Orthopedic Stars Cycle to Fundraise for Operation Walk

These eight veterans of the orthopedic world will travel 3, 000 miles on two wheels come this June. Keith Berend, M.D., Mike Berend, M.D., Rendell “Chip” Smith, Dan “Wes” Wesley, Lance Perry, John White, Kurt Kramer, and Rocco Maiolo, have formed a not-for-profit cycling team that will compete in the Race Across America (RAAM) 2016. This team will be raising funds for Operation Walk Mooresville and Operation Walk Utah. Operation Walk is a not-for-profit organization that provides free hip and knee replacement surgeries to individuals in the poorest of countries.

Their motto? “We Ride So Others Can Walk.”

The Berend brothers told OTW, “We are so blessed to be able to see our country from the saddle of a bike. It is our privilege to raise awareness and raise money for those in the most dire need.”

Asked how this all came together, they noted, “We have been involved with Operation Walk Mooresville and Operation Walk Utah for close to 15 years. As endurance athletes we decided to attempt the toughest endurance event in the world in RAAM. Bringing these two passions together made great sense. As we say, ‘We Ride So Others Can Walk!’”

As for what might be the most challenging parts of the race, they commented, “The physical aspect of the race itself is one thing, but Coach Wes has our 8 man team in, literally, the best shape of our middle-aged lives. The logistics, however, of moving 18 people across this great country, non-stop, 24-7, is the challenge. That’s why we have enlisted Rick Miller to be our crew chief. Rick’s background and experience will be invaluable in managing all the moving parts and crewing us to victory.”