Monmouth Medical Center (MMC), part of RWJBarnabas Health, and Seaview Orthopaedics have partnered with Operation Walk USA to provide free joint replacement surgeries for two uninsured residents of the Jersey Shore. This marks the third consecutive year and fifth overall that MMC and Seaview Orthopaedics have participated in this initiative, making them the only health care providers in New Jersey involved with Operation Walk USA in 2025.
Earlier this month, Jerry D’Apolito from Ocean Grove received a right knee replacement at MMC after suffering from chronic pain intensified by a truck accident. “I hate that I’m the one slowing my family down – all I want is to be active with my kids again,” D’Apolito said. “This surgery gives me real hope that I’ll be back out there with them soon, enjoying walks by the beach with my wife, focusing on our family, and being fully present for the moments that matter.”
Jacqueline Crines of Point Pleasant underwent a right hip replacement after years of physical activity led to severe pain. She shared her experience: “I’ve never had depression in my life, but the pain wore me down. I couldn’t imagine living the rest of my life like that.” Crines looks forward to regaining her activity level and spending more time with her children.
Both procedures were performed by Dr. David Chalnick, orthopedic surgeon at Seaview Orthopaedics and medical director of MMC’s Joint Replacement Surgery Program. The implants used in these surgeries were donated by Smith + Nephew.
“Chronic knee and hip pain can profoundly limit a person’s independence,” Dr. Chalnick said. “A joint replacement can open the door to renewed mobility and dignity. Through Operation Walk USA, we’re able to extend this life-changing care to patients who otherwise might never have access to it.”
The patients are currently receiving rehabilitation at Seaview Orthopaedics as they recover from their surgeries. Most joint replacement patients experience significant improvements within several weeks through coordinated follow-up care and physical therapy.
Eric Carney, President and CEO of Monmouth Medical Center and its Southern Campus in Lakewood, commented on the program’s impact: “Being able to help someone walk without pain again is truly meaningful. Operation Walk USA reflects the very best of what we do at MMC – provide compassionate, high-quality care to those who need it most. We are grateful to Seaview Orthopaedics for partnering with us to make this life-changing work possible.”
MMC has received national recognition for its orthopedic services over many years. U.S. News & World Report has rated it as “high performing” for hip replacement surgery and spinal fusion, while Healthgrades awarded it five stars for hip fracture treatment. In June 2025, MMC celebrated 80 years since launching its orthopaedic residency program—the oldest such program in New Jersey—and recently maintained its Joint Commission Disease Specific Certification for Total Hip, Knee and Spine for a fifteenth straight year.
Operation Walk USA is a nationwide initiative offering free joint replacements to uninsured individuals across the country; since its founding 15 years ago, it has provided nearly 1,000 procedures valued at over $26 million.
RWJBarnabas Health serves more than five million people annually as New Jersey’s largest academic health system through an integrated network including 14 hospitals and over 700 patient care locations statewide.
For further information about orthopedic services at RWJBarnabas Health visit www.rwjbh.org/ortho.
