has expanded greatly since its beginning. It now focuses on not only healing the body, but also the mind and spirit of those it serves. According to their webpage:
In addition to plastic and reconstructive surgery, mental-health support (for warriors and their families), orthopaedic reconstruction for severely damaged limbs, urologic treatment, otolaryngological care, the examination and treatment of reproductive issues, repair of airways, and design of new prosthetic ears are provided.
In addition to these services, Operation Mend also provides what they call “Buddy Families” for the men and women receiving treatments at their facilities.
The Operation Mend Buddy Family program offers each Operation Mend participant the opportunity to be matched with a loving, caring family that lives close to UCLA and can provide extra comfort, care, and fun for a wounded warrior and his or her family when they are visiting Los Angeles. For the Buddy Families, it is a hands-on opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone who has suffered great injury through service to our country, and it is a learning opportunity for parents and children alike, bringing the reality of war closer to home.
Buddy families play an important role in the care and support Operation Mend provides each patient and his/her family. We take great care to match our patients with buddy families that reflect each patient’s family’s needs. And because every patient’s family structure is different, we welcome all sorts of families to participate as buddy families for our wounded warriors.
If you live in or around the Los Angeles area and are interested in getting involved in this unique and inspirational program, you can contact the Buddy Family Coordinator, Dana Katz, at:
Dana Katz
Operation Mend Buddy Family Coordinator
(310) 267-2110
danaperelkatz@me.com
If you are interested in helping to support the Operation Mend Program in another way, you can visit their donation page here. Or, If you would prefer to send your donation by fax or mail, please print the online donation page, complete and send to:
Becky Mancuso-Winding
Senior Director of Development
UCLA Health
10945 Le Conte Avenue, Suite 3132
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1784
310-825-5328 (phone)
310-206-3942 (fax)
bmwinding@support.ucla.edu
