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 fourth and final Great Comebacks® 2009 regional awards ceremony, recognizing our West region recipients, took place on October 10th at the Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society Northwest Conference in Spokane, WA.
Expressing his gratitude to everyone for making Great Comebacks possible, Rolf honored our recipients for the encouragement and support they provide to others battling chronic illnesses:
At the emotional ceremony, the recipients spoke of their refusal to be defined by illness and relentless pursuit of their dreams. Foster child Misty Blue spoke of her quest to become the first in her family to graduate college; Jamie, her ability to maintain good grades despite numerous surgeries and hospitalizations; and Sylvia, of becoming a flight attendant and mom of three.
In her acceptance remarks, Sylvia proclaimed, “This is for the 9- year-old child who is in extreme pain and scared because she and those around her do not know what is wrong. For parents who are looking for reassurance that their children can lead a ‘normal life’ with an ostomy. And for the 19, 20, 21-year-old girls who believe they will never be able to have a family because of their condition. I am living proof that there is nothing an ostomate can’t achieve!”
Thank you to Senator Dianne Feinstein of California and Representative Jackie Speier of San Francisco for their letters of commendation applauding the achievements of our winners.
Rolf (back right) posed for a group photo with the 2009 West region recipients
Sylvia Prothro Hebert, Misty Blue Foster and Jamie Nakamura (from left to right).
Prior to the start of the ceremony, Rolf mingled with recipients and signed a copy of his newest book, Embracing Life, for Sylvia!
As she walks into the banquet hall, Sylvia stops to read about her fellow West region recipients.
Jamie gifted Rolf and the other recipients with colorful Hawaiian leis in honor of this special celebration.
Rolf gave Misty Blue an encouraging hug as she stepped to the podium to deliver her acceptance speech.
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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