CLEARWATER, Fla. — In pain and uninsured is not a good combination, but it was reality for Kristine Martin. That is, until early December. 

What You Need To Know

  • As part of a nationwide effort to help patients in need receive potentially life-changing joint replacement surgery, BayCare has provided free total joint replacements to three uninsured patients

  • At no cost to them, the patients went to St. Petersburg’s St. Anthony’s Hospital for the surgery

  • The surgeries were performed in early December    

  • BayCare hopes to do more free surgeries like this next year

Martin now has a large scar that runs down her left leg. It brings tears to her eyes, happy tears. 

“I am just so happy," Martin said. "I am just so glad this is now finally behind me."

She had severe osteoarthritis following a car accident two years ago. But fixing her knee never seemed possible because she does not have health insurance. 

But things all changed when Martin went to the Clearwater Free Clinic. 

“I am like, me?! Oh my god!" said Martin, retelling the story. 

Her doctor had recommended her for BayCare's Operation Walk USA free joint replacement surgery. 

In total, three uninsured patients were chosen for the free surgeries. 

 “I am very blessed that this is happening to me," Martin said. 

Her surgery was done on Dec. 9, and BayCare continues to help with her recovery. 

"When the scar is moving like it is, that tells me it is healing well inside," said Glenn Saldanha, physical therapist at BayCare. “She is going exactly on plan. The goal is to get her at about 90 degrees of bending within the first week or so. And she is right at that.”

“I am glad that this is done and over with and I don’t have to worry about it anymore," Martin said. 

BayCare first participated in Operation Walk USA in 2017. The hospital hopes to give even more free surgeries next year.

To see if you are a candidate, click here.