A unifying feeling for many people after ostomy
surgery is that they can again lead a full and productive life. The Great
Comebacks™ Program recognizes these inspirational individuals,
both in their personal lives and in their contributions to their communities.
Valencia Hardaway isn't one to shy away from hard work.
In fact, she loves a good challenge. "I held two jobs,
six days a week, and thought life couldn't get any better!"
she exclaims when she reflects back to 1993 when she was
co-owner of a hair salon in Atlanta and worked as a clerk
at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Before being diagnosed with IBD, Valencia was the picture
of perfect health. She was a cheerleader during high school
in Atlanta. After graduation, she attended cosmetology school
and earned her license as a Master Cosmetologist. She and
her aunt opened D & V Hair Salon. She had even moved
into her own apartment and was enjoying her freedom.
She didn't know her positive outlook on life was about
to be tested the following year in a way she could never
have imagined. "That's when my world was turned upside
down," she says. In 1993, Valencia was diagnosed with
ulcerative colitis. By March of 1994, Valencia had the first
of several surgeries.
Between March and December, Valencia underwent nine operations.
Her weight plummeted from 170 pounds to 98 pounds.
Valencia suffered through a life-threatening infection,
but eventually her fever broke. A few nights later, Valencia
remembers her stunned doctor sitting in her room holding
her hand. "He was staring at me and said 'You are truly
a miracle.'"
Along with her faith, her family, and her pastor, Valencia
credits her ostomy nurse with helping her deal with her
ostomy during those early days of recovery. Now the nurse
calls on Valencia to counsel others facing similar situations.
It's no wonder Valencia declares, "I'm celebrating
each and every day.” Today Valencia is not only looking
forward to returning to work in cosmetology, she’s
also helping to raise her nephew while her sister continues
a career in journalism.
“I really wanted to win the Great ComebacksTM Award
so that when I counsel other people, I can point out what’s
happened to me,” she explains. “It’s not
the end…it’s the beginning of living a productive
life.”
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