US Award Program
Overview
A common and unifying experience for many people after
ostomy surgery is the feeling that they can once again lead
a normal life. The Great Comebacks® Program
recognizes these individuals who are inspirational, both
in their personal lives and in their contributions to their
communities.
Anyone who has overcome the difficulties of living with
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative
colitis), colorectal cancer, or an ostomy, and whose story
can encourage others, is eligible for the Great Comebacks®
Awards Program.
Through the awards, and the efforts of the recipients,
we hope to further de-stigmatize intestinal diseases and
ostomy surgery and help give people the hope, guidance and
the information they need to make their own Great Comeback®.
If you, or anyone you know, would like to participate in
one of our three award programs please click on the appropriate
link below for more information and an application.
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Categories
The Great Comebacks® Awards —
Recognizing adults who have inflammatory bowel disease,
colorectal cancer and/or ostomy surgery. This year, four
regional winners will be recognized at special events and
award presentations across the country, culminating in a
national ceremony where all recipients will be honored and
the national winner will be named and presented with The
Glass Eagle, handcrafted by designer James Houston at the
world-renowned Steuben glassworks.
Ina Brudnick Award — Given in memory
of pioneering stoma care nurse Ina Brudnick, this year the
program will award $1,000 prizes to four deserving students.
Students must be 24 years of age or younger, intend to pursue
a higher education, and have undergone ostomy surgery and/or
have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Comeback Kids Awards — Recognizing
three young people between the ages of seven and 17 who,
despite having Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis,
or an ostomy, live active productive lives while managing
their illness.
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Great Comebacks® Award
Entry Information
Who should apply?
Anyone who has overcome the difficulties of living with
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative
colitis), colorectal cancer, and/or an ostomy and whose
story can encourage others.
How are the winners chosen? When do I need to submit
my application?
Recipients of the Great Comebacks® Awards
and the Ina Brudnick Award are chosen by the Great Comebacks®
Advisory Committee. The deadline for applications to the
Great Comebacks® and Ina Brudnick Award Programs
is July 15, 2008.
The Comeback Kids Award recipients are chosen by a committee
of judges selected by the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
of America (CCFA). The deadline for applications to the
Comeback Kids awards program will be in the fall of 2008.
Recipients will be chosen and notified by late September,
2008. All recipients may be invited to participate in Great
Comebacks® special events, media opportunities,
and programs during the course of the year, depending on
their availability.
Great Comebacks® Awards and Comeback
Kids Application Forms
In addition to the online forms on this page, applications
are also available by calling (858) 259-2092.
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Great Comebacks®
Advisory Board and Award Committee
Rolf Benirschke
Honorary Chairman
National Spokesperson, CCFA
Former NFL Placekicker
San Diego Chargers
Al Geiberger
Honorary Co-Chairman
National Spokesperson, CCFA
Senior PGA Tour Member (“Mr. 59”)
Marvin Bush
National Spokesperson, CCFA
Investment Firm Partner
Brother of President George W. Bush
Victor W. Fazio, MB, MS, FRACS, FACS
Chairman of Colorectal Surgery
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Mary Ann Mobley
National Spokesperson, CCFA
Actress/Former Miss America
Peter Nielsen
NBC-TV Fitness Host and Former Mr. International Universe
National Spokesperson, CCFA
Suzanne Rosenthal
Co-Founder, CCFA
Chairperson of the Board Emeritus
Kristin Knipp
President-elect, UOAA
Robert Hil
Great ComebacksTM Global Ambassador
Seven Summits Climber
Founder, IDEAS
Nimisha Savani
Director, Corporate Marketing and Professional Relations
ConvaTec
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