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Message from GLO Co-Chairs Eric and Larry
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February 2002
from Eric....
As we kick off the 40th year celebration of the UOA, think about where you would be or how you would be dealing with your surgery if this organization did not exist. For most of us the world would be a very scary place because of the isolation of being the “only one.” Because of this organization and the outreach, you can be in contact with others that have had similar surgeries and life experiences. That is pretty amazing. Remember the first person that you met either just before or shortly after surgery that told you that they were an ostomate also? Remember the relief that you felt because you were no longer alone? For most, that is the point of realization that life goes on and you could and would be along for the trip.
I feel incredibly lucky to have this opportunity to be a part of this organization. For me, the volunteer work that I do is really a labor of love and a chance to repay the many kindnesses that I received. The first local UOA meeting that I attended was 5 months after my surgery. The feeling of having arrived at my destination after a long journey was so empowering. Seeing the smiling and animated faces of the other attendees assured me that I could be a successful survivor. I can speak only of my own experiences over the last 13 years when I say that Crohn’s disease and the subsequent colostomy have given me opportunities to meet many dynamic people and to travel to places I never thought I would get a chance to visit. The
point that I want to make is that illness and surgery do not need to be barriers to slow us down or stop us, it can be the opening of new worlds and adventures that lie ahead. To paraphrase: Come along, my friends, walk with me for the best is yet to be.
Now, for a change of pace. The national conference of the United Ostomy Association will convene in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 14–17, 2002. This is the 40th Anniversary of this organization and we look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new as we share good times together. Learn about new products, new surgeries, and enjoy being a part of the most unique group in the world! It took guts for you to become a member. There are sessions geared to give basic information to the first-timers, sessions for those that have had their ostomies so long they remember pouches that you put together like a puzzle. Gather information to pass on to the patient that you might be called upon to visit in the future.
As always the GLO Committee is working on sessions that are informative and interesting to all conference visitors. Naturally, there will be the annual “GLO in the Dark” dinner that is a fun evening for “family” and friends. We look forward to the pleasure of your company at this celebration of our lives.
Yours in the life, Eric
My Turn…an editorial of sorts
Larry Hartwig, GLO Co-Chair, Washington, DC
Are you a gay or lesbian teenager with a continent procedure? Wow! You are the new image of a United Ostomy Association member.
Over the past months, I have witnessed a flurry of activity among UOA leadership to be more insightful of the needs of younger ostomates. In addition to Parents of Ostomate Children (POC), Continent Procedures (CDN), and Gay and Lesbian Ostomates (GLO), new “networks” are being planned to address the needs of preteen and younger adult ostomates.
New networks are being formed, and in some cases such as GLO being fine tuned, to address the needs (and hopefully pique the interest) of those of us who are not necessarily “grandparents who spend their golden years on the golf courses in the warmer locales of the country.” (My quote.)
The UOA networks will include: the Continent Diversion Network (CDN); Parents of Ostomate Children (POC); the Young Adult Network (YAN) and Teen Communication Network (TCN); and of course, Gay and Lesbian Ostomates (GLO).
We applaud this new vision for the UOA especially since they are standing by their mission statement of “being a volunteer-based health organization dedicated to providing…support and advocacy for people who have had or will have intestinal or urinary diversions.”
Nancy Italia, UOA’s Executive Director, brings a wealth of experience to the UOA, however—and this is a big however—she cannot do it alone. It will take a cadre of dedicated volunteers.
Going back to the mission statement, note that the UOA is a “volunteer-based” organization. As networks are being envisioned, some UOA members are stepping forward to help, but they need your help, too.
If you have an interest in these networks, send an EM to Info@uoa.org.
For our international readers, we hope you continue advocating the needs of Gay and Lesbian Ostomates, Teenagers, Young Adults, Parents of Ostomate Children, and those with Continent Procedures at your local or national association. The United Ostomy Association of the United States has heard us loud and clear. What about the International Ostomy Association (IOA)?
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