Reconstructive Surgery for Wounded Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq at No Cost

The New York Times published a story about the work of Operation Mend, a collaborative program between the UCLA Health System and the Brooke Army Medical Center. The program was created to provide reconstructive (plastic) surgery for disfigured veterans of the Afghan and Iraqi wars at no cost to the patient.  However, it's been expanded to provide limbs, urologic treatment, and other issues.  Active military personnel and veterans are eligible patients.  Nearly 60 people from various branches of the armed forces have been treated so far. 

The patients and a family member receive treatment in Los Angeles, and are housed in a hotel near the medical center.  To see if you or a family member are eligible for treatment, contact Melanie Gideon at (310) 794-8161, or   mgideon@mednet.ucla.edu.