SALT LAKE CITY, UT September 26, 2011 – Randy Henniger of Folsom, CA has been named the 2011 Great Comebacks® West Region Award Recipient for his courage in overcoming colon cancer and ostomy surgery and for his work with wounded service members and cancer patients. The award honors outstanding examples of bravery and service after a diagnosis of a serious illness or trauma that leads to ostomy surgery. Henniger was presented with a regional Great Comebacks® award in a special ceremony at the 2011 Rocky Mountain Region Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society conference. The ceremony was hosted by Great Comebacks® Program founder and NFL football legend Rolf Benirschke.

Henniger was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at the age of 30. As a young husband and father of two young boys, he was told he had only a 30 percent chance of survival. After surgery to remove part of his colon and rectum, resulting in a permanent colostomy, Henniger dedicated himself to many special causes including work as a surfing instructor for service members who have lost limbs or faced other debilitating health problems. Henniger has developed customized coaching and training techniques to help wounded service men and women to take up surfing for fun and exercise.

”It is so encouraging to see someone like Randy who has been inspired by his own medical challenges to help other cancer patients through their diagnosis and treatment. We are pleased to welcome him to the Great Comebacks® community. By sharing his experiences, he is giving hope and support to many others,” said Rolf Benirschke, founder and chairman, Great Comebacks® Program.

In addition to his surfing instruction, Henniger is an active mentor to cancer patients through the Colon Cancer Alliance Buddy Program, the American Cancer Society, the Southern California Cancer Survivor community and additional cancer survivorship programs in local California hospitals. He has been named a Most Inspirational Colon Cancer Survivor by the American Cancer Society. Henniger also speaks with patients about ostomy surgery to send the message that an ostomy “shouldn’t be a big deal.”

”There is always room for hope. Even when the odds are a million to one, I like to say that you can be that one, but it’s up to you to fight. No one has more at stake than you,” said Henniger.

Great Comebacks® is sponsored by ConvaTec, a world-leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies for community and hospital care, in partnership with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (CCFA), the United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA), the Intestinal Disease Education and Awareness Society (IDEAS), the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS).

About ConvaTec

ConvaTec is a leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies that have helped improve the lives of millions of people worldwide. With four key focus areas – Ostomy Care, Wound Therapeutics, Continence and Critical Care, and Infusion Devices – ConvaTec products support health care professionals from the hospital to the community health setting. For more information, please visit www.ConvaTec.com.

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation (CCFA)

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's (CCFA) mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, with more than 79 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends going to mission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org). For more information, contact the Foundation at 800-932-2423 or visit www.CCFA.org.

About the United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA)

The United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA) is a national network for bowel and urinary diversion support groups in the United States. Its goal is to provide a non-profit association that will serve to unify and strengthen its member support groups, which are organized for the benefit of people who have, or will have intestinal or urinary diversions and their caregivers. For more information, please visit www.ostomy.org.

About the Intestinal Disease Education and Awareness Society (IDEAS)

The North American Intestinal Disease Education and Awareness Society (IDEAS) raises awareness of intestinal diseases through education and public awareness campaigns. IDEAS provides quality of life enhancing programs for children and young adults afflicted with intestinal diseases and their families. IDEAS conducts advocacy programs on behalf of all people living with intestinal diseases. For more information, please visit www.WeNeedIdeas.com.

About the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society

The WOCN Society is a professional nursing society that promotes educational, clinical and research opportunities to advance the practice and guide the delivery of expert health care to individuals with wounds, ostomies and incontinence. Membership includes more 4,700 healthcare professionals who are experts in the care of patients with wound, ostomy and incontinence. For more information, please visit www.WOCN.org.

About the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS)

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons is the premier society for colon and rectal surgeons and other surgeons dedicated to advancing and promoting the science and practice of the treatment of patients with diseases and disorders affecting the colon, rectum and anus. Founded in 1899, ASCRS has over 2,600 surgeons and specialist members, including over 1000 board certified colon and rectal surgeons. For more information about ASCRS, please visit www.FASCRS.org.