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 2009 Regional Awards Recipients
Regional Awards Recognize Achievements of People Coming Back From Ostomy Surgery
(SKILLMAN, NJ, Oct. 1, 2008) – The Great Comebacks® Program announced today the 2009 regional awards recipients. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the annual Great Comebacks® Program recognizes the inspirational achievements of adults and young people who have overcome debilitating intestinal diseases and ostomy surgery.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, a collective term for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, affects an estimated 1.4 million Americans, many of whom are initially impacted when they are adolescents or young adults.1 Along with colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease is a common condition that may lead to a permanent or temporary ostomy.
The 2009 Great Comebacks® regional award recipients are:
“These debilitating diseases, and the prospect of ostomy surgery, can leave you feeling isolated, fearful and uncertain about the future,” said Rolf Benirschke, former San Diego Chargers place-kicker, ulcerative colitis patient and chairman of the Great Comebacks® Program. “For 25 years, Great Comebacks has honored inspiring individuals who, by sharing their stories, give hope and encouragement so that others, too, can reclaim their lives and pursue their dreams.”
Joining the regional Great Comebacks® recipients are young people being recognized with Ina Brudnick and Comeback Kids™ Awards. The Ina Brudnick Award, given in memory of the pioneering stoma care nurse, presents $1,000 each to four students who have undergone ostomy surgery and/or have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and intend to pursue a higher education. The Comeback Kids™ Award, additionally sponsored by Youth Rally, recognizes young people who are living active, productive lives while managing an ostomy and/or other bowel/bladder disorders.
The 2009 Ina Brudnick regional award recipients are:
All of this year’s recipients will be honored at regional ceremonies during the fall and their stories will be shared on the Great Comebacks® Website at www.GreatComebacks.com. Early next year, one of the Great Comebacks® regional recipients also will be honored as the 2009 National Great Comebacks® recipient. ConvaTec and the WOCN Society also will present the WOC Nurse Great Comebacks® Award, a new recognition honoring a WOC nurse who has been instrumental in helping one of these recipients achieve their “great comeback.”
“At ConvaTec, our mission is to make a difference in people’s lives, a mission reflected in our commitment to innovation and in our long-standing support for programs such as Great Comebacks,” said Nino Pionati, President of ConvaTec Ostomy Care. “We are proud to recognize these remarkable recipients and spread the important message that life after surgery can be full – not of limitations, but of possibilities.”
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 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 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.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.
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.
About Youth Rally
For over 30 years the Youth Rally has been a place for adolescents with an ostomy or a continent diversion, or who are preparing for surgery, to come together and meet other young people who deal with similar life experiences. The annual summer camp operated by the Youth Rally Committee (YRC) strives to provide a positive support network that highlights independence and individuality as tools youths can use to regain confidence and a sense of belonging. For more information about the Youth Rally and this year's camp, please visit www.Rally4Youth.org.
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