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Todd and Dana Katz with Cpl. Aaron Mankin
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The Operation Mend Buddy Family program matches each Operation Mend participant with a loving, caring family that lives close to UCLA and can provide extra comfort, care and fun for a wounded warrior and his or her family. Our Buddy Families greet their buddies upon arrival at Tiverton House, bring them to their homes for dinner or just to relax, take them on sight-seeing outings and deliver meals after surgery. They can also make arrangements through the Operation Mend office to go to UCLA sporting events and to attend other special events.
Our Operation Mend Buddy Families open their hearts and homes to our visiting service members to make them feel more comfortable in during their stay in Los Angeles. For the Buddy Families, this is a hands-on opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone who has suffered great injury through their service to our country, and it is a learning opportunity for parents and children alike, bringing the reality of war closer to home.
Watch Video: Operation Mend Buddy Families: In their own words
To learn more about being a Buddy Family contact us:
Dana Katz (danaperelkatz@mac.com)
Operation Mend Buddy Families Coordinator
Melanie Gideon (mgideon@mednet.ucla.edu)
Operation Mend Coordinator
(310) 794-8161 phone
(310) 562-0074 cell
(310) 267-1933 fax