OPERATION DEZ STRONG A

from San Joaquin Magazine December 2022

by San Joaquin Magazine

WINTER GARDENS The work doesn’t stop in cold weather

LOCAL OPERATION DEZ STRONG

A NONPROFIT BORN OF FRIENDSHIP, DEDICATED TO SUPPORT

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

You may have never heard of necrotizing fasciitis, but you probably have heard the term flesh-eating disease. That is where this story starts, and its journey has encompassed hundreds, creating friends, allies, warriors, and supporters for kids ages 4-18 who have had limb amputation. In addition to providing emotional support and financial aid to families, nonprofit Operation Dez Strong (ODS) assists with acquiring prosthetic devices and helping get adapted to them.

In early 2019, Mark and Kamini Del Barba were proud that their son, Dez Del Barba, was doing well in basic training for the Officer Candidate School for the National Guard at Fort Benning in Georgia. Just 35-days into training, Mark and Kamini got a call that Dez had a severe infection and his parents needed to get there immediately. On their way there, they were informed their son had necrotizing fasciitis.

The news wasn’t good. “They were telling us [they] might have to remove all four of his limbs,” says Mark. Ultimately, Dez lost his left leg to amputation, and had large amounts of tissue removed from other areas of his body, all in an attempt to save his life.

“We received one letter from a five-yearold boy named Jonathin Perez who was also a survivor of necrotizing fasciitis,” explains Mark. The young amputee drew a photo of himself holding Dez’s hand in a show of support and friendship. The two formed a bond, and decided it was a noble cause to support others just like them.

After over a dozen surgeries, Dez recovered. Dez Strong was founded with the Perez and Del Barba families helping amputee children every step of the way. In just a few short years, the nonprofit has helped many families in need of assistance and emotional support.

Recently Dez participated in the Tunnels to Towers 5K run/walk in support of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attack. He also spoke at Capitol Hill about his experiences and how his initial diagnosis was mishandled by the military healthcare system. To volunteer or provide financial or other support to Dez Strong, visit DezStrong.org

Creekside Center

5 star facility with medicare.gov

Creekside Center is a skilled nursing facility located in Stockton, CA. Our center has an attractive warm atmosphere in a neighborhood setting. Patients and family can stroll the beautiful courtyards and sit in the lounge by the fire. At Creekside Center, we offer select menus and snacks in dining rooms with a garden setting. The facility offers in-house therapy 7 days a week in our Rehab Recovery Suites. All care is patient-centered and promotes independence The goal is to return our patients to good health and spirit. “