2008 Lincoln Orthopaedic Center’s Ortho Open

    Friday June 13th, turned out to be great day for golf, fellowship, celebration, and fundraising.  The second annual Orthopaedic Open was held at Hillcrest Country Club to celebrate the return to activity of those patients at Lincoln Orthopaedic Center who had joint replacement or other orthopaedic surgeries in 2007 to correct issues preventing them from fun activities like golf.  

With the support of 23 business associates of Lincoln Orthopaedic Center the day of golf was free to the patients with an optional donation to go to the Friendship Home.  The total proceeds from the event also went to the Friendship Home.  The day’s event culminated by having other patients that were not golfers join those that did golf for a banquet to celebrate their return to activity. 

Lincoln Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon Dr. Robert Vande Guchte said, “This is a great event for our patients as many struggled with pain prior to their surgeries.  It is gratifying to see the results of your practice translate into people enjoying a game of golf again.”  Back pain can be one of those orthopaedic issues that take you right out of the game of life. He also added, “The spine is a complex structure that can be injured, or deteriorate over time, causing pain and inability to enjoy an active lifestyle”.

This is the second year that Arlon Bartels of Lincoln has played in the event.  A retired Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co production worker, Arlon has been able to swing the club again and enjoy his time out with his friends on the course after having both knee joints replaced. “It was harder and harder to walk, and I couldn’t take a full swing before the surgeries.  Now I can” replied Bartels.  

Of the patients that were invited to the event there were surgeries performed on the knee, hip, shoulder, spine, elbow and hand.  Dr. Keith Lawson commented that “Life is too short not to enjoy the things in life that you like to do.  Whether it is playing golf, or playing with your grandchildren, when you have orthopaedic issues it can really make life literally a pain.”   

Overall the day was a total success.  There were over 90 golfers and 120 in attendance at the banquet where it was the distinct pleasure to present the Friendship Home with the proceeds in excess of $11,000.  

For more details on how you can be involved in next years event please contact Tammy Staiert or Doug Wyatt at Lincoln Orthopaedic Center by calling 436-2000, or logging on to their website at www.ortholinc.com and go to “Contact" at the top right of the home page.