World Ostomy Day is sponsored by the International Ostomy Association (IOA)  and is celebrated every three years. This year World Ostomy Day will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 and UOAA is excited to join our national efforts with the rest of the world on this special day.  This year’s theme will be “Speaking Out Changes Lives.” The aim of World Ostomy Day is to improve the rehabilitation of ostomates worldwide by bringing to the attention of the general public and the global community the needs and aspirations of ostomates.

Our biggest awareness event this year will be the Worldwide Virtual Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k and also nine Ostomy 5k events all around the United States. Registration and team creation is now open at www.ostomy5k.org. The Virtual Ostomy 5k simply means a run/walk you can do in your own favorite place to run/walk or roll. Help us raise ostomy awareness in communities across the country! We’ll even mail you an athletic t-shirt and race number.

FOW-USA MEETS GLOBAL OSTOMY NEEDS

By FOW-USA

When ostomates in need speak out to tell Friends of Ostomates Worldwide-USA of their challenges, we respond with products that change their lives. FOW-USA sends donated ostomy supplies to individuals and groups in 87 countries. Since 1986 we have sent 371,000 pounds. That’s a lot of pouches!

Jellyan of Grenada is so thankful for supplies for her daughter Peyton who is “the bravest individual I have ever encountered. She walks with her bag out proudly.”

Peyton tells us, “That’s me! An 8-year-old girl. I have a colostomy, it made me special.  Because not everybody is in the situation that I’m in, (it) made me realize that I’m different, special and blessed to be alive, they could say things about me but it will not break me, it will not hurt me, because I am who I am.”

With ostomy supplies provided by FOW-USA, adults and children like Peyton can live productive lives. We are making a difference in the ostomy world.

Be sure to check back frequently for the latest information and guidance on how to make an impact on this special day!

We want to hear from you! Email advocacy@ostomy.org and tell us your plans to raise ostomy awareness or share your proclamation success story with us.

 Questions? Call us at 1-800-826-0826. #WorldOstomyDay2018 #OstomyDayUSA

 The idea of the World Ostomy Day was born in 1993 and its father is Professor Dr. Gerhard Englert who at that time was the President of IOA.

In the United States National Ostomy Awareness Day began in 2010. It is held annually on the first Saturday of October. UOAA continues to celebrate this day by spreading awareness and increasing national visibility of those living with ostomies. While focusing on different inspiring themes, each year through our collective voice we will reach out to the general public, carry on breaking the silence and shining a positive light on what has saved so many lives.