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.
The Great Comebacks®
Program Announces 2008 Regional Awards Recipients
Regional Awards Recognize Achievements of People Coming Back After Ostomy Surgery
(SKILLMAN, NJ, Oct. 6, 2008) – The Great Comebacks® Program announced today the 2008 regional awards recipients. Now in its 24th year, the annual Great Comebacks® Program recognizes the inspirational achievements of adults and young people who prevail over debilitating intestinal diseases and ostomy surgery. These awards are sponsored by ConvaTec, a leading developer of ostomy and wound care products, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (CCFA), the United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA) and the Intestinal Disease Education and Awareness Society (IDEAS).
An estimated 1.4 million Americans are affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease, a collective term for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, many of whom are initially impacted when they are adolescents or young adults.1 Along with colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases are common conditions that may lead to permanent or temporary ostomies.
The 2008 Great Comebacks® regional recipients are:
By sharing their stories of personal triumph, these remarkable individuals are helping to disprove the notion that those with digestive diseases or an ostomy have to put their lives on hold,” said Rolf Benirschke, former San Diego Chargers place-kicker, ulcerative colitis patient and chairman of the Great Comebacks® Awards Program. “I am confident that these inspiring recipients will bring new ideas and enthusiasm to our ongoing efforts to demystify these diseases and ostomy surgery through education, advocacy and support.”
Joining the regional Great Comebacks® recipients this year are four young people being recognized with Ina Brudnick Awards. This award, given in memory of pioneering stoma care nurse Ina Brudnick, presents $1,000 each to four students, 17 to 24 years old, who have undergone ostomy surgery and/or have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and intend to pursue a higher education.
This year’s Great Comebacks® and Ina Brudnick Award recipients will be honored at regional ceremonies during the fall, and their stories will be shared on the Great Comebacks® Web site at www.greatcomebacks.com. One of the Great Comebacks® regional recipients also will be honored as the 2008 National Great Comebacks® recipient in early 2009, and will receive the Great Comebacks® Glass Eagle, handcrafted in Steuben crystal. Additionally, the 2008 recipients of the Comeback KidsTM Awards – which recognizes children and teenagers who are living active, productive lives while managing their Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or ostomy – will be announced and honored at the national ceremony in early 2009.
“These inspiring individuals light the way for thousands of other people with intestinal diseases and their families by showing that the world – far from being an isolated, lonely place – is brimming with possibilities,” said David Johnson, CEO of ConvaTec. “They teach us so much about personal courage and perseverance, and inspire all of us at ConvaTec every day to develop and provide technologies and support that help improve the lives of people worldwide – aiding in their ability to achieve great comebacks.”
About the Great Comebacks® Program
Each year, the Great Comebacks® Program recognizes adults, children and teenagers who are living with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer or an ostomy. Begun in 1984 by former San Diego Charger place-kicker and ulcerative colitis patient Rolf Benirschke, Great Comebacks® provides hope, inspiration and education to support patients and their families. More information on the Great Comebacks® Program is available at www.greatcomebacks.com.
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 business divisions – 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. From its headquarters in Skillman, New Jersey, the company oversees more than 8,000 employees in over 90 countries serving consumers and their health care professionals on six continents. 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 81 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 nonprofit 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.UOAA.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.
References
About Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. http://www.ccfa.org/about/press/ibdfacts. Accessed September 23, 2008.
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