Paul Buckley

1994 Great Comebacks^® Program Award Recipient

When Great Comebacks^® Award recipient Paul Buckley was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 1986, he recalled being a “very sick puppy.” As symptoms intensified, it became difficult for Paul – an active business and family man – to perform everyday activities. In an attempt to regain control of his life, Paul underwent ileostomy surgery in 1990. The decision turned his life around and he has not stopped moving forward since!

Post surgery, Paul has dedicated a portion of his life to raising awareness of intestinal disease and ostomy surgery. In fact, he started the first Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation chapter in Louisiana and, after receiving his Great Comebacks^® award, participated in charity golf tournaments to raise funds for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis research. On top of all that, Paul, a hotel executive, made time to start an online business, Puttential Unlimited, which sells statues of the “golf gods” Ti Ming and Tem Po (timing and tempo) along with other golf items.

“Like others in my situation, I feared having to undergo surgery but it ended up being one of the best decisions I could have made for my health,” said Paul. “I marvel at the progress that has been made, not only medically, but with the increase in knowledge of intestinal diseases and ostomies. I am proud to have helped others realize that there is life after ostomy surgery.”

Today, Paul, 67, is retired but remains active. He lives in New Orleans and spends his time serving as a consultant for the hotel industry, managing his online business, playing golf, swimming, entertaining family and traveling to visit his four adult daughters, Nikki, Natalie, Elizabeth, and Anna with his wife of 28 years, Joanne.