SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A group of surgeons and volunteers in Syracuse donates their time and skills to help patients walk again. They performed four free surgeries at Saint Joseph's Hospital Saturday morning as part of Operation Walk. The same group recently traveled to Panama to perform 67 joint replacement surgeries.

Volunteers say the organization can make a big difference to people who may not otherwise be able to get the help they need.

"They're able to get out, be productive, to get out of the house, into the community, become productive for their families. Their life is dramatically changed," said Dr. Michael Vella, an orthopedic surgeon.

"Back to the Y, back to doing some nice walking and hiking, and just being able walk into a store is pretty good," said Jerry Berdan, Operation Walk patient.

Syracuse is one of just 11 cities across the country to take part in Operation Walk.

If you'd like more information on the organization, visit http://operationwalksyracuse.org/.