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Two Hampton Roads women get the gift of mobility through free knee replacements

Posted at 10:44 AM, Dec 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-21 16:58:30-05

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - This holiday season, two Hampton Roads women are getting the gift of mobility.

Thanks to a partnership between Sentara Health Care and Operation Walk USA, Renee Montgomery and Barbara Whited were given knee replacement surgery for free.

Renee Montgomery and Barbara Whited

One day after their surgery they spoke to News 3 about the gift.

"I can go back to work and enjoy my beautiful granddaughter," Whited said. "I will be able to walk straight and not have pain."

Both women received their knee replacement surgeries, new knees and post-surgery care free of charge through the partnership.

It is the first time the organizations have come together to give the gift of mobility.

"It's a perfect time of year to do it. It's in the spirit of giving back. It aligns with our mission, which is improving health every day," said Gretchen Ward with Sentara.

Without this donation, both women say the surgery would not be possible for them. They would be stuck living in constant pain and limited mobility.

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Montgomery explained, "I couldn't get up and down off the floor or anything. Everything wore me out - everything - and I don't like that. I was to the point where I couldn't walk long, either push a buggy or push a walker, or ride on a scooter."

The effects prevented the women from living their best lives.

Dr. Steven Cummings performed both procedures and is the driving force behind the partnership.

"It's something I have had my eye out for that I wanted to get involved. It was the first year we made that step. It's a nice time when members of the community and come together and do something good for members of our community," he said.

For both Montgomery and Whited, getting new knees is more than good - it's been a blessing in their eyes.