In a powerful display of holiday spirit and clinical excellence, Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) and Seaview Orthopaedics have partnered with the national initiative Operation Walk USA to provide two New Jersey residents with free, life-changing joint replacement surgeries.
This year, MMC and Seaview Orthopaedics stand as the only health care providers in New Jersey participating in the program, which provides orthopedic care to uninsured patients who otherwise could not afford these essential procedures.
For the two recipients, the surgeries performed earlier this month represent the end of years of debilitating physical and mental strain.
Jerry D’Apolito (Ocean Grove): A father of four who suffered from chronic pain following a severe truck accident, D’Apolito received a right knee replacement. “I hate that I’m the one slowing my family down,” he shared. “This surgery gives me real hope that I’ll be back out there with them soon.”
Jacqueline Crines (Point Pleasant): After years of intense exercise led to a right hip injury, Crines found the resulting pain was taking a toll on her mental health. Following her successful surgery, she looks forward to reclaiming an active lifestyle and spending quality time with her children.
The surgeries were performed by Dr. David Chalnick, Medical Director of the Joint Replacement Surgery Program at MMC and a surgeon with Seaview Orthopaedics. To make the procedures entirely cost-free for the patients, the surgical implants were donated by Smith + Nephew.
“A joint replacement can open the door to renewed mobility and dignity,” Chalnick said. “Through Operation Walk USA, we’re able to extend this life-changing care to patients who otherwise might never have access to it.”
This marks the third consecutive year that MMC and Seaview Orthopaedics have participated in the program. The hospital’s involvement is backed by a long history of orthopedic excellence:
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15 Years of Excellence: MMC has held the Joint Commission Disease Specific Certification for Total Hip, Knee, and Spine for 15 consecutive years.
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Top Rankings: U.S. News & World Report rates the hospital as “high performing” for hip replacement, while Healthgrades awards it 5 stars for hip fracture treatment.
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Historic Residency: MMC recently celebrated the 80th anniversary of its Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program, the oldest in the state.
Both patients have begun comprehensive rehabilitation at Seaview Orthopaedics. While recovery is an ongoing process, most patients experience a significant reduction in pain and improved mobility within the first several weeks.
Eric Carney, president and CEO of Monmouth Medical Center, emphasized the mission behind the partnership: “Being able to help someone walk without pain again is truly meaningful. Operation Walk USA reflects the very best of what we do—provide compassionate, high-quality care to those who need it most.”
