United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) has created a fun interactive web-based game designed to educate and empower young children about ostomy care. At UOAA, we believe pediatric ostomy care should be centered around both the child and their family. We understand that healing and confidence come from teamwork – and that includes the child, their loved ones, and their medical team.
In the game children are guided by a young ostomate who introduces players to key members of their healthcare team: a doctor, an ostomy nurse, and a dietitian. Along the way players will learn about important topics such as how to care for their ostomy, how to empty and change an ostomy pouch, and common questions or terms they might hear during their care journey.
While the game features these core medical professionals, we hope it also encourages further conversations about the wider support team-such as child life specialists, school nurses and family members-who also play vital roles in a child’s care.
By using a child guide on the road trip, the game sends an important message: you are not alone. It’s important for children to know that many others have ostomies too- and they can continue doing the things they love like playing with friends, going to school, participating in sports, traveling, and caring for pets.
The game is not only an educational tool, but also a form of advocacy. It helps children and families better understand and express their needs, hopes and feelings. By building knowledge and confidence, young ostomates can more easily communicate about their care and feel empowered in medical settings and daily life.
In addition to being accessible on our website, we encourage healthcare professionals to share this resource during appointments-whether before or after surgery-to help support their young patients’ journey with an ostomy.
Ideal player age range is 8 years old to 12 years old.
Acknowledgements:
Just as in most games, this was a true team effort! Thank you to all who worked diligently and voluntarily with me in the development of this very special game to educate and encourage self-advocacy in the youngest ostomates.
Jeanine Gleba, MEd., UOAA Advocacy Manager
Content Developers and Subject Matter Experts:
Joanna Burgess-Stocks, BSN, RN, CWOCN, Co-Chairperson UOAA Advocacy Committee
Brent Carter-Reel, BSN, RN, CWOCN, CWS, Pediatric Ostomy Nurse at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Design and Development:
Sarah Brooks, Multimedia and eLearning Developer
Jenny Crist, Instructional Systems Designer
Erin Rush, Video Developer
Donna M. Curran, MSN, RN, OCN, Technical Support
Kelly Kilgallon, Webpage Development
Narration (in order of appearance):
Kid: Jaxzine Rush
Gastroenterologist/Urologist: Marc Crist, BSN, RN, CEN
Ostomy Nurse: Terrance Snellings, LMFT
Dietician: Vashti Livingston, MSN, RN, CWOCN, DAPWCA
UOAA Representative: Erin Rush
Game User Testers:
Abigail
Asher
Benjamin
Caroline
Grant
Gus
Jack
Violet





