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.
Our third Great Comebacks® 2009 regional awards ceremony took place on October 3rd at the Northeast Region Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society Fall Conference in Reading, PA.
Our East region recipients beamed with pride as Rolf recognized their accomplishments and welcomed them to the podium to accept their awards:
At the evening event, our recipients shared their personal stories of perseverance – Sarah discussed her determination to become a competitive figure skater and one day, a nurse; Cheryl, her drive to graduate high school and college on time despite lengthy hospital stays. Scott spoke of his resolve to enjoy life despite his battles with Crohn’s disease and, most recently, thyroid cancer.
Seeking to dispel misconceptions about life with an ostomy, Scott offered these words, “Ostomies are not just for older people who are bed ridden, and have no quality of life remaining. Ostomies are for the living. My ileostomy is as much a part of me as my fingers and toes. I travel, enjoy a very busy life with family and friends, have a successful career, and a wonderful life overall. How is this possible for a guy who has Crohn’s disease and an ileostomy with borderline short bowel syndrome? It’s attitude and determination!”
These special individuals, who have come through their experiences filled with courage and a desire to help others who face similar challenges, were surprised at the event with letters of commendation from Senators Barbara Mikulski (Maryland), Mark Warner (Virginia), Benjamin Cardin (Maryland) and Joseph Lieberman (Connecticut) and Representatives Gerry Connolly (Virginia), Christopher Dodd (Connecticut) and John Sarbanes (Maryland).
Rolf (center back) posed for photos with East region recipients Scott Bowling (left), Cheryl Ebbinghaus (front) and Sarah Jenifer Vasilakos (right).
Rolf gives Sarah a hug for the camera after she told the audience that she was skipping her high school homecoming to attend the event.
Scott was all smiles as he accepted his award and spoke about his “come back” from Crohn’s disease and ostomy surgery.
Lisa Becker, the 2008 National Great Comebacks Award Recipient, joined in the evening’s festivities.
With a poise and maturity that impressed the audience,
Cheryl graciously accepted her award from Rolf.
About the Great Comebacks® Program
Now in its third decade, the Great Comebacks® Program raises awareness of quality of life issues for people with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer and other disorders than can lead to ostomy surgery. The program also provides educational materials and support for individuals facing the emotional as well as physical challenges of these debilitating diseases and transitioning to life after surgery. For more information, please visit 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 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 4,200 healthcare professionals who are experts in the care of patients with wound, ostomy and incontinence. For more information, please visit www.WOCN.org.
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