PRESIDENTS MESSAGE JAN/FEB 2019
New Year, new you, new resolution, new change, new beginning, new opportunities, new norm. Happy New Year to you!
As we say goodbye to 2018, I reflect back on what a spectacular year it has been for us (the best ostomy support group ever), and I would like to thank each and everyone for making our support group the success it is.
-This year our own CWOCN Charlotte Popovich was awarded the national WOCN of the year by the UOAA (United Ostomy Association of America).
-We were contacted by Dr. Lisa Abuogi, a physician who works closely with an organization that rotates services in Kenya. They told us of George, who had an ileostomy done in a neighboring larger city. They discharged him without any instructions and only 3 wafers/bags. It is difficult to get supplies in Kenya and, so he needed our assistance. Along with Karlene Martin from Shield we were able to get supplies to George, and since there wasn’t anyone nearby George who knew anything about ostomies, George and I started Skyping, and I was able to do some online instruction regarding life with an ostomy. Several of our members additionally Skyped with George and have now helped him to feel like part of the ostomy community.
-Once again, we did 2 presentations at CU nursing school about what it’s like to be an ostomate and they were very well received.
-In addition to all of this, we were able to help 3 new support groups get established: CU Anschutz, Boulder, and currently working with Grand Junction.
-We were able to donate $500 to the Youth Rally in Boulder.
What is in the works for 2019?
-Cindy Charlton gave a motivational presentation at the November meeting. She is following up with a “survivors camp” at the January meeting. We are planning dynamic speakers as always, but if there is anything or anyone you would be interested in hearing, please let any board member know.
-Sam Swears has agreed to be the VP, so please welcome him in his new position.
-We will continue to do our presentations at CU nursing school and hope to expand to more nursing schools or other institutions/organizations who voice an interest and would benefit from our instructional program. We are making it a priority to contact local doctors and WOCN’s so that they know that our support group is available for support to their patients.
-Please make a note that the National UOAA convention is August 6th-10th in Philadelphia, PA. The board will pay for the registration fee for two members who would like to go, so please let me know ASAP, as registration starts 1/1/2019.
We will keep you updated as to other plans for 2019.
“ALONE WE CAN DO SO LITTLE, TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH” …Helen Keller
Best Wishes for the coming New Year,
Eileen Goldberg, RN
President
Why come to a meeting? Quotes from members- “From the first meeting I went to before my surgery I have been so blessed to meet such open, honest and caring people. People who I can share my worries, concerns & triumphs of my ostomy. I can't imagine going through this journey without all of them. One can't possibly go to a meeting and feel like you don't fit in. Not only does it feel good to go and get advice, but I think it feels even better to go and give to someone just starting out on the journey.” Tracey Sloan (member) "One of the most important things that helped me was the magazine for ostomates called The Phoenix, (I was sent home from the hospital with an issue, but too afraid to even open the folder that would tell me of ‘all’ the things that, at that time, were disgusting to me). I didn’t open that folder for over a month after my surgery. When I did open it and begin to read ‘everything’ that was in it, I couldn’t stop, I couldn’t believe all this information was written down, and much of it was exactly what I was feeling! I read that issue of The Phoenix from cover to cover, and then went online to the UOAA. So much information was available to me! I called the local support group, and talked to Steve Johnson, (the President) who took at least 45 minutes of his precious time to talk and share with me. He, too, had a colostomy. Hearing him talk openly of something I was so ashamed of was very comforting. He encouraged me to attend a meeting, and meet others who have also been there and who are currently there. The support group was invaluable to me! Debbie Conway (member) See her entire article Several years ago, during a visit with my physician, he asked me, “What kind of exercise are you getting?” I said, “I’m playing on a softball team for guys 45 and over.” To which he replied, “Softball! That’s not exercise….that’s’ a social event!” I couldn’t really argue with him and we both chuckled about it. Not long after this humorous exchange with my doctor, I came down with a very nasty case of Ulcerative Colitis. Jim Folsom article (member) See his entire article
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