(e.g., here’s a graphic for your profile photo) How many years have you been alive because of your ostomy surgery? Share your stomaversary and how this surgery saved your life. It’s also a chance to share your stoma’s name if it has one.

• Share Your Photos/Video Taking part in the Run for Resilience? Celebrating with your support group? Tell us why your ostomy is your life-saver. Share your photos with us to be featured. Email ed.pfueller@ostomy.org or Tag us on (Facebook @uoaainc  Instagram @uoaa_ or Twitter @uoaa

Hashtags: #OstomyDay2019 #MyOstomyMyLifesaver

PDF File:  OAD-Infographic-2019-final

WOCN Society presents this special episode of WOCTalk with Joanna Burgess, BSN, RN, CWOCN. Her passion for ostomy care stems from her 51-year journey of living with an ostomy since the age of three. She was named the 2016 WOC Nurse of the Year for the southeast region of the United States, and is honored to serve on the board for United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA). Joanna has also been appointed as the Chairperson for UOAA’s Advocacy Committee. During this episode, we speak to Joanna about her healthcare journey, her career as a WOC nurse, her involvement with the UOAA and Ostomy Awareness Day.

Visit our Action Center to contact your local lawmaker.

SAMPLE LETTER TO THE EDITOR OAD 2019 Word Doc

An important effort anyone can do is to get your Federal, State or Local elected officials to pass a proclamation! Take action online here or use our 2019 2019 Ostomy Awareness Day Proclamation

By wearing a “stoma” where people can see it, you can start a conversation, raise awareness, and show support for the ostomy community on Ostomy Awareness Day and every day. Place the sticker over your clothes on the lower right or left side between your navel and hip, where ostomies are typically located. Visit stomasticker.com to order a free educational Stoma Sticker, shipped anywhere in the US.

Join them for a free virtual ostomy 5k in Minneapolis or do your own wherevever you want. Stop by their table at Run for Resilience events around the country and be sure to pick up and show off a temporary “Ostomies are Life-Savers” tattoo.