Since becoming the first recipient of the Tony Snow Award for Public Service in 2009, Chief Warrant Officer Bob Cuyler has continued on multiple missions–as a helicopter pilot on active duty and, now, working with the U.S. Army and UOAA to advocate for their veteran’s outreach program. Through the outreach program, Bob educates ostomy patients on strategies to be healthy and live life to the fullest after surgery. And he practices what he preaches. Each week, Bob runs a half marathon, or 13.1 miles, to both challenge himself and give hope to other ostomates who are adjusting to life with a stoma. Though currently deployed in Afghanistan, Bob continues to run while raising money from sponsors of his marathons for ostomates. He has completed 15 half marathons thus far and was recently recognized in a story from the Department of Defense for his achievements.

Bob received an ostomy after struggling with ulcerative colitis for several years. Although his ostomy labeled him disabled by military standards, only a few months later he was able to complete the Army’s physical training sessions and flying exercises. He was cleared one year after surgery and deployed on a 12-month tour in Iraq.

Bob continues to share his story with soldiers as part of a personal goal to raise awareness of the UOAA Veterans Outreach Program. To read the full article about Bob, please click here

Great Comebacks is proud to recognize the inspirational achievements of Bob Cuyler along with many others who have overcome serious conditions that can lead to ostomy surgery. To read Bob’s personal story and the inspiring stories of many others like him, visit http://www.greatcomebacks.com/us/stories .