The WNC Ostomy Support Group has been organized to assist people living with a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy by providing information, support, advocacy and collaboration in a supportive group setting. The group is open to ostomy patients as well as their families and caregivers. We also welcome those who are contemplating ostomy surgery. Each meeting is facilitated by certified ostomy nurses and other health care professionals who lead the discussions and answer questions. We urge you to join us and to be encouraged by those who have journeyed down the same road.
Meeting time and place
The 3rd Monday of the month at 5:30 pm.
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Parish Hall
18 Jackson St., Sylva, NC 28779 (see map)
Contact Aimee Quillen or Jody Burtner at ostomywnc@gmail.com
Meeting facilitators
Aimee Quillen and Jody Burtner are both Registered Nurses and Certified Ostomy Nurses. Additionally, we have the support of local health care givers and physicians.
Topics discussed at meetings
- Embracing a new lifestyle with an ostomy
- Health issues
- Mental Health
- Additional surgeries
- Medical supplies
- Tips for travel
- Socialization with an ostomy
- Healthy diets
- Physical exercise, sports
- Remaining active
Key Questions
Whom will I see at one of our meetings?
You will meet other people who have an ostomy. At times their family members or care givers will attend also.
What will I learn by attending a meeting with this ostomy support group?
We do not have a set schedule for topics but arrange our discussions as needed and suggested by the attendees.
Do I need to share all of my information with the group?
The group members do not have to share any information they do not wish to reveal. This is a private, closed group.
Contact Us
United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 525
Kennebunk, ME 04043-0525
Call us toll-free at: 1-800-826-0826.
Our Information Line hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm (Wednesday until 2pm) EST. If you have an emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local medical professional.
Please understand that UOAA is a private, nonprofit, advocacy and informational organization. We are not a medical facility and we do not have medical or legal professionals on staff. Therefore, UOAA does not provide Medical, Mental Health, Insurance or Legal Advice.
Get Involved
UOAA is the leading organization proactively advocating on behalf of the ostomy community. Recognizing that we are always stronger together, we encourage everyone to get involved by joining our Advocacy Network. We’ve also created several Advocacy Tools and Resources to help you successfully advocate on behalf of the ostomy community to ensure every ostomate receives quality care.
Latest News:
We’re here for Colorectal Cancer SurvivorsMarch 14, 2023 - 2:11 pm
Life as a Double OstomateMarch 7, 2023 - 12:55 pm
Calling all Ostomates, You’re Invited to H-TownJanuary 26, 2023 - 11:20 am
TRAVELING WITH AN OSTOMYJanuary 10, 2023 - 10:37 am
5 Reasons It’s Awesome to Have an Ostomy During the HolidaysDecember 15, 2022 - 10:11 am

UOAA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.